Introduction to Aging Gracefully
Martha Stewart has made it a point to focus on a healthy life as she remains physically active and pursues business and creative pursuits well into her 80s. On a recent episode of the 50 & Unfiltered podcast, the 84-year-old lifestyle icon spoke about a variety of topics, including wellness, resilience, and living with purpose.
Secrets to Aging Gracefully
During the discussion, Stewart shared some of her top secrets for aging gracefully. She believes that aging well is the result of consistent self-care, regular grooming, and long-term discipline, rather than the pursuit of drastic solutions.
Treat Aging Like a Discipline, Not a Decline
Stewart shared that she doesn’t like the idea of plastic surgery. She has a theory that if you take really good care of yourself and follow strict but not life-threatening disciplines, you can look good, feel good, and be good for a lifetime.
Focus on Looking Better, Not Just Younger
While Stewart has said she avoids plastic surgery, she supports other people’s personal choices. She talked about her own mother’s experiences with a facelift, where the surgeon said, "You’re a beautiful woman. I can’t make you look younger, but I can make you look better."
Staying Busy and Productive
Stewart credits her busy schedule and keen curiosity as the key to her staying fit and engaged well into her 80s. She likes working, learning, and being busy, and believes that one of her mottos, "learn something new every day," has helped her stay young.
Stay Busy, Curious, and Productive
Stewart said her parents always encouraged her and her siblings to be “really, really proactively busy and learning things.” She admitted that she does get tired, but doesn’t let fatigue slow her down.
Evolving and Accepting Yourself
One of Stewart’s most famous mottos is: "When you’re done changing, you’re done." However, she promotes the idea of gradual, natural progression – from appearance to daily habits and career opportunities.
Evolve, But Don’t Reinvent Yourself
Stewart said she doesn’t reinvent herself, but instead, focuses on gradual changes that help her improve. She believes that reinventing means total change, which is not possible, and instead, she focuses on getting better.
Prioritizing Toughness and Self-Acceptance
According to Stewart, persistence and resilience are key to overcoming setbacks and achieving goals. She believes that she’s always been tough and that it’s essential to be happy with oneself.
Prioritize Toughness and Self-Acceptance
Stewart differentiates between finding happiness and being at peace with yourself. She said, "I’m happy with myself," and emphasized the importance of self-acceptance.
Prioritizing Family and Physical Performance
At 84, Stewart said she has "pretty much everything she needs" and expressed a desire to spend more time with her family. She also emphasized the importance of maintaining physical fitness for challenging activities.
Prioritize Family and Physical Performance
Stewart planned to spend time with her family in Utah, where they would engage in activities such as hide-and-seek, horseback riding, and rafting. She believes that physical fitness is essential for enjoying life.
Being Practical and Accepting Mortality
As the conversation turned to end-of-life plans, Stewart shared her thoughts on cremation and burial. She said she wants to be composted and buried on her property, where her beloved animals are also buried.
Be Practical and Don’t Be Afraid of Mortality
Stewart explained that she wants to be wrapped in a thin white linen cloth and placed in a grave on her property. She believes that this is a natural and practical way to approach death, and that it won’t hurt anyone.
