Tips For A Long And Happy Life From Celebrities Who Are In Their 90s And Beyond

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There's one major common thread in the experiences of celebrities who have lived to 90 and beyond: Unlike some younger celebrities who follow health fads in the name of longevity, these older, wiser celebs believe the key to a long and happy life boils down to basics like diet, exercise, and a positive mindset. And as it turns out, research has indicated that these tried-and-true basics can promote longevity. 

A 2023 study in Nature Food found that following the Eatwell Guide's recommendations can increase life expectancy for 40-year-old males by 8.9 years and 40-year-old females by 8.6 years. The Eatwell Guide is a simple framework that encourages people to fill their plates with fresh fruit and vegetables and protein-rich foods while limiting consumption of high-sugar and high-salt food. Previously, a 2012 review in the Journal of Aging Research found that people who exercised regularly experienced a 30% to 35% decrease in all-cause mortality compared to those who didn't exercise. 

Regularly exercising was linked to a decreased risk of developing conditions that are considered the top 10 causes of death in the world, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and coronary heart disease. After analyzing the results of 13 studies, researchers found that regularly exercising can increase life expectancy anywhere from 0.4 to 6.9 years. As for mindset, 2019 research published in PNAS found that, on average, optimists were 11% to 15% more likely to live to 85 and beyond compared to pessimists. In addition to discussing how the basics help them feel their best, many celebs who have lived to their 90s and beyond have shared other pearls of wisdom on aging. 

Time and time again, Dick Van Dyke, who turned 100 in late 2025, has deemed two things as key to his longevity: his unyielding focus on staying happy and his determination to stay active as he ages. In his 2025 book "100 Rules for Living to 100" (via The Times), the "Mary Poppins" star wrote that, at 99, he still hit the gym three times a week.

Now, for the most part, the best exercises for older adults are gentler forms of movement like yoga and Pilates since they promote flexibility and balance without straining the joints too much. However, Van Dyke prefers doing circuits at the gym, where he exercises on different machines without taking breaks. By the comedian's own admission, if he goes a few days without hitting the gym, his body starts feeling stiff. In October 2015, he admitted to NPR that he usually prefers to get his workout in right after his morning coffee to give himself the narrowest possible window of talking himself out of exercising.

Needless to say, the endorphins from working out only help him further along in his goal to stay happy. In his book, he opened up about how optimism has contributed to his longevity, writing, "I've made it to 99 in no small part because I have stubbornly refused to give into the bad stuff in life: failures and defeats, personal losses, loneliness and bitterness, the physical and emotional pains of aging." Indeed, research has shown that optimism might be one of the many personality traits that help you live longer.

During a 2016 appearance on "The Dr. Oz Show," William Shatner admitted that genetics likely play a role in his longevity since he doesn't always follow the doctor-recommended guidelines for healthy living. The "Star Trek" star then said that it isn't all genetics, though, as he tries to eat a nutrient-dense diet and works out regularly. In a March 2024 People interview, the star, who turned 95 in 2026, similarly stressed the importance of good health, saying, "Your life's energy, the soul energy of your body is a product of health. If you're sick, you can't be energetic. You're dying." 

However, he also notably acknowledged that luck can greatly influence health, and he has been lucky enough to enjoy good health. In Shatner's view, longevity isn't just about following the tried-and-true basics but also adopting the right mindset. During his chat with Dr. Oz, he shared a simple philosophy that helps him stay sharp as he ages: "You're never too old to learn." Moreover, he believes that a lot of good can come from acknowledging that you have a finite amount of time to experience all that life has to offer. 

Sharing a similar sentiment during a 2021 appearance on "The Dr. Oz Show," Shatner encouraged people to find joy in their lives. The "Boston Legal" star pointed out that joy can be found in the smallest and simplest things, like a cozy bath or a piece of cheese. As for Shatner himself, he finds tremendous joy in doing creatively fulfilling projects. Given all this, it's unsurprising that the Canadian actor encouraged people to say yes to opportunities in his 2018 memoir "Live Long And...."

Rita Moreno can't say her diet contributes all that much to her longevity. Speaking on the "Wiser Than Me" podcast in December 2024, the "West Side Story" star, who turned 94 in late 2025, shared that instead of stressing out her diet, she eats whatever her heart desires. However, she is admittedly mindful about having sugary foods due to her pre-diabetic status. Ultimately, the EGOT winner believes that genetics play a huge role in her longevity, but that doesn't mean that her mindset hasn't also helped her along the way. 

In February 2019, she told Oprah Daily that she has no qualms about calling herself an "old lady." What she does take issue with is the idea that certain life experiences are off-limits to older people. After encouraging people to make their wildest and most adventurous dreams come true, regardless of age, Moreno said, "Why would I ever limit myself because of a number? That's just ridiculous. You have only one life to life, so I say: Live it." 

Another thing that keeps Moreno happier as she ages is humor. While chatting with The Washington Post in October 2024, the "Singin' in the Rain" actor said that as she has grown older, she has been able to take herself and her life less seriously and finds humor in little moments. Meanwhile, in a March 2024 E! News interview, Moreno shared that her kindness has also helped her achieve longevity. According to Moreno, little acts of kindness, such as holding the door open for a stranger or complimenting someone's outfit, can brighten one's day and keep them fulfilled. 

Julie Andrews has been viewing aging in a positive light for quite some time. During a 1982 appearance on the "Today" show, "The Sound of Music" star shared that she felt livelier in her 40s than in her 20s. From Andrews' perspective, her 20s were an era where she was trying to figure herself out, while her 40s were a more self-assured period. As the years passed, the iconic actor continued adopting a healthy mindset and practicing lifelong healthy habits that continue to help her feel her best. 

In an August 2026 chat with Hello! Magazine (via Yahoo! Life), Andrews, who turned 91 in 2026, revealed that she has kept up her decades-long habit of working out shortly after she wakes up. Time and time again, she has sworn by the same forms of movement. While appearing on "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" in 1996, Andrews revealed that a typical workout routine involved 45 minutes of stretching mixed with aerobics and ballet barre as well as other exercises she enjoyed. 

Although her workout may have naturally changed over the years, it's obvious that flexibility and mobility have been a priority for her for quite some time. Given her commitment to staying active, it's unsurprising that she told Julia Louis-Dreyfus that she feels like she's in her 50s while appearing on the "Wiser Than Me" podcast in June 2024. The Oscar winner went on to share a pearl of wisdom, saying, "Keep doing something, because women of my age can keep being useful [...] Now my whole focus is on communicating, teaching, writing and helping the arts as much as I can."

When Shirley MacLaine, who turned 92 in 2026, appeared on "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" in March 2014, the beloved talk show host asked her to explain the point of aging. The "Terms of Endearment" star replied, "To learn why you came in in the first place." Through the decades, MacLaine has learned what is really important in life and has shifted her priorities accordingly. After realizing that people-pleasing isn't all that important, MacLaine has learned to fully embrace her dark sense of humor. 

Additionally, in a March 2024 interview with the Associated Press, the "Steel Magnolias" actor shared something else she has learned as she has grown older: "I'm finding age as something to play with." MacLaine also said she is more interested in being an older person who believes they can take on the world and laugh at their slip-ups. Sharing a similar sentiment in a January 2014 chat with HuffPost, MacLaine said that it is important to gauge how you feel as you age rather than focusing on your actual age. She also firmly believes that it's best not to stress out about how life plays out. 

"One last thing that I know now; I haven't planned a d*** thing ever in my life. Guess what? It worked out great," MacLaine said. "I know that you can basically live in the moment, which is what I do." From a physical health standpoint, she believes that it is important to stay active while also listening to your body and honoring its need for breaks. For her health, Shirley MacLaine quit smoking a decade ago while notably refusing to give up another vice: drinking.