About this quote

Aging often comes with a heavy dose of dread, but humor is the best way to disarm the clock. Instead of fighting the inevitable gray hairs and creaky joints, we can choose to laugh at our own longevity. It takes a certain sharp wit to turn the scary reality of growing older into a punchline. Why take your advancing years so seriously when you can make them look historic? Next time you feel ancient, try leaning into the joke rather than mourning your youth.

When to use it

• You are celebrating your grandfather's 90th birthday, and he grumbles about how much the world has changed. You toast him with this line to break the ice and get the family laughing.
• An intern at your office asks if you remember using floppy disks, making you feel prehistoric. You use this joke to mock your seniority and put the new hire at ease.
• After a grueling half-marathon where runners half your age easily beat your time, you use this line to joke with your training partner about your creaky joints.