These days, age really is just a number—and Maria Shriver recently sat down with a remarkable group of people in their 70s who are living proof. These inspiring folks are thriving, reinventing themselves and embracing life with a vigor that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about aging.
A video shared to Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper—her digital publication where she discusses everything from news to aging to spirituality—showcased the journalist and author sitting down with a group of individuals in their seventies, sharing their secrets to thriving later in life. Shriver enjoyed chatting with Lynne Thompson, a 74-year-old woman who set her law career aside to pursue poetry. She also spoke with Colleen Heidemann, a 76-year-old model and influencer; Jessay Martin, a 72-year-old social media star and Jeffrey Bland, the 79-year-old who leads his own health supplements company. Discussing aging and the way society views their generation, these folks shared endless wisdom about reinventing themselves at any stage of life. Here, read more about a few of our favorite pieces of advice they dished out—it’s never too late to become the person you’ve always wanted to be!
An appreciate for the beauty of movement
One of the most common pieces of advice for staying healthy as we age is to stay active, and the folks in this video agree that an active lifestyle contributes to staying sharp. “I learned to live at the age of 70, and the first thing I do is exercise every morning, because if you don’t keep moving, you will be in bed,” shared Jessay Martin in the video.
The confidence to follow your passions
Lynne Thompson enjoyed a law career before a voice in her head urged her to follow the thing she knew would enrich her, and despite knowing that there was no money in it, unlike her previous career, she felt it was going to “feed my soul.” While many of us might feel stuck in situations that don’t necessarily feed us emotionally, leaning into those passions and hobbies that enrich you—whatever they might be and in whatever capacity you can—can be the key to longevity.
The ability to surround yourself with people who lift you up
Another sentiment this group touched on was the importance of those you surround yourself with when it comes to fostering happiness and growth. “The question is, are you collecting an environment of social structure that gives you the nurturing, the love, the appreciation, the acceptance, the support that you need?” asked Jeffrey Bland. “It may be your children, it may be your friends in your church, synagogue or mosque, because we all seek intimacy. And that intimacy gives us purpose.” Something that applies to all ages, finding a village of people who value you and support you at whatever chapter you might be at is key!
The strength to put yourself out there
Another sentiment echoed by the group was that in the times when loneliness does creep its way in, the best way to combat it is by going out into the world and changing the dynamic. “Don’t sit there and wallow,” urged Colleen Heidemann.
A knack for being present
Shriver asked the group if they ever found thoughts swirling about mortality as they grew older, and the group consensus was to make the best of every day that’s right in front of you. Make your relationships and friendships count and embrace the moment that you’re in with the people that matter.
The wisdom from these inspiring individuals reminds us that life’s best chapters can happen at any age. Whether you’re in your 30s, 50s, or 70s, it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, pursue what feeds your soul and surround yourself with people who lift you up. Age truly is just a number—and these remarkable folks prove that thriving is a choice we can make every single day.
