Ellen Burstyn Thriving at 93 With Plant-Based Diet

At 93 years old, Ellen Burstyn isn't slowing down. The Oscar-winning actress says she's busier now than at any point in her seven-decade career.

During a recent podcast appearance, Burstyn shared the habits she ditched decades ago to embrace the healthy lifestyle she enjoys today. She gave up alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana after what she calls "a couple of decades" of those bad habits.

The "Exorcist" star also adopted a completely plant-based diet, cutting out all meat. She walks her dogs almost every morning in New York City's Central Park and works out with a trainer several times a week.

"So I live a healthy life and it pays off," Burstyn told podcast host Rob Lowe. "That's how you get to be 93 and still kicking."

But Burstyn's wellness routine goes beyond physical health. She keeps her mind active through reading, creative work, and maintaining a vibrant social life. She recently published a new book of poetry called "Poetry Says It Better: Poems to Help You Wake Up."

The Michigan native even questions whether Hollywood ageism is real, given her experience. At 91, she told a co-star she was more in demand than ever before. "What's all this stuff about ageism in Hollywood? How did I get left out of it?" she joked.

Why This Inspires

Burstyn's approach to aging shows that it's never too late to make healthy changes. She didn't adopt these habits in her youth but rather chose wellness after years of different choices.

Her secret weapon might be the simplest one: gratitude. Every morning, Burstyn makes sure her first words are "thank you." She expresses thanks for being alive, safe, healthy, and for her dogs. Living in a state of gratitude, she says, gives her plenty of reasons to keep going.

The actress continues to land roles that excite her, from recurring appearances on "Law & Order: Organized Crime" to an upcoming drama film alongside Taika Waititi and Pamela Anderson.

Burstyn proves that thriving in your ninth decade isn't about luck but about daily choices that add up to a life worth celebrating.