Staying Radiant at 90: How Julie Andrews Maintains Her Youthful Spirit and Health
At 90 years old, Dame Julie Andrews continues to embody the same discipline, curiosity, and elegance that defined her legendary career. The Oscar-winning icon behind Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music has recently offered an intimate look into the habits that keep her feeling remarkably vibrant, proving that aging is as much about mindset as it is about physical movement.
The Secret to Feeling “50” at 90
Despite the passing of time, Andrews maintains a youthful outlook that defies her chronological age. During a candid appearance on Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Wiser Than Me podcast, she revealed that she feels more like a woman in her 50s. “As long as the brain holds out, I’m doing okay,” she shared. “I don’t feel bad at all.”
Her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, attributes this vitality to her mother’s insatiable curiosity. “Mom is at heart a curious person,” Hamilton noted, explaining that Andrews remains deeply engaged with the world and passionate about creative endeavors.
A Lifetime of Movement
For Andrews, exercise has never been about chasing intense fitness trends; it has been a lifelong commitment to longevity and mobility. Her routine has evolved gracefully from the demanding physical requirements of her early stage career—where she famously walked hills and inclines to build stamina—to a gentler, more sustainable practice.
In her younger years, her regimen included 45-minute sessions of stretching, aerobics, and ballet barre. Today, she favors a “minimal effort, maximum gain” philosophy, prioritizing yoga, breathing exercises, and consistent movement to stay supple. While she admits that modern-day aches and pains can make aging feel like a “nuisance,” she continues to prioritize staying active whenever her body allows.
The Disciplined Performer
The roots of Andrews’ fitness and work ethic trace back to a childhood of rigorous professional training. She has frequently credited those early, disciplined years with teaching her the value of stamina and focus—lessons that have stayed with her for over seven decades.
A New Chapter of Creativity
Even as she steps back from traditional on-screen acting—having recently confirmed she will not return for The Princess Diaries 3—Andrews remains a creative powerhouse. She continues to delight audiences as the iconic voice of Lady Whistledown in Netflix’s Bridgerton and is a prolific author.
Her latest collaboration with her daughter, a children’s book titled Shy, continues her legacy of storytelling. By balancing a gentle wellness routine with an active, curious mind, Julie Andrews remains a shining example of how to age with grace, purpose, and joy.
