HUMOR AS AN INNOVATIVE METHOD FOR TEACHING SENSITIVE TOPICS

Guidelines for including geriatric content in six health care disciplines recommend training in topics such as fear of aging, death, dying, grieving, and suicide. The psychoanalytic theory of humor provides a basis for using humor to teach these sensitive topics. Humor used in clinical settings relieves anxiety, decreases discomfort, and provides a coping mechanism for both patients and health care providers. Humor used in educational settings increases comprehension, enhances retention, and improves faculty ratings. Suggestions are provided for incorporating humor into lesson plans and assignments. The use of humor contributes to learning and to improved health care for older people.