Laugh to age gracefully

Laughter is the "secret weapon" to live long and age gracefully, apart from positive thinking and exercise, says a new book.

Laughter, positive thinking, recreation and playing a role in family life are key to leading a healthy and happy life, said JN Sharma, author of How to age gracefully and be happy, a book released here Monday evening.

Former Jammu and Kashmir governor Jagmohan realeased the 100-page book at the India International Centre.

"We cannot ignore the reality that with age often come illness, frailty and diminished energy. But if we nurture a positive life-affirming attitude, life can have pleasure and rewards at any age," said Sharma, a retired bureaucrat.

It has been estimated that by 2011, there would be over 30 million Indians in the age group of 65 and above. "Today, quite a number of people of this age are fit and active," he said.

"Negative thinking kills one early. The secret to live long is to be happy," Sharma, member secretary of a voluntary organisation Citizenship Development Society, told IANS.

Narrating his personal experience, Jagmohan said that while he was in Jammu and Kashmir, he had banned government doctors from private practice and was told that the medical fraternity were discussing how he might fall ill and need a doctor.

"But I didn't give the doctors a chance. I walk every morning and eat less. This is the best way to lead a healthy and productive life," he said.