<p>Researchers at the University of New South Wales have found that nursing home residents who received regular visits from a humour therapist saw a 20 per cent drop in agitation levels compared to those receiving standard care.<br /><br />They said laughter could provide a viable alternative to anti-psychotic drugs, the ‘Daily Mail’ reported.<br /><br />The study took place over three years involving 36 nursing home and 400 residents. The researchers used a combination of games, joke and songs to encourage half of the elderly to laugh.<br /><br />Dressed in a bright blue jacket with brass buttons and shoulder tabs, he would accompany his songs by playing the ukulele. <br /><br />A member of staff was also trained to be a “laughter boss” to ensure carers incorporated humour into their daily routines to maintain the cheery atmosphere. <br /><br />The other 200 residents did not receive any extra doses of humour. Lead researcher Lee-Fay Low said: “Twenty per cent sounds like a small effect but it’s about the same amount, the same effect as you would get if you gave them an antipsychotic medication — medication you would use to treat schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder.”</p>
<p>Researchers at the University of New South Wales have found that nursing home residents who received regular visits from a humour therapist saw a 20 per cent drop in agitation levels compared to those receiving standard care.<br /><br />They said laughter could provide a viable alternative to anti-psychotic drugs, the ‘Daily Mail’ reported.<br /><br />The study took place over three years involving 36 nursing home and 400 residents. The researchers used a combination of games, joke and songs to encourage half of the elderly to laugh.<br /><br />Dressed in a bright blue jacket with brass buttons and shoulder tabs, he would accompany his songs by playing the ukulele. <br /><br />A member of staff was also trained to be a “laughter boss” to ensure carers incorporated humour into their daily routines to maintain the cheery atmosphere. <br /><br />The other 200 residents did not receive any extra doses of humour. Lead researcher Lee-Fay Low said: “Twenty per cent sounds like a small effect but it’s about the same amount, the same effect as you would get if you gave them an antipsychotic medication — medication you would use to treat schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder.”</p>