Martha Stewart Shares Her Secrets to Aging Gracefully
Martha Stewart, known for her iconic lifestyle brand, is staying active and vibrant as she enters her 80s. Recently, on the podcast “50 & Unfiltered,” the 84-year-old sat down with her friend and QVC host, Shawn Killinger, to discuss her approach to wellness, resilience, and living with intention.
1. Treat Aging as a Discipline
Stewart believes aging should be viewed as a discipline rather than a decline. She emphasizes the importance of regular self-care and maintaining a consistent routine over seeking quick fixes. According to her, looking good and feeling great comes from taking care of oneself over the long term.
When it comes to cosmetic surgery, Stewart prefers not to go that route. “I think if you take care of yourself, you can look good and feel good throughout your life,” she said.
2. Focus on Being Better, Not Just Younger
While Stewart avoids plastic surgery for herself, she understands and supports others’ decisions. She shared a touching story about her mother, who at 85, sought her help for a facelift. After consulting with a respected surgeon, her mother opted for a procedure that aimed to enhance her beauty rather than just make her look younger, and Stewart noted how great her mother looked afterward.
3. Stay Active and Curious
For Stewart, staying engaged is crucial. She loves working, learning new things, and maintaining a busy lifestyle. “I like to be busy and productive,” she expressed. One of her personal mottos is, “Learn something new every day.”
Encouraged by her parents to remain proactively engaged, Stewart values the importance of keeping her mind sharp and staying active, saying, “I can never take off,” even when she’s not feeling well.
4. Evolve, Don’t Reinvent
Stewart firmly believes in evolving rather than reinventing oneself. “When you’re through changing, you’re through,” she said, emphasizing that continual growth is essential. She aims to naturally improve her habits and routines without making drastic changes.
5. Embrace Toughness and Self-Acceptance
Resilience is a theme in Stewart’s life. “You can’t be sensitive,” she advised, highlighting her own strength through various challenges. She differentiates between finding happiness and being at peace with herself, stating, “I’m happy with myself.”
6. Cherish Family and Physical Ability
Family plays a significant role in Stewart’s life. At 84, she feels fulfilled and wishes to spend more time with loved ones. She also prioritizes her physical fitness, staying capable of enjoying activities like horseback riding and rafting during family trips.
7. Accept Mortality With Practicality
On the topic of mortality, Stewart candidly shared her desire to be composted rather than buried in a traditional manner. Drawing from her experiences with her beloved pets, she expressed a wish to be laid to rest in a meaningful way on her property.
Stewart’s insights serve as a guide for anyone looking to navigate the aging process with grace, emphasizing self-care, continuous growth, and the importance of family.
