Joan Collins, 93, Has A Two-Word Philosophy On Aging Everyone Should Hear

By Joan Collins' own admission, her simple view on life is the reason she feels more confident than ever in her 90s. Chatting with The Independent at Variety's Women of Power event in 2026, the iconic actor shared the 2-word philosophy that kept her spirits high as she aged, saying, "Love life." As Collins further elaborated, "I wake up every morning and breathe the air and try to get a good night's sleep and drink lots of water and take care of myself." 

Her positive attitude toward life and aging doesn't just sound good on paper. It is also backed by science, since studies have revealed that optimists may actually live longer. A 2025 study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who viewed aging in a positive light tended to live 7.5 years longer than those who thought of it negatively. Meanwhile, findings of a 2014 study in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B suggest that if older adults believed they were incapable of accomplishing a task due to no reason other than ageist beliefs, they could develop low self-esteem and low self-confidence.

This idea is further supported by a 2006 study in Psychology and Aging, which sought to determine how people would perform on a cognitive task if they were compared to someone younger beforehand. The research further proved the "stereotype threat" theory, as those who didn't have positive intergenerational contacts performed worse in the task than those who did. In addition to having a positive mindset on life as she ages, Collins has followed several practical tips that have likely greatly contributed to her longevity.

Joan Collins' stunning cameo at 92 at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival had everyone revisiting her no-nonsense health tips. Speaking to The Telegraph in 2026, the "Dynasty" star shared that she preferred not to overcomplicate health, noting, "I just believe in healthy living," she continued. "I don't eat junk, I get eight hours of sleep, I exercise. It's very simple."

Even Collins' preferred form of movement was fairly uncomplicated, as she liked to do "basic Pilates-type exercise" with the assistance of a personal trainer. With that, she gave a pretty solid answer to the question: Can you ever be too old to exercise? In a 2026 interview with Hello! Magazine, Collins once again reaffirmed her commitment to fueling herself with nutrient-dense food, saying, "I believe our body is a factory; it needs to be fed the right things." Research has repeatedly shown that a nutrient-rich diet and regular exercise can help promote longevity. In fact, there are plenty of foods that can make you look younger.

Notably, in her interview with The Telegraph, the British icon didn't hesitate to admit that her genes likely played a role in her longevity since her father lived to the age of 87. A 2022 study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences noted that 40% of human life expectancy could be chalked up to genetic factors. While discussing her longevity secrets with The Telegraph, Collins also credited her mother for looking after her so well in her younger years and providing her with ample supplements to keep her nourished.