The Role of Humor and Self-Care in Longevity: A Systematic Review of Psychological and Behavioral Health Literature

A complex interplay between behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors influences longevity. According to recent studies, psychological determinants, humor and self-care in particular, are crucial for fostering health and prolonging life. Evidence about the function of humor and self-care as psychological coping strategies that may promote longevity is compiled in this systematic review. A thorough search for peer-reviewed research published between January 2000 and March 2024 was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. Both qualitative and quantitative studies examining the relationships between humor, self-care behaviors, and longevity-related health outcomes were eligible. After screening 742 records in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Across the included studies, humor was consistently associated with reduced psychological stress, improved psychological well-being, enhanced immune and cardiovascular markers, and, in some longitudinal cohorts, lower mortality risk. Self-care practices, including mindfulness, physical activity, adequate sleep, and social engagement, were associated with reduced allostatic load, greater psychological resilience, and better functional and cardiometabolic health. These psychological elements may work in concert to promote healthy aging trajectories by acting as protective barriers against long-term stress and age-related decline. This review emphasizes the promise of self-care and humor as accessible, low-cost strategies for improving well-being and supporting healthy aging; however, further longitudinal and experimental research is required to establish causality and clarify underlying biological and psychological mechanisms.