Every morning, in parks across India, groups of older adults gather to laugh in unison. What appears to be a light-hearted ritual is now being recognised as something far deeper—a psychological shield against loneliness, grief and ageing itself.

A new study by Aberystwyth University in UK has found that humour plays a central role in how people over 60 cope with the emotional and social strain of later life. Based on in-depth interviews with older adults in Wales, Scotland and England, the research shows that laughter is not merely entertainment but a coping mechanism, a social connector and, at times, a protective mask.

“Many expressed the sentiment, 'If I didn't laugh, I would cry,' and that really captures the emotional weight humour carries for older adults,” said Heather Heap, the lead author from the university’s Department of Psychology. “Humour isn’t just light relief — it’s a coping mechanism, a social glue and, for some, even a protective mask on what they described as their ‘dark days'."

The findings come at a critical moment for India, where the population aged 60 and above is projected to double to nearly 350 million by 2050. Along with this demographic change, there is a quieter crisis: more and more seniors are feeling lonely, but they don't talk about it or get help.

Many Indian families still don't understand how mental health issues affect older people. Many people think that things like depression are just a normal part of getting older. Experts say that humour is often a socially acceptable way to show that you're upset. Instead of openly admitting sadness, an elderly person may resort to self-deprecating jokes, masking deeper emotional pain.

The study reinforces this pattern, noting that individuals with lower well-being tend to use humour defensively—as a shield rather than a bridge.On the other hand, people who are emotionally healthy use humour to connect with others and keep a positive attitude.

There were also differences between men and women. Women were more likely to use humour to deal with emotionally charged situations and avoid dealing with difficult feelings, while men were more likely to use humour to connect with others. In India, this dynamic can be seen in homes with several generations, where older women often use humour to deal with family problems and keep their place in changing family structures.

The study also points out that there is a growing "humour gap" between generations. A lot of older people said they didn't get the humour of younger people, especially in a time when digital culture and changing social norms were having an effect. Some people were afraid that their jokes would be seen as rude, which made them hesitate and hold back.

This gap has effects that go beyond humour. It shows that there is a bigger risk of social isolation, even in families. When older adults feel like they can't talk to younger people freely, the emotional distance can grow, making support systems that are already weak even weaker.

There is scientific proof that laughing is good for health. It lowers stress hormones, makes people feel better, and even improves heart health by increasing blood flow. In short, laughter is a cheap and easy way to improve health because it helps your body relax and recover from stress.

However, researchers caution that humour is not always harmless. “Participants were very clear that humour can be intimate and uplifting, but also harmful when it targets people rather than situations,” Heap noted, underlining the need to understand its complex role.

Co-author Dr Gil Greengross added that preferences for humour vary widely. While some older adults enjoy dark or dry humour, it may be kept in mind that many dislike jokes that rely on insults or aggression. It's interesting that jokes about getting older can be both hurtful and comforting, depending on the situation and the people involved.

As India moves towards becoming an ageing society, the findings suggest that public health approaches may need to evolve. Recognising humour as more than a pastime—and instead as a behavioural indicator of emotional health—could open new pathways for community-based interventions.

For now, the laughter in India's parks has a deeper meaning. It's not only about happiness. It is about survival, dignity, and the quiet strength of a generation that is learning how to deal with a world that is changing quickly.