At The Lawn, the Alton-based residential care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, residents have had a rib-tickling, laughter-filled time enjoying this year’s International Joke Day.

International Joke Day was, allegedly, created by a group of comedians in the 1950s to inspire people to share jokes, laugh together and enjoy the positive and uplifting gift of humour.

“All the residents have sharp and witty senses of humour,” said Steve Swift, the Registered Manager at The Lawn. “Whether it’s a limerick, funny story, a good old ‘Knock Knock’ joke or funny riddle, the residents will always find something to make them smile, laugh and giggle. They definitely agree with the thoughts of the legendary Charlie Chaplin who said, ‘A day without laughter is a day wasted’ – and they never waste a day, or a chance for a chuckle.”

“On International Joke Day, the residents gathered in the lounge and, over a refreshing cup of tea, cooling beverages and some tasty treats, they shared their favourite jokes with each other,” added Adesoji (Soji) Odukomaiya, the Activity Coordinator at the care home.

“Our regular Care Home Comic has to be Alan Newman, who made The Lawn his home.  Alan started the ‘Giggle-Fest’ with a great one liner. ‘Once my parents told me to follow my dreams, so I turned off my alarm and kept on sleeping,’ which had us all in stitches.”

“As the residents took turns at sharing their funniest jokes, the laughter got louder and louder,” continued Steve. “There were some absolute classics including ‘What do you call a magic dog? A Labracadabrador’. ‘What do you call an apology written in dots and dashes? Re-Morse code’ and, my favourite, ‘A bear walks into a bar and says, “Give me a Whiskey and … Cola”. The Barman says, “Why the big pause?”

The bear shrugged. “I’m not sure; I was born with them,” – each joke had the room in fits of giggles, it was great.”

“There are many positive benefits of laughter and laughing for older people. Laughing is highly beneficial for the heart as it improves blood vessel function, increases circulation, and lowers blood pressure. Laughter also releases Endorphins, or ‘Happiness Hormones’, which reduce stress and sooth tension in muscles and relax the mind,” added Soji.

“Everyone had a wonderful time laughing and giggling at all the jokes. The Lawn is always filled with laughter, but the decibels were definitely higher during The International Joke Day ‘Joke-Fest’ – and the jokes are still flowing. The latest joke I have been told is ‘Why don’t Scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything’, which I have to admit was very funny,” said Steve.

“The laughter, joy, giggles and jokes really are never ending – and, as William Makepeace Thackeray famously said, ‘A good laugh is sunshine in a house’, and that’s definitely true here at The Lawn,” concluded Steve.