Humor has been shown to assist in the process of aging, particularly in improving health, reducing stress, and improving psychological well-being. This article addresses the tasks of aging, or what Erickson (1963) terms, “the end stage of life,” through the lens of humor. These issues include: identity, self-esteem, heritage and culture, mortality, loss, and self-worth.

During the past 30 years, the social work profession has explored the issue of intimate partner violence (IPV) and abuse by an intimate partner. Through research, policy, and practice data we have addressed safety issues and the psychological, physical, sexual, and economic harm done to women in these situations (Black et al., 2011; Campbell et al., 2002).

Current statistics indicate that there are a fair proportion of American elderly who have been traumatized in a variety of ways during their lifetime. Social workers and health care workers are likely to encounter this population in a myriad of contexts. This article presents the benefits of humorous interventions in trauma work, guidelines for its use, and case examples when working with the elderly.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains at epidemic proportions in the United States. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as an outcome of IPV is now being investigated by researchers, particularly long-term sequelae. This review addresses underreporting and lack of treatment, and the physical and psychological impact for victims of IPV who have received a TBI. Recent research has begun to investigate professional sports players who experience repeated concussions and their at-risk status for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Women who are in abusive relationships for long periods of time may also incur repeated blows to the head. Researching the at-risk status for CTE is a much needed line of inquiry for this underserved population.