Julianne Moore Shares Her 3 Non-Negotiable Habits for Healthy Aging

Julianne Moore, 65, knows that healthy aging is all about how you feel, not how you look. The Oscar-winning actor, who stars in the upcoming movie, “The Debut,” reveals exactly how she looks after her physical and mental health as she gets older. “I think the most important thing is function, isn’t it? That’s what it’s really about. I think we put a lot of emphasis on how we look, but really what we should care about is how well we function,” Moore tells TODAY.com in an exclusive interview. “It’s what our energy levels are like, what our strength levels are like,” the actor adds. “You want to be able to do all the things that you like doing and do them as efficiently as possible,” says Moore, who recently partnered with Lilly on their “Brain Health Matters” campaign. “It really is to encourage people to take their brain health as seriously as they take any other kind of health,” says Moore. The actor hopes to inspire people to ask about cognitive assessments at their regular checkups, especially if they are experiencing memory or thinking issues. Neurodegenerative decline is a topic Moore knows well. In 2014, she won the Academy Award for best actress for her performance in “Still Alice,” which is about a university linguistics professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. In her own life, Moore takes regular steps to protect her body and brain as she ages because she has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. It’s allowed her to take part in the upcoming film, adding to her decorated filmography, and in some other big moments that have happened this year, including her son’s wedding this October. Here are Moore’s non-negotiable health habits she practices to prioritize her brain health and physical wellbeing: Strength Training Moore’s approach to exercise has changed dramatically as she gets older, especially in recent years. “You don’t think about it when you’re younger, in terms of exercising, but now, maintaining muscle mass is really important,” says Moore. “I think strength training has been a big, big new development for me,” she adds. Most people reach peak muscle mass around the age of 30, after which point it declines gradually with age. Menopause can accelerate the loss of muscle and bone density, which is why it’s strength training is crucial for women over the age of 50, TODAY.com reported previously. Learning New Skills One of the most important habits Moore has adopted to protect her brain health as she ages is learning new skills and hobbies. At 65, she’s attempting to master a new language. She tries to practice every day, despite the challenges. “I’m trying to learn French, not successfully,” she says. The actor also speaks some German, which she flexed during her acceptance speech for an award at the Zurich Film Festival. “Honestly, I think it’s something that’s important in terms of your quality of life, just to keep kind of engaged and interested,” says Moore. “The more new things you learn, the more interested I think you are in your life,” Moore adds. In addition to learning a new language, Moore has taken up ceramics, which she works on regularly. Yoga Daily movement is another non-negotiable health habit for Moore. “One of the things that I do in my daily life to prioritize my health is, I do a lot of yoga,” she says. Yoga is an accessible form of exercise which promotes both physical and mental wellbeing. Practicing yoga regularly can help improve flexibility, build strength and tone the muscles. The practice can also reduce stress and anxiety — which can take a real toll on the brain. Moore incorporates Ashtanga yoga into her routine. During the pandemic, she kept consistent by taking virtual yoga classes, she revealed in an Instagram post. As part of her partnership with the “Brain Health Matters” campaign, Moore encourages others to prioritize their brain health and get regular screenings. “The brain is the control center of the body. It’s going to determine how you function,” says Moore.