Martha Stewart, the celebrated lifestyle icon, shares her refreshing perspective on age and wellness as she celebrates her 85th birthday. In a candid interview with PEOPLE magazine for this week’s cover story, Stewart firmly states, “Eighty-five is just a number,” reflecting her belief that age does not define her.
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Stewart, who turned 85 on August 3, emphasises that she has no interest in grand celebrations for such milestones. “People are giving me parties. It’s not a big deal,” she clarifies, preferring to keep the focus on her health and lifestyle rather than the passage of time.
With a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, Stewart attributes her vitality to a combination of good genes and healthy habits. “I have good genes. My mum looked great at 95,” she noted, underscoring the role of her family history in her well-being. She also mentions the importance of diet and exercise, stating, “We eat well, we don’t drink very much, we don’t smoke. We eat healthy food. We exercise daily.”
One of Stewart’s cherished pastimes is horseback riding, which she describes as an enjoyable way to connect with her surroundings. “It’s the nicest way to spend a few hours riding a horse, especially on your own farm,” she explains. This activity, she believes, provides her with a unique perspective on her environment.
In her pursuit of self-care, Stewart has sought the expertise of Dr. Dan Belkin, a dermatologist from New York City. “He is a very superb dermatologist,” she asserts, revealing her routine of using fillers approximately every four months for touch-ups. Additionally, she has launched a skincare line called Elm Biosciences, which she proudly describes as an effective and scientifically designed product range. She plans to expand the line with a lip serum set to debut this autumn.
Despite common misconceptions regarding cosmetic enhancement, Stewart clarifies her stance on plastic surgery. “I have not had any plastic surgery at all,” she insists, attributing her youthful appearance to regular facial exercises and high-quality skincare treatments from renowned aestheticians like Mario Badescu and Georgia Louise. She highlights the benefits of peptides in her regimen, stating, “I take a few peptides,” in her quest for maintenance rather than drastic changes.
Reflecting on her early life, Stewart recounts how her journey in modelling began as a means of earning extra money for her family while she was still in high school. “I liked posing for pictures,” she shares, crediting her father for instilling a passion for photography in her. His skills as a photographer helped her develop confidence in front of the camera.
Stewart’s approach to ageing and self-care reflects a multifaceted understanding of wellness that combines genetics, healthy living, and thoughtful maintenance. This philosophy has contributed to her enduring prominence in the industry and her ability to connect with audiences.
For those intrigued to learn more about Martha Stewart’s insights and reflections on life at 85, the full interview will be available in the latest issue of PEOPLE, hitting the stands on Friday. In a world where societal pressures often dictate perceptions of beauty and age, Stewart serves as a reminder that one’s outlook and lifestyle choices can define wellness far more than the number of candles on a birthday cake.