Martha Stewart Shares Insightful Strategies for Graceful Aging and Wellness

Martha Stewart has long championed the principles of healthy living. Even in her 80s, she remains active both physically and mentally, engaging in various business and creative endeavors.

In a recent episode of the podcast titled ’50 & Unfiltered,’ Stewart, who is now 84, joined her longtime friend and QVC presenter Shawn Killinger to discuss a range of topics, including wellness, resilience, and the importance of having a purposeful life.

During the engaging conversation, Stewart unveiled her top secrets to aging gracefully.

Balanced Self-Care Over Drastic Solutions

Stewart firmly believes that successful aging stems from consistent self-care and long-term discipline, rather than resorting to extreme measures.

“It doesn’t appeal to me,” she remarked when discussing plastic surgery. “I have this theory that if one takes care of oneself really well and follows strict but not life-threatening kinds of disciplines, one can look good, feel good, and be good for a whole life.”

While she opts out of surgical enhancements, Stewart respects others’ personal choices regarding their appearance. She shared a personal story involving her mother.

“My mother came to me when she was 85 and asked if I would help her get a facelift,” said Stewart. They consulted a renowned plastic surgeon in New York.

Stewart recalled the surgeon’s reassessment of her mother’s beauty and his affirmation that he could help her look her best. “He looked at her and said, ‘You’re a beautiful woman. I can’t make you look younger, but I can make you look better.’ So she went for it… and she looked great,” she shared.

Continuous Effort for Look and Feel

Maintaining her health and appearance requires constant effort, Stewart acknowledged.

“I’m 84 years old… and I’m trying so hard to look really good,” she explained. Stewart mentioned that she undergoes a facial wax every three months as part of her beauty regimen.

She attributes her vitality to an active lifestyle and an insatiable curiosity. Stewart stated, “I like to work, and I like to learn, and I like to go places, and I like to be busy. One of my mottos is to learn something new every day.”

Stewart reflected on her upbringing, noting that her parents instilled the values of being proactive and continuously learning in her and her siblings.

Embracing Life Despite Fatigue

Even though Stewart becomes tired, she doesn’t allow that to impede her productivity. “I was sick for a week, but I had to keep working,” she shared. “I can never take off.”

One of Stewart’s most familiar sayings is, “When you’re through changing, you’re through.” She clarified, however, that she is not undergoing a complete reinvention.

“Everybody says, ‘Oh, you’re reinventing yourself,’” she commented. “I’m not reinventing. I’m evolving gradually, naturally across various aspects of my life, from my appearance to my career pursuits.”

Stewart emphasized the importance of persistence and resilience in overcoming challenges and accomplishing goals.

“I think I’ve always been tough,” she said confidently. “I’ve lived through it all. You can’t be sensitive in this world.”

She further elaborated on happiness versus finding peace within oneself. In her own words, “I’m happy with myself,” a statement that reflects her confidence and self-acceptance.

Time with Family and Staying Active

At 84, Stewart feels she has everything she requires in life but desires to spend more time with her family.

She underscores the significance of maintaining physical capability for various activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and rafting — all of which she plans to engage in during an upcoming family trip to Utah.

When the conversation shifted to end-of-life plans, Killinger inquired about Stewart’s thoughts on cremation. She surprised many with her preference to be composted.

Explaining her choice, Stewart detailed her unique burial practices for her beloved animals, indicating a deep connection to her pets.

“When one of my horses dies, we dig a giant hole in one of my fields,” Stewart described. “We have a pet cemetery, and the horse is wrapped in a thin white linen sheet and is very carefully dropped down into this beautiful grave. I want to go there.”

Stewart asserted that traditional burial methods like coffins and tombstones do not interest her.

When asked about the legality of her wishes, Stewart confidently stated, “It’s not going to hurt anybody. It’s my property.”

The insights shared by Martha Stewart during this podcast offer a compelling view on aging, self-care, and the deep-seated values that guide her life. Emphasizing practical lifestyle choices over superficial fixes presents a refreshing perspective on wellness in later years.

Listeners and fans can find inspiration in her stories and philosophies, enriching their own journey toward a fulfilling and active life.