Hannah Waddingham, star of stage and screen, credits a regular fitness regimen that includes Pilates and strength training for her overall wellbeing and vitality (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Cover Hannah Waddingham, star of stage and screen, credits a regular fitness regimen that includes Pilates and strength training for her overall wellbeing and vitality (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Hannah Waddingham, star of stage and screen, credits a regular fitness regimen that includes Pilates and strength training for her overall wellbeing and vitality (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

These celebrities prove that ageing gracefully is a personal journey, involving fitness, self-care and mindful living

Ageing gracefully may be difficult to define, but these celebrities—each over the age of 50—have mastered it. Whether it’s looking great for their age or appearing to defy time altogether, they show that it’s not just about genetics. Through disciplined fitness routines, healthy eating habits, and a focus on mental well-being, they prove that vitality can be maintained at any stage of life. Their balanced lifestyles are a reminder that with the right mindset and habits, we can all embrace aging with confidence and grace.

Read more: The celebrity wellness craze: Do these trendy health hacks actually work?

1. Helen Mirren

Dame Helen Mirren embraces her grey hair and encourages others to do the same. In one interview, she revealed that it was easy for her because her hair was always blonde, and therefore it faded quite evenly. She focuses on skin care and enjoys simple, active pastimes like gardening, walking and spending time at her vineyard in Puglia, Italy. 

2. George Clooney

George Clooney is effortlessly cool with his signature salt-and-pepper hair and laid-back grooming. He stays in shape with cardio activities such as running, walking and tennis. He also enjoys bodyweight training and Bikram yoga.

3. Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama maintains her radiance and physique through strength training, cardio, and regular meditation for mental well-being. She follows a healthy diet and prioritises family and community, all while nurturing her passion for knitting.

4. Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves has frequently gone viral for his humility and staying low-key despite his fame. He maintains an active lifestyle through martial arts training and motorcycle riding, co-founding the Arch Motorcycle Company, a custom production motorcycle manufacturer. Other interests include horseback riding and surfing, activities he reportedly picked up through film roles.

5. Viola Davis

Viola Davis incorporates yoga into her fitness routine. She is an advocate for self-care and self-acceptance, practicing mindfulness to stay centered. On the beauty side, she loves facials, acid peels, and red light therapy. Davis is also an avid reader and enjoys spending time with her family.

6. Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd, often referred to as Hollywood’s Benjamin Button, continues to baffle fans with his seemingly ageless appearance. His secret lies in a healthy diet that avoids processed foods, staying hydrated, and maintaining a regular fitness routine. His humour and positive attitude only add to his youthful energy.

7. Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda is a true fitness icon, pioneering the home workout and aerobics in the 1980s. She has embraced yoga, walking, and regular exercise for decades, focusing on staying strong rather than weight loss. She openly discusses the importance of mental health and therapy in her life, while her activism keeps her purposeful and energised.

8. Idris Elba

Idris Elba looks like he hasn’t aged since The Wire, and it’s probably because of his passion for fitness and skin care. His routine includes boxing and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), complemented by a clean diet rich in lean proteins and vegetables. His grooming routine includes core products from S’able Labs, a brand he co-founded with his wife, Sabrina.

9. Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis is a vocal advocate for natural aging, openly embracing her gray hair and forgoing cosmetic procedures like Botox and fillers. She has been candid about past experiences with cosmetic procedures, stating they “didn't work” for her and even contributed to a period of addiction. She promotes the importance of self-acceptance and believes that true beauty comes from within. To maintain her physical and mental well-being, she incorporates regular walking and yoga into her routine, along with mindfulness practices to promote balance and joy.

10. Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is known for her natural elegance, aside of course from her countless acting awards. She has emphasized the importance of basic skincare practices like hydration, sun protection and sleep. She finds fulfillment in immersing herself in complex roles and continually expanding her knowledge, which she believes contributes to her overall well-being and presence.

11. Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson has notably shifted towards a more natural and minimalist approach to beauty and ageing gracefully, frequently appearing without makeup. She has spoken about embracing her natural features and feeling liberated by forgoing heavy makeup routines. Anderson maintains a healthy lifestyle through regular yoga practice and adherence to a plant-based diet, which she believes contributes significantly to her radiant skin. Beyond her wellness, Anderson is a dedicated activist for animal rights and various environmental causes.

12. Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt is still, after all these years, a Hollywood heartthrob, maintaining his youthful appearance with a mix of cardio and weight training. His skincare routine, which includes sunscreen, keeps his complexion healthy, while his focus on mindfulness and therapy ensures mental balance. Pitt’s passion for architecture and art fuels his creativity, adding to his enduring appeal.

13. Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone attributes her glowing skin to regular hydration and a dedicated skincare regimen. Stone stays fit with Pilates, yoga, and walking, and she embraces ageing by focusing on her mental and emotional well-being. She has spoken about the importance of inner beauty and has found peace and balance through practices like Buddhism.

14. Hannah Waddingham

Hannah Waddingham maintains her physical fitness through regular Pilates and strength training, which contribute to her overall well-being and amazing posture. Waddingham also prioritizes a balanced diet and consistent hydration, which she believes are essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. She has specifically mentioned using Elemis cleansing balm and Weleda Skin Food. She openly embraces the natural aging process, promoting self-acceptance and serving as a positive role model for aging gracefully within the entertainment industry.

15. Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson is admired for her beauty and sense of humour. She maintains a radiant complexion with a practical approach to skincare, favoring simplicity and effectiveness. Anderson incorporates regular yoga and walking into her lifestyle, contributing to her physical well-being and overall sense of balance. 

16. Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant doesn't adhere to a rigorous training schedule, but he incorporates physical activity into his life through regular walking and occasional participation in other fitness pursuits. In terms of skincare, Grant has publicly joked about his lack of a detailed routine, however, he has acknowledged the importance of basic skincare practices like hydration and sun protection, which likely contribute to his healthy complexion. Beyond physical aspects, his self-deprecating antics contribute to his enduring appeal as an actor.

17. Halle Berry

Halle Berry has a multifaceted approach that encompasses diet, exercise, skincare, and mental well-being. Berry follows a clean, keto-inspired diet, emphasizing whole foods and healthy fats while limiting carbohydrates. She also prioritizes regular hydration, recognizing its importance for overall health and skin vitality. Her fitness routine is rigorous and varied, incorporating both strength training to build muscle and boxing for cardio and agility. 

18. Renée Elise Goldsberry

Renée Elise Goldsberry is known for her radiant presence and vibrant energy, both on stage and off. The Hamilton and Girls5eva actress maintains her physical well-being through regular exercise, incorporating activities like running, circuit training and dance into her routine. These practices contribute to her flexibility, strength, and overall vitality. Goldsberry also prioritizes skincare, favoring a simple yet effective regimen to maintain a healthy glow.

19. Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner prioritizes an active lifestyle, incorporating a diverse range of exercises into her routine. This includes Pilates for core strength and flexibility, strength training for overall fitness, and various outdoor activities that she enjoys with her family. Garner is also diligent about protecting her skin from sun damage and is a passionate SPF advocate, once sharing in an interview that she’s always giving away sunscreen to friends.

20. Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is a picture of ageing gracefully, as she continues to perform many of her own stunts in her films. She credits her youthful appearance to her disciplined lifestyle, which includes regular martial arts and fight training, cardio, strength training and shadowboxing.

Yeoh prioritizes her mental and emotional well-being through practices like meditation, which helps her maintain focus and inner peace. She has also spoken about the importance of sleep as well as some of her favorite products, which include Medicube Age-R Derma Shot device, Helena Rubinstein skin care, Clé de Peau Beauté concealer, and Westman Atelier blush.

These celebrities show that ageing gracefully isn’t just about appearance—it’s about maintaining a balanced lifestyle, staying active, and prioritising both physical and mental well-being. Their routines and outlooks on life serve as a reminder that age is just a number when mind your own business and take care of yourself.

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