Written by
FRANCESCA DONLANfdonlan@news-press.com
He calls himself Ha Ha Ha Howard.
At 93 years old, Howard Leslie is the oldest certified Laughter Yoga teacher in the United States, according to Laughter Yoga International (laughteryoga.org).
Leslie, a retired Fort Myers podiatrist, started laughing for a purpose.
He wanted to help his beloved wife of 69 years, Gladys Leslie, who has Alzheimer's disease. He learned that Alzheimer's patients responded best to affection, touch and approval.
Laughter Yoga offered all three.
He got his Laughter Yoga leader certificate from the Iowa School of Laughter Yoga after taking an online class three months ago.
"Laughing is free and it doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth and you can't overdose on it," he said. "It's amazing. It's contagious and it's a good thing to catch."
His neighbors at Seven Lakes, a gated retirement community in south Fort Myers, are catching it and spreading it around.
Leslie teaches a Laughter Yoga class for Seven Lakes residents once a month at the community's auditorium.
The class combines laughter with yogic breathing. Laughter is simulated in a group with eye contact and childlike playfulness.
The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter, and both get the same physiological and psychological benefits.
Bonnie Jordan, 71, has attended two classes and came for another one last week.
"I'm very relaxed when I leave here," she said.
Jordan joined about 40 residents who gathered for some hearty laughter.
"If you could get a pill that boosts circulation, reduces stress, increases brain function, reduces blood pressure and promotes relaxation would you buy it?" he asked the class.
"Yes," they shouted in unison.
And then Leslie turned on the charm - part teacher, part comedian - and helped everyone in the 30-minute class let loose and laugh.
His Laughter Yoga class is done standing while participants clap and chant, "Ho. Ho. Ha, ha, ha."
They recited this cheerful chant and threw their hands in the air.
They chanted while pretending to have ants in their pants or stepping on hot sand.
They chanted as they gave each other hugs, waddled like penguins and slapped high-fives.
The exercises made Dorothy Gerger, 86, laugh in a way that she hadn't in a long time.
"It's like being a kid again," she said. "It was great."
Carol Triola, 75, finished the class with a smile.
"It was energizing and fun being part of the whole group," he said. "I got a lot of hugs, too."
Leslie's wife, Gladys, who moved to a nursing home last year, sat patiently in a chair next to the group.
He interacted with her throughout the class.
He's laughing for both of them.
"My feeling and belief is that whatever I give to the participants will come back double to me to enhance my good health and good attitude so that I may continue to care for Gladys and benefit those who join me," he said.
Laughing will help push you through all of life's challenges, he said.
That's why he makes his neighbors do one final cheer in class.
"We are the happiest people in the world. Yes! We are the healthiest people in the world. Yes! We are the Seven Lakers who love to laugh. Yes!"
