Three old men were sitting on a bench when a reporter approached them.
“I wonder if you three would be willing to do an interview and tell me your secret to long life,” the reporter asked.
The three old men agreed, and the reporter asked the first man his secret to a long life.
“I never drank alcohol, I never smoked tobacco, and I have been married to the same woman for fifty years.”
“That’s really remarkable!” said the reporter. “And how old are you?”
“I’m 93,” said the first old man.
The second man was asked the same question.
“I drank on occasion, I smoked, but not often, and I dated some,” he said.
“And how old are you?” asked the reporter.
“I’m 91,” replied the second old man.
Finally, the reporter turned to the third man and asked his secret to a long life.
“I dated every woman who would go out with me, I drank until I passed out, and I smoked three packs of cigarettes a day,” said the third man.
“Wow!” exclaimed the reporter. “And how old are you?”
“29,” replied the third man.
About the Joke:
This joke is a perfect example of using contrast and unexpected outcomes to generate humor. Here’s why it works:
- Expectation vs. Reality:
The setup builds anticipation, as the first two men provide reasonable and disciplined answers, aligning with common beliefs about healthy living. The third man’s wild lifestyle creates a stark contrast, leading to the punchline. - Twist Ending:
The final twist—the third man being only 29 years old—turns the entire narrative on its head, delivering a humorous and ironic commentary on the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle. - Relatable Humor:
The joke plays on stereotypes about aging and how people associate good habits with longevity, making the ending both surprising and funny. - Lighthearted Tone:
The joke avoids being preachy and instead uses exaggeration for comedic effect, making it enjoyable and easy to share.
This blend of structure, irony, and relatability makes it a timeless piece of humor!
