By KELLY WILSON

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Did you laugh today?

If you didn't, go rent "Caddyshack" or "Duck Soup" and get your daily dose of giggles, because experts say laughter can boost your mental and physical health.

"Research studies show some evidence that humor can help physical well-being," said Amy Griswold, a family life educator with the University of Illinois Extension based in Macomb.

Griswold presented a "Looking for the Funny Side" workshop Tuesday for local retirees.

"The main research shows that humor and laughter can help with psychological well-being," she said. "It really does help to relieve stress and cope with difficult situations."

Griswold said people who find humor in daily life are less susceptible to depression.

The humor workshop was the first of 10 that Extension is holding statewide in partnership with the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. While the information presented can benefit people in any age group, it was particularly geared toward seniors.

"We think it's really important to support our retirees and help them have a more healthful retirement," said Linda Horrell, communications manager for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, the second-largest public pension in the state. The IMRF pays benefits to 89,000 retirees.

Nearly 700 IMRF retirees live in Adams County, and more than 50 attended Tuesday's workshop.

"As people retire and they have a different life, it's not uncommon for seniors to have more health issues than a younger person would and they may not have the social interaction that working individuals have," Horrell said.

"It's important that we strive to help our retirees with a good quality of life in retirement. Research has shown that having a sense of humor is a characteristic of resilient individuals and families."

Griswold said people need to first think about their own sense of humor and what makes them laugh, and then to look for ways to incorporate humor into their everyday lives.

"You can watch funny shows or read jokes that come through (e-mail). If you find something that makes you laugh, print it off and put it on your fridge," she said.

Griswold also encourages seniors to keep a humor journal.

"When you're feeling down in the dumps, you can go back and read about the enjoyable moments," she said.

-- kwilson@whig.com/221-3391