Martha Stewart Shares Her Blueprint for Longevity at 84: “Take Care of Yourself Really Well”

Lifestyle icon Martha Stewart is redefining what it means to age gracefully, maintaining an active lifestyle and thriving career well into her 80s. In a recent episode of the “50 & Unfiltered” podcast, the 84-year-old entrepreneur shared her philosophy on wellness, resilience, and purposeful living with longtime friend and QVC host Shawn Killinger.

Stewart approaches aging as a discipline rather than an inevitable decline. “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,” she explained during the podcast conversation.

Unlike many celebrities, Stewart has avoided plastic surgery, preferring consistent self-care and maintenance routines. She does, however, respect others’ choices to pursue cosmetic procedures. Stewart recalled when her 85-year-old mother sought her help for a facelift. After consulting with a renowned New York plastic surgeon, her mother proceeded with the procedure after being told, “You’re a beautiful woman. I can’t make you look younger, but I can make you look better.”

Despite her natural approach, Stewart acknowledges that maintaining her appearance requires effort. “I’m 84 years old… and I’m trying so hard to look really good,” she admitted, noting that she does have facial wax treatments every three months.

Stewart’s vitality stems largely from her intellectual curiosity and busy schedule. “I like to work, and I like to learn, and I like to go places, and I like to be busy,” she said. “I like to be productive. One of my mottos is: Learn something new every day.” This philosophy was instilled by her parents, who encouraged Stewart and her siblings to be “really, really proactively busy and [to] learn stuff.”

When asked about fatigue, Stewart acknowledged feeling tired at times but rarely lets it slow her down. “I was sick for a week, but I had to keep working,” she said. “I can never take off.”

Stewart is known for her adaptability, often characterized by one of her most famous quotes: “When you’re through changing, you’re through.” However, she rejects the notion that she’s constantly reinventing herself. “Everybody says, ‘Oh, you’re reinventing yourself,'” she remarked. “I’m not reinventing.” Instead, she embraces gradual evolution across all aspects of her life while maintaining her core identity.

Resilience has been a cornerstone of Stewart’s remarkable career, which has weathered significant personal and professional challenges. “I think I’ve always been tough,” she reflected. “I’ve lived through it all. You can’t be sensitive.” This toughness has contributed to her sense of self-acceptance. “I’m happy with myself,” she added.

Despite her career achievements and financial success, Stewart’s priorities now include spending more time with family. She values maintaining the physical capability to enjoy demanding activities like hiking, horseback riding, and rafting—all planned for an upcoming family trip to Utah.

Stewart’s practical approach extends to end-of-life planning. When asked about her preferences, she revealed plans to be composted on her property, similar to how she has buried beloved animals over the years. “When one of my horses dies, we dig a giant hole really deep in one of my fields,” she explained. “We have a pet cemetery, and the horse is wrapped in a thin white linen sheet and is very carefully dropped down into this giant, lovely grave. I want to go there.”

Stewart’s approach to aging and wellness offers insights for people of all ages seeking to maintain vitality and purpose throughout life. Her emphasis on continuous learning, physical activity, and self-care demonstrates that meaningful living has no age limit.