You know you’re getting old when you stoop to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you’re down there.
Meaning of the quote
As you get older, even simple tasks like tying your shoes can make you feel old. When you have to bend down to do this, you might start thinking about all the other things you could do while you're already in that position, like picking up something you dropped or checking on your socks. This quote from the American comedian George Burns is a funny way of describing how our bodies and minds change as we grow older.
About George Burns
George Burns was a legendary American entertainer who had a long and successful career spanning vaudeville, radio, film, and television. He was known for his iconic eyebrow and cigar-smoking persona, as well as his comedic partnership with his wife, Gracie Allen. At the age of 79, Burns experienced a career revival with his acclaimed performance in the film The Sunshine Boys, for which he won an Academy Award.
More quotes from George Burns
This is the sixth book I’ve written, which isn’t bad for a guy who’s only read two.
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Nice to be here? At my age it’s nice to be anywhere.
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First you forget names, then you forget faces. Next you forget to pull your zipper up and finally, you forget to pull it down.
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I’m very pleased to be here. Let’s face it, at my age I’m very pleased to be anywhere.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
It takes only one drink to get me drunk. The trouble is, I can’t remember if it’s the thirteenth or the fourteenth.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
Be quick to learn and wise to know.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.
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You’ve got to be honest; if you can fake that, you’ve got it made.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
It’s good to be here. At 98, it’s good to be anywhere.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
The most important thing in acting is honesty. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
It’s hard for me to get used to these changing times. I can remember when the air was clean and sex was dirty.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending, then having the two as close together as possible.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
I can’t afford to die; I’d lose too much money.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
If you live to be one hundred, you’ve got it made. Very few people die past that age.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
Acting is all about honesty. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
I don’t believe in dying. It’s been done. I’m working on a new exit. Besides, I can’t die now – I’m booked.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
Everything that goes up must come down. But there comes a time when not everything that’s down can come up.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
You know you’re getting old when you stoop to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you’re down there.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
Too bad all the people who know how to run this country are busy running taxicabs or cutting hair.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
How can I die? I’m booked.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
I would go out with women my age, but there are no women my age.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
I’d rather be a failure at something I love than a success at something I hate.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
If it’s a good script I’ll do it. And if it’s a bad script, and they pay me enough, I’ll do it.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
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American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
I smoke ten to fifteen cigars a day. At my age I have to hold on to something.
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Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman – or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle.
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I can remember when the air was clean and sex was dirty.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
I’m at the age now where just putting my cigar in its holder is a thrill.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
Sex at age 90 is like trying to shoot pool with a rope.
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At my age flowers scare me.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are busy driving taxicabs and cutting hair.
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When I was a boy the Dead Sea was only sick.
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I look to the future because that’s where I’m going to spend the rest of my life.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
Look to the future, because that is where you’ll spend the rest of your life.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
I honestly think it is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)
Don’t stay in bed, unless you can make money in bed.
American comedian, actor, writer and singer (1896-1996)