Martha Stewart Shares Secrets to Healthy Living at 84

Martha Stewart is all about healthy living. Even in her 80s, she remains active and engaged in various business and creative pursuits.

On a recent podcast episode of *50 & Unfiltered*, Stewart, who is 84, chats with her good friend Sean Killinger, a QVC host. They cover topics like health, resilience, and living with purpose, and Stewart opens up about her keys to aging gracefully.

Part 1: Treat Aging as Training, Not Decline

Stewart believes that aging well comes down to consistent self-care, routine maintenance, and long-term discipline. It’s not about drastic changes, she says.

She’s not a fan of plastic surgery. During the podcast, she explained her views, saying, “If you take good care of yourself…you can look good, feel good, and stay good for the rest of your life.”

Part 2: Focus on Looking Better, Not Just Younger

While she avoids cosmetic procedures, she respects others’ choices. Reflecting on her mother’s experience, Stewart recalled how at 85, her mother asked for help with cosmetic surgery. They consulted a renowned plastic surgeon who told her mother that while he couldn’t make her younger, he could help her look better. “So she tried it…and she looked amazing,” Stewart remembered.

Maintaining her own appearance takes effort. “I’m 84 years old and I try really hard to look beautiful,” she shared, noting that she even has facial waxing every few months.

Part 3: Stay Busy, Curious, and Productive

For Stewart, having a packed schedule and being curious are crucial for staying sharp at her age. She enjoys work, learning, and exploring new things. “I like to be busy. One of my mottos is to learn something new every day,” she said.

Her parents instilled in her the importance of staying active and continuously learning. When asked if she ever feels tired, Stewart acknowledged that she does sometimes, but insists on pushing through. “I was sick for about a week, but I had to continue working,” she stated. “You can never take off.”

Part 4: Keep Evolving, But Don’t Reinvent

Stewart’s view on change is quite firm: “Once you’re done with change, you’re done.” She embraces gradual evolution rather than complete reinvention in several aspects of her life. “I haven’t changed anything about my body shape or anything, except to get better,” she mentioned.

Part 5: Prioritize Toughness and Self-Acceptance

She emphasizes the importance of resilience for overcoming setbacks. “I think I’ve always been tough,” she said. “Don’t be sensitive.” Stewart differentiates between finding happiness and being at peace with oneself, stating, “I’m happy with myself.”

Part 6: Prioritize Family and Physical Ability

Expressing a longing to spend more time with family, Stewart noted, “I have pretty much everything I need.” She values staying physically capable enough to enjoy activities like horseback riding and rafting, especially during family trips.

Part 7: Be Realistic About Death and Don’t Fear It

When the topic of end-of-life planning arose, Stewart candidly mentioned her preference for being composted. She reflected on how this choice ties back to burying her beloved animals, describing a heartfelt process of laying them to rest. Traditional burial methods don’t appeal to her; rather, she believes in choosing what feels right for her. “I’m not going to hurt anyone. It’s my property,” she concluded.