Jane Seymour, at 75, doesn’t view aging as a battle to be won, but a gift to be cherished. The iconic actress, known for roles from a Bond girl to “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” embraces each year with a profound sense of gratitude. This perspective wasn’t always present; it was forged in a moment of startling clarity.
A near-death experience in her 40s, triggered by anaphylactic shock, fundamentally altered her outlook. She described a sensation of observing her body from above, a disembodied awareness that sparked a powerful realization. It wasn’t about vanity, but responsibility – recognizing her body as a vital “vehicle” deserving of care.
Seymour distills her approach to thriving in her 70s into four core principles, beginning with a powerful mental fortitude. She actively cultivates optimism, a daily choice to “get up and not give up,” refusing to succumb to negativity. Dwelling on lost youth, she believes, is a futile exercise.
Instead of lamenting the past, Seymour wholeheartedly embraces the present, viewing each decade as a new and unfolding world. She acknowledges past experiences but focuses on the opportunities and possibilities that come with each stage of life. It’s about evolution, not regression.
Her fitness philosophy centers on consistency, not grueling intensity. Seymour aims for at least three workouts weekly, but prioritizes listening to her body and avoiding injury. She understands that pushing too hard can be counterproductive.
These workouts focus on strengthening her core, arms, and legs, utilizing a Pilates reformer when available. However, she’s remarkably adaptable, readily incorporating bodyweight exercises even in the simplest of settings – incline push-ups against a kitchen counter are a testament to her resourcefulness.
Seymour doesn’t attempt to recapture her youth, but rather to optimize her current state. She accepts the natural changes that come with age, viewing them not as flaws, but as valuable assets. Her laugh lines and even frown lines are tools she utilizes in her craft.
She supports this philosophy with a dedicated skincare and nutritional regimen, meticulously caring for the “vehicle” she’s been given. When a demanding filming schedule makes fresh meals challenging, she supplements with antioxidant blends to bridge any nutritional gaps, striving for holistic well-being.
Perhaps the most significant element of Seymour’s vitality is her unwavering commitment to purpose. Inspired by her mother, a survivor of unimaginable hardship, she believes that a life of meaning is inextricably linked to giving back.
Her mother instilled in her the importance of recognizing that someone is always facing greater challenges, and finding fulfillment through service to others. This belief led to the creation of the Open Hearts Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals through grants and volunteerism.
For Seymour, a day spent in service is a day well-lived. It’s a profound sense of satisfaction knowing that her time and energy have contributed to something larger than herself, a legacy of compassion and positive impact.
