Celebrities Speak on Aging
While Hollywood often glamorizes youth, there are many senior celebrities who have enjoyed extremely lucrative careers. Now that they are in their 80’s and 90’s, they’re still going strong when it comes to their mentality, relationships, passions, and careers. If you’ve reached retirement age and you’re curious about what this next chapter of your life holds, perhaps you’re searching for some inspiration from older adults who are aging gracefully.
In this article, we’re sharing wisdom and advice from some of the world’s greatest movie stars – all of whom are in their 80’s and 90’s. After decades in show business, they have acquired valuable advice about how to enjoy your golden years.
Morgan Freeman, age 85
Morgan Freeman is one of the most sought-after actors in the world, famous for movies including Driving Miss Daisy, Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, and many more. He became a household name at age 50 after his performance in Driving Miss Daisy, and Freeman has spoken many times about how he didn’t achieve success in his career until he was in his 50’s.
His advice for older adults who want to pursue their passion? “I don’t care what your reason is for doing it; you’re gonna have to step off the cliff.” Freeman shared that he feared growing old without ever achieving a successful acting career, but decades of dedication, patience, and perseverance paid off. Folks who are in their retirement years have the time and freedom to explore and pursue the things they love, and making the commitment to yourself is absolutely worth it.
Dame Judi Dench, age 87
Dame Judi Dench is one of the most beloved British actresses in the world. Appearing in classics including Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice, along with modern classics like Shakespeare in Love and multiple James Bond films, her prestigious career spans many decades.
Recently, at age 85, Dench became the oldest person to ever appear on the cover of Vogue magazine. In her interview, she discussed how her attitude towards aging is changing and mentioned that she has no plans to slow down or retire any time soon. Dench also shared that she is on a mission to combat agism, to increase the visibility and representation of older women in Hollywood and in the media, and to be a style role model for women traditionally excluded by the fashion industry.
James Earl Jones, age 91
James Earl Jones is regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, both in the US and internationally. Famous for his deep baritone voice, he appeared in iconic films like Conan the Barbarian and Coming to America, and was the voice of Mufasa from Lion King.
In an interview with the Washington Post, Jones said that getting adequate rest is essential to keep up with often-grueling filming schedules. It’s no secret that we get tired more easily as we age, and Jones says there’s no shame in listening to your body and giving it what it needs.
Betty White, lived to age 99
Beloved performer Betty White, who passed away in December 2021 at the age of 99, was a trailblazing actress and comedian. More importantly, she was one of the first women to work both in front of and behind the camera. She became a household name when she played Rose in the hit series Golden Girls, and she was also a regular on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Mama’s Family.
White was notorious for embracing aging and appreciating the journey, and her quick wit and her wisdom was evident in her reflections on getting older:
“So you may not be as fast on your feet, and the image in your mirror may be a little disappointing, but if you are still functioning and not in pain, gratitude should be the name of the game.”
There’s a reason that your senior years are often referred to as your “golden years.” If you’d like more information about how UMC’s senior communities can help you truly enjoy this next phase of your life, please contact our team today. To learn more, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/
