Jamie Lee Curtis’ Guide to a Happy and Healthy Life

Actor Jamie Lee Curtis, 65, isn’t afraid to speak up. Last week, just a day after wrapping production on Freakier Friday — the much-anticipated sequel to the 2003 hit Freaky Friday — Curtis pushed back at paparazzi for leaking behind-the-scenes movie photos: “We have tried so hard to keep our story a secret and private until it’s time for release," she wrote on Instagram, reminding fans that the film officially hits theaters next summer. "But once in a while an image comes out, and it doesn’t tell you anything about the story or about what’s going on with the characters but it does show the joy and fun that we had." Along with the message, she shared an adorable photo of her embracing her Freakier Friday co-star Lindsay Lohan.

AARP has spoken to Curtis on multiple occasions over the years, and from the first conversation in 2008 as she neared her 50th birthday to our magazine cover story with her in 2021, she’s dropped wisdom on topics like marriage, friendships, parenting and healthy living. Here’s a roundup of her advice for living life to the fullest. 

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Always wear comfortable shoes

“No more high heels. Too uncomfortable. Don’t need ’em. Gone.”

Keep surprising yourself

“My biggest concern is that I will calcify as I get older. I am a creature of habit: I wear the same clothes; I eat the same food; I am very regular in all of my activities. I can get lulled into complacency. Decalcification means constant evolution, where I’m constantly trying to shed skins and shed ideas. The same way that mid-century modern architecture was in the ’50s, I want to be as a human being. New. Different. Challenging the old. Function over frivolity. Clean living. Clean lines.”

Regret nothing

“Would I do a few things over as a mother? Sure. Would I do a lot the same? Sure. I’m not a big regretter — maybe a couple of hairdos in the ’70s.”

Curtis currently stars as a wacky scientist in "Borderlands," an action-adventure film based on the best-selling video game.

Lionsgate Films/Courtesy Everett Collection

Put healthier things in your body

“It is very difficult to talk about people’s personal choices, and the addiction to having what we want when we want it. For instance, diabetes is an Armageddon. Where did this come from? It came from us. We need to live the example more. Giving up something that makes us feel good in order to keep us alive as a species.”

Seize the day

“Get out the tape measure. Look at what age your parents died, look at what age you are. It’s not long. Laugh about it a little. And then shut up and do something!”