Reaching 100 is no small feat. It takes resilience, perspective, and – perhaps most importantly – a very good sense of humour. After a century of life lessons, most people who reach the triple-digit milestone have earned the right to laugh at ageing, memory lapses and all the birthday candles they can no longer count. These five jokes celebrate turning 100 with warmth, wit and a healthy dose of self-awareness, proving that laughter really is one of the best ways to mark a very long life.

You know you’re 100 when your back goes out more than you do.

Grandpa was celebrating his 100th birthday and everybody complimented him on how athletic and well-preserved he appeared. “I will tell you the secret of my success,” he cackled. “I have been in the open air day after day for some 75 years now.” The guests were impressed and asked how he managed to keep up his rigorous fitness regime. “Well, you see my wife and I were married 75 years ago. On our wedding night, we made a solemn pledge. Whenever we had a fight, the one who was proved wrong would go outside and take a walk.”

You know you’re 100 when your candles cost more than the cake.

A woman has her 100th birthday. As usual, the local newspaper sends a guy to interview her. What is your secret? How do you stay healthy? “Well, nothing special. If I get up with a stomach bug, I drink a glass of beer. High blood pressure? A glass of whisky. Low blood pressure? A glass of red wine. No appetite? A glass of white wine. Cold, Flu? A shot of vodka.” The shocked correspondent understands whom is he talking to, so he decided to ask just one more question. “So when do you drink water?” “Water? Let’s see … No, I’ve never been that sick!”

You know you’re 100 years old when you see expensive antiques and you remember one just like it that you threw away.