When celebrities over 50 talk about health, these 6 ideas keep coming up

1. They stick to a regular exercise routine

At 100, Dick Van Dyke still hits the gym three days a week. He credits regular exercise with helping him live a long life, and while most people his age aren't exactly itching to work out, he said he can still "move pretty well."

He is one of several celebrities who say age is no excuse for not being active. Helen Mirren, 80, has long been a fan of a 12-minute military workout developed by the Royal Canadian Air Force in the 1950s — and it remains her go-to.

They also tend to stick with what works rather than constantly changing routines. Both Martha Stewart, 84, and Jane Fonda, 88, say they've been doing the same exercises for years.

"I essentially do everything I used to do, just slower," Fonda said.

2. They avoid certain foods and prioritize others

Matt Damon, 55, said cutting gluten helped him slim down to 167 pounds for his latest film, a number he hadn't seen since high school.

He's not the only one who's made small but intentional changes to his diet. Alex Rodriguez, 50, has dramatically reduced how often he eats meat, and Al Roker, 71, said he's done the same.

But that doesn't mean they deprive themselves of the foods they enjoy.

"Moderation rather than deprivation is better in the long run," Roker said. "If you deprive yourself of stuff that you like, eventually you're going to snap and go crazy."

Jennifer Aniston, 56, takes a similar approach, sticking to an 80/20 rule that leaves room for the foods she actually enjoys, such as a cheeseburger and fries.

Even Demi Moore, 63, who sticks to a meat-free, nutrient-dense diet, can't give up her one guilty pleasure.

"I mean, I'm not perfect. I still do drink Red Bull. I do love it. But not many. One," Moore said.

3. They're not afraid of aging

Getting older isn't something many of them seem preoccupied with. If anything, it's given them more confidence.

For Jodi Foster, turning 60 marked a turning point after she spent her 50s feeling like she couldn't compete with her younger self.

"Everything changed. I was like, 'Yeah, I don't care. I'm no longer tortured by any of this. I don't know why I seemed to care so much,'" Foster said.

Similarly, Elizabeth Banks, 51, said she approaches aging with a positive mindset. She's happy to let age happen, rather than try to fight it. That goes for Linda Hamilton, 69, as well.

"I do not spend a moment trying to look younger on any level, ever. I have just completely surrendered to the fact that this is the face that I've earned," Hamilton said.

For both Nicole Kidman, 58, and Melinda French Gates, 61, aging has come with freedom from other people's opinions and a deeper respect for the experiences they've accumulated along the way.

"Like if I'm not your cup of tea, that's OK," French Gates said.

4. They're intentional about how they spend their time

At this stage in life, many agree that time must be spent intentionally.

Kate Winslet said hitting 50 made her reevaluate her definition of success.

"Success, actually, for me more these days is more about pulling it off, being a decent person. You know, being able to take care of people, having time for friends, also learning how to be OK with not being busy all the time," Winslet said.

She's not the only celebrity who's said that milestone birthdays sparked similar periods of reflection.

BothJane Fonda, 88, and Michelle Obama, 61, said that turning 60 was a pivotal moment that made them consider how they wanted to spend the rest of their lives.

"If I'm lucky, I live to 90 and that's 30 good summers," Obama said.

For Mary Steenburgen, 72, aging has also made her more selective about who she chooses to spend time with.

"With not wasting time on people that aren't in my life for the right reason, for being honest with myself about life," Steenburgen said.

5. They want to stay busy

Slowing down also doesn't seem to be top of mind for many of them.

Kris Jenner, 70, has been clear she's not thinking about retirement just yet — and neither are Vera Wang, 76, nor June Squibb, 96.

"I think maybe a little bit like Warren Buffett or Queen Elizabeth II, I'm just going to keep prodding on because I feel as though I'm able to do my best work more and more," Wang said.

Similarly, working keeps Morgan Freeman active and helps ward off the effects of aging.

"There is a saying about old age — 'Keep moving' — and what Clint Eastwood, 95, says: 'Don't let the old man in,'" Freeman, 88, said.

With Bill Nye, 70, staying busy extends well beyond work.

"I do crossword puzzles," Nye said. "And as an engineer, I'm always designing and making little things."

6. They have some non-negotiables in their morning routine

For many, their mornings tend to be built around a few habits they don't skip.

Cindy Crawford, 59, said she eases into her mornings with a Bible podcast, dry brushing, and body oil — all before she even thinks about checking her phone.

"I probably heard it on a podcast, but it was like 'Think about it. What is the first input you want?'" Crawford said.

Cate Blanchett, 56, said she loves a good icy plunge in the morning to "jolt" herself awake.

"I get up and get in. Five minutes, and it just brings everything back down. Because you have to connect with where you are," Blanchett said.

Martha Stewart said she wakes up with the sun — literally, since she doesn't have curtains — and she never skips her morning green juice.

"If you have my green juice every day, you would just feel great all the time," Stewart said.