A HUNDRED-YEAR-OLD man organised a ‘laughter therapy’ workshop to celebrate his birthday yesterday.

Teodoro Mateos Varas, from Cerralbo (Salamanca province) reveals that his secret to a long life is to laugh a lot.

He held the workshop at his local pensioners’ social centre, where he wore a red nose and handed out sweets to his friends.

The event was taught by expert Mercedes Manero, who says laughter is ‘fundamental for good health’ and ‘has all the benefits in the world’.

“When you laugh, more oxygen is pumped through the blood and your muscles relax, but on the other hand, if you cry your muscles contract,” reveals Manero.

Teodoro, who was born in Robleda (Salamanca province) in April 1909, worked for 70 years on a farm.

He says the best way to reach 100 years of age is to ‘eat well and eat everything, and sleep like a log every day’.

Teodoro spends his days taking walks through the village and playing cards with his friends at the pensioners’ centre.