AAs the old saying goes, “aging is not for the faint of heart.” It’s always encouraging to see someone truly flourish in their golden years. Martha Stewart, an 81-year old, is a shining example of this. A healthy lifestyle. I had the opportunity to meet with this iconic businesswoman in her beautiful and decadent Las Vegas restaurant, The Bedford. I wanted to learn more about her perspective on longevity.
I find it tempting to peer into Stewart’s eyes when I am seated next to her. Her smokeshow selfies make me feel a lot younger. I would like to find out her secrets so that I can also freeze in time. Instead, I choose to be the change that I want to see. After all, trying to appear younger than you actually are isn’t emotionally healthy. I also refuse to indulge in superficialities. I instead turn to the question of substance. This is how she has managed to stay healthy well into her 80s.
Stewart says this is the biggest challenge in aging. However, her advice is simple. This action plan is also not limited to billionaires. “young blood” transfusions.
Instead, Stewart says: All you have to do is listen to your body. “If you find a problem, take care of it.” She says it bluntly: “People who ignore problems die.” Stewart tells me, for instance, that she injured her Achilles heel two-years ago and had to rest for a while in order to heal. This, as you can imagine, was a strange prescription for a perpetually busy bee. Stewart said that although it was harrowing, if you follow their instructions, you will be able to get better.
Instead, Stewart says: All you have to do is listen to your body. “If you find a problem, take care of it.” She says it bluntly: “People who ignore problems die.”
Stewart believes in using all tools available for healthcare. “I don’t currently take any medicine but I believe in medicine science and medicine.” (No medicine at 81? I’m listening …) Stewart has been a spokesperson of the Pfizer vaccine. As a fellow science-enthusiast–and absolute neurotic when it comes to my health–I’m relieved to hear these easy-to-follow recommendations.
Stewart believes that regular exercise, when it is a part of your daily life, can significantly increase your lifespan. She says, “Drive your tractor. You know?” Stewart also practices what she preaches. Stewart tends to her own gardens and plows her snow herself. She is also involved in the maintenance of her 156-acre property. All this is in addition to her hectic work life that includes managing The Bedford restaurant, appearing three times on Roku TV, hosting a podcast and a host of other ventures. Stewart says, “And I just traveled to Madagascar with my family.” “We hiked miles and miles.”
Stewart and I get distracted for a while by the talk about Madagascar’s lemurs, but I eventually return the conversation to the main topic. I ask her if she ever feels the effects of ageism on her like it did me. She doesn’t hesitate to answer in the negative. Stewart replies, “I have ignored the age thing all my life.” “I don’t think about how old i am. It’s not about that. It’s all about you.
Stewart states, “I have ignored the age thing all my life.” “I don’t think about how old i am. It’s not about that. It’s all about you.
This feels like the key to healthy aging. Internalized ageism can, in my opinion, really hinder your progress. Stewart is quick to assure me that my thoughts are limiting me and that I have been feeling too old to realize my goals.
Stewart says, “I didn’t write my first book until my 40s and I started my company at 50.” “I am a late bloomer and you too can be one.” It’s a great thing to be.
After I’ve wiped away my tears and begged Stewart to adopt me, (kidding, sort of), Stewart asks if she has any last words on aging. Before her PR team cuts me off. I was expecting something profound and philosophical. Instead, I get something so charmingly “Martha”, that it feels like the perfect ending to our conversation. She says, “Don’t wear anything which makes you look stupid.” This is what Martha stans would say.