How weekly laughter sessions are fighting senior loneliness in Germany

Every Tuesday, a group of seniors comes together for an hour of laughter and jokes. The session, called What's So Funny!, is led by 81-year-old Judy Wattenberg. She started the program eight years ago to bring joy to older adults who might feel alone.

Wattenberg created the meetup for what she calls 'elderly orphans'—people without nearby family. She enjoys seeing participants smile and believes laughter helps them connect, especially in tough times.

During the sessions, members take turns sharing jokes and stories. The atmosphere is light, and the focus is on fun rather than formal entertainment. Amy O'Rourke, an expert on ageing and social connection, supports such initiatives. She explains that humour and regular meetups can ease stress and reduce isolation. For many seniors, these gatherings provide routine and a sense of belonging. While local examples exist—like similar programs in Hähnichen, Waltrop, and Nürnberg—there is no nationwide count of senior comedy or social groups in Germany. Most efforts remain community-led, with no central record of their reach.

Wattenberg's What's So Funny! continues to offer a simple but meaningful way for older adults to bond. The weekly laughter sessions give participants a break from loneliness and a chance to share joy. For now, such programs rely on local organisers to keep them running.