Secrets to Longevity and Vitality: Jane Fonda at 86″I didn’t think I’d be alive at almost 86 years old,” says Jane Fonda, a Hollywood icon and living legend. With two Academy Awards, seven Golden Globes, an Emmy, and even the honorary Palme d’Or, Jane has achieved immense success while maintaining a body and fitness level that many in their 30s would envy. Born in December 1937, Jane is still going strong as she approaches her 86th birthday, with a packed schedule of projects.
Despite her age, Jane hopes to inspire younger generations not to fear getting older. She stresses that “age—it’s not the chronological number—isn’t what matters.” “What matters is your health.” These five tips, which range from nutrition and exercise to morning routines, supplements, and even keeping a busy personal life in her later years, are all part of Jane’s strategy for staying vibrant.
1. How Jane Exercises
Jane Fonda credits her strong thighs and flexibility for helping her carry out daily activities with ease. When I’m backing a car up and need to look over my shoulder, I’m thankful that I’ve stayed flexible,” she says. These seemingly simple abilities—turning her head without pain or moving easily—are the result of consistent effort.
To stay strong and flexible, Jane recommends workouts such as aerobics, dance classes like Zumba, hiking, fast walking, and using elliptical machines. These exercises not only benefit the heart and help maintain a healthy weight but also rejuvenate the brain. Jane does aerobic exercise daily, which explains her youthful energy. Her practical advice and iconic workout routines have inspired millions through her fitness books and videos.
2. The One Thing Jane Never Misses: Stretching
Daily stretching is a cornerstone of Jane’s fitness regimen. She believes it’s the key to moving like a 30-year-old, even in her 80s. Stretching prevents muscle cramps and keeps ligaments and tendons flexible, improving strength and control. For older adults, regular stretching can alleviate joint inflammation, muscle pain, and swollen ankles. Jane recommends incorporating these exercises into a morning routine for maximum benefit.
3. Prioritizing Sleep
Jane is a firm believer in the power of sleep, revealing in an interview with Vogue that she sleeps 8 to 9 hours every night. This mirrors the habits of other long-lived individuals, such as Queen Elizabeth, who lived to 96, Studies show that getting less than 7 hours increases the risk of death from all causes, particularly cardiovascular issues.
4. What Jane Eats
Jane follows a balanced, healthy diet without being overly rigid.Due to depleting supplies, I’ve drastically reduced my intake of red meat and seafood. I eat vegetables, salads, and fresh food,” she says. A history of bulimia pushed Jane to educate herself about nutrition, making her as knowledgeable as many dietitians.
Jane’s Eating Rules:
- Avoid Processed Foods: Stay away from packaged foods with long shelf lives. Instead, shop for fresh produce at farmers’ markets. Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist, notes, “The longer the shelf life, the shorter your life.” Studies confirm that ultra-processed foods increase the risk of heart conditions and stroke.
- Eat by Color: Jane ensures her meals are colorful, incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables. The American Heart Association recommends this approach to ensure a wide range of vitamins and nutrients.
- Intermittent Fasting: While Jane doesn’t explicitly call it fasting, she avoids eating between certain hours, a practice that aligns with intermittent fasting principles. She also suggests keeping a food diary to track nutrients, salt intake, and overall balance.
Jane’s Daily Meals:
- Breakfast: Jane never skips breakfast, emphasizing its importance in reducing calorie intake later in the day and preventing energy crashes. She avoids sugary foods, opting instead for slow-cooked oats or nutrient-packed smoothies. Her favorite smoothie recipe includes raw apple juice, banana, protein powder, zero-fat Greek yogurt, peaches, berries, and a touch of agave.
- Lunch: Her lunch plate is filled with colorful vegetables and lean protein, avoiding prepackaged and canned foods.
- Snacks: Jane enjoys healthy snacks like red grapes, apples, low-fat yogurt, and string cheese.
- Dinner: Dinner typically includes lean meats like chicken, paired with a small serving of brown rice and steamed vegetables.
5. Supplements Jane Swears By
While Jane gets most of her nutrients from food, she supplements with the following:
- Multivitamins: A high-quality multivitamin supports immune health, metabolism, and digestion.
- Vitamin D: Jane avoids excessive sun exposure, so she takes vitamin D daily to support skin health and bone strength.
- Magnesium: Essential for muscle function, magnesium helps Jane recover from her active lifestyle and promotes relaxation at night.
6. Maintaining an Active Intimate Life
Jane has been candid about her active love life, even revealing that she used testosterone supplements in her 70s to boost her libido. “I discovered testosterone about three years ago, and it made a huge difference,” she shared, though she eventually stopped due to side effects like acne.
While testosterone supplements are not approved for women, studies suggest they can improve libido and sexual satisfaction in specific cases. However, they’re not suitable for women who are pregnant, have had breast or uterine cancer, or have certain health conditions.
Jane’s Formula for Longevity
Jane sums up her enduring good looks and vitality as a combination of “10% plastic surgery, 30% genes, 30% lifestyle, and 30% good sex.” Her approach to health and fitness—focusing on movement, mindfulness, and balanced living—is a testament to the power of maintaining physical and mental well-being at any age.
By sharing her secrets, Jane Fonda continues to inspire people of all ages to embrace aging with strength, vitality, and confidence.
