The Best Aging Advice From Celebrities Over 50 In 2026 So Far

Many celebrities have found that aging was not what they thought it would be. Like most people, big names bought into the idea that getting older would mean slowing down, sitting back, and letting nature run its course. However, once they actually crossed their 50s, they realized that aging came with numerous positives that society conveniently failed to highlight. In fact, even research has found that a number of good things happen as we age. 

As part of a 2020 study in Innovation in Aging, 2,048 adults between the ages of 50 and 80 were polled to determine how they viewed aging. Out of the group, 88% reported that they had grown more confident in their skin as they grew older, and another 80% said they had a strong sense of purpose. While 52% of participants said they were in much better physical condition than they thought they would be at their age, another 67% agreed that their views on aging had become more positive. 

Meanwhile, a 2016 study in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry analyzing people between the ages of 21 and 99 found that the older generation was far happier than the younger generation, despite having more physical ailments. All this joy and optimism isn't just good for mental health but also physical health. A 2002 study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who viewed aging in a positive light lived 7.5 years longer than those who did not. If you need a little extra help in looking at the upsides of aging, look no further than the advice celebrities have shared about aging over the years.

During a June 2026 chat with The Independent at Variety's Women of Power, 93-year-old Joan Collins shared her 2-word philosophy on aging everyone should hear: "Love life." She added, "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." 

Over the years, we have seen several Joan Collins red carpet moments that prove 90 isn't what it used to be (and that her philosophy on aging is doing wonders for her). Unsurprisingly, Collins' stunning cameo at 92 in Cannes had everyone revisiting her no-nonsense health tips.

In a June 2026 chat with Axios House Cannes, 61-year-old Hoda Kotb dispelled the notion that a person's life was suddenly "over" when they entered their 50s, saying, "It's not over. We decide. We decide when it's over. We choose." 

The former "Today" show anchor went on to use her own life as an example, pointing out how her 50s had seen her expanding her family through adoption, getting her dream job, and starting her business, Joy 101. The beloved news anchor stressed that she strongly believed these positives had happened "right on time." Unsurprisingly, Kotb is amongst the celebrities over 50 who absolutely love the process of aging.

Speaking to People in January 2026, 99-year-old Mel Brooks revealed the simple secret to his longevity, saying, "I think laughing keeps you healthy and happy." The iconic comedian's simple philosophy on aging is also backed by science. 

A 2020 study in the Journal of Epidemiology found that the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular diseases was far higher in those who had a low laughter frequency. Additionally, in a chat with Mayo Clinic, oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D, professed that laughter could also help reduce stress, which is a known hindrance to longevity. With all his commitment to joy, Brooks joined the list of every living celebrity who is 100 or older in June 2026.

Speaking to Vogue in June 2026, 70-year-old Jerry Hall shared a pearl of wisdom she wished to impart to her younger self, saying, "Life is quite hard and short. You should have as much fun as you can." A 2026 study in Innovation in Aging found that people over the age of 40 who consistently engaged in leisurely activities like painting, listening to music, and attending cultural events tended to age more slowly than those who did not. Meanwhile, a 2025 study in the Journal of Global Health found that in those who regularly engaged in fun hobbies, all-cause mortality was reduced by 29%.

During a June 2024 appearance on "The View," Colin Farrell shared his thoughts on turning 50, saying, "I love getting older." "The Penguin" star said that all the existential worries from his younger years had stopped plaguing him as he aged. 

Meanwhile, in a June 2026 interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Farrell shared that aging had helped him discern "what works and what does not work in life." With that knowledge, he was able to acknowledge that while criticism of his work could affect him, it wasn't nearly as important as his family life and his peace. Ultimately, he was incredibly grateful for where he was at 50.

In a June 2026 People interview, 72-year-old Christie Brinkley shared her views on aging, saying, "I think that with age you get ... freer. You do what you wanna do when you wanna do it. I think that there's a freedom that comes with age that's quite wonderful." The model said that aging had helped her clearly discern between her dislikes and likes and enabled her to draw firmer boundaries.

As Brinkley aged, she grew less and less concerned about what others thought of her clothing choices. Although she had gotten cosmetic tweaks on her face in the past, she had grown more comfortable with the idea of letting nature take its course.

During a June 2026 appearance on "Bill O'Reilly's We'll Do It Live!" podcast, 76-year-old Gene Simmons bluntly shared a pearl of wisdom for seniors about time, saying, "Use it or lose it." The KISS frontman further stressed: "Get up every day and pump that heart." 

Comparing life to a race, Simmons said people should be compelled to speed up as they near the finish line instead of slowing down. Ultimately, Simmons believed that people who were passively living out their older years would deal with plenty of health troubles. Notably, a 2019 study in JAMA Network Open found that people over 50 who had a life's purpose were more likely to live longer than those who didn't.

Speaking to Harper's Bazaar in January 2026, 61-year-old Trinny Woodall shared a pearl of wisdom while discussing the most surprising part of aging, saying, "Each decade gets better." After enduring several ups and downs through each decade of her life, the Trinny London founder discovered a "real freedom" in her 50s after developing the strength to not lose sleep over other people's opinions of her. 

"My 60s have felt like knowing what I don't want," she said. Her experiences seem aligned with a 2018 study in Psychological Bulletin, which found that self-esteem increased gradually from our 30s and peaked in our 60s.

During a March 2026 interview with AARP, 50-year-old Eva Longoria shared that as she had gotten older, she had found herself zeroing in on the meaning of success. As the "Desperate Housewives" star had started answering questions about what she wanted to do in life, she came to a realization: "That focus makes getting older exciting." 

To start her year off on the right foot, Longoria had meditated by the beach on January 1st and jotted down her personal, professional, and spiritual goals. Notably, a 2008 review in Health Psychology found that people like Longoria, who are ambitious and disciplined, lived longer than those with impulsive personalities.