Jane Fonda at 86: The Secrets Behind Her Ageless Vitality
“I never imagined I’d make it to nearly 86,” Jane Fonda admits with a smile. But here she is—a true Hollywood icon with two Academy Awards, seven Golden Globes, an Emmy, and even an honorary Palme d’Or. Born in December 1937, Fonda is turning 86 and still maintains a level of fitness and energy that would make people half her age envious.
Her message to younger generations? “Stop being afraid of aging. What matters isn’t the number—it’s your health.”
Let’s take a look at Jane Fonda’s five pillars for staying vibrant and full of life in her golden years:
1. Fitness: How Jane Stays Active
Jane is incredibly grateful for her strong, flexible body—especially her legs.
“Every day when I get out of a car, I thank the goddesses for my strong thighs,” she says. “When I back up a car and turn my neck, I’m thankful I kept it flexible.”
Fonda believes in functional fitness—staying strong and limber for everyday activities. Her go-to exercises?
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Aerobics
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Dance cardio (like Zumba)
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Fast-paced walking
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Hiking
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Elliptical workouts
She does aerobic activity daily, which she credits not just for her youthful appearance but also for brain health.
2. Stretching: Her Daily Must-Do
If there’s one thing Fonda never skips, it’s stretching. She swears that her mobility in her 80s is thanks to consistently stretching her muscles.
Daily stretching improves:
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Flexibility
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Muscle control
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Joint strength
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Circulation
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Inflammation and pain in aging joints
She recommends practicing morning stretches to keep muscles and ligaments supple and strong—especially for older adults.
3. Sleep: The Secret Weapon
Jane tells Vogue, “I sleep 8 to 9 hours every night.”
She shares this habit with the late Queen Elizabeth II, who lived to 96. According to the U.S. National Institute on Aging, adults over 60 still need 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly. Getting too little sleep is linked to a higher risk of death from all causes—especially cardiovascular issues.
4. Nutrition: What Jane Eats Daily
Fonda follows a mostly clean, balanced diet—but she’s not rigid.
“I’ve cut back on red meat and fish,” she says, citing environmental concerns. “I eat salads, fresh food, and vegetables.”
Having battled bulimia in her youth, Jane became deeply educated on nutrition—almost like a professional dietitian. She follows three core principles:
● Avoid Processed Foods
Stay away from anything with an abnormally long shelf life.
“The longer the shelf life, the shorter your life,” says Dr. Andrew Freeman.
Ultra-processed foods are linked to a 23% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Fresh, local produce from farmers’ markets is her preferred choice.
● Eat the Rainbow
Fonda eats by color—fruits and vegetables in a wide range of hues to ensure a variety of nutrients.
The American Heart Association backs this approach as the best way to get all your vitamins and minerals.
● Intermittent Fasting
Though she doesn’t label it as such, Jane limits eating during certain hours—similar to intermittent fasting. She also tracks her meals using apps like Noom to monitor macros and sodium intake.
What She Actually Eats:
Breakfast: Never Skipped
Fonda avoids added sugar and opts for nutrient-dense meals like:
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Slow-cooked oats
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Smoothies with raw apple juice or water, banana, protein powder, Greek yogurt, frozen peaches, berries, and agave (optional)
Favorite Green Juice:
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Kale
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Parsley
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Beets
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Carrots
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Celery
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Lemon
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Ginger
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Apples
Even her grandchildren enjoy this veggie-packed drink!
Lunch:
A colorful plate with vegetables and lean proteins. She avoids canned, instant, and pre-packaged items due to chemical additives.
Snacks:
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Red grapes
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Apples
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Low-fat string cheese
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Low-fat yogurt
Dinner:
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Lean meat like grilled chicken
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Steamed vegetables
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Small portion of brown rice
5. Vitamins and Supplements Jane Swears By
Despite her nutrient-rich diet, Jane takes a few trusted supplements:
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Multivitamin: A high-quality multivitamin for women supports metabolism, digestion, and immune health.
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Vitamin D: Since she avoids the sun for skin protection, she supplements with D for bone and immune support.
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Magnesium: Supports her active lifestyle by aiding muscle function and promoting relaxation.
A Surprising Secret: Jane’s Intimate Wellness
Even in her 70s, Jane candidly revealed that she used testosterone to enhance her libido:
“I discovered testosterone about three years ago. It made a huge difference,” she shared.
Though she eventually stopped due to acne, she maintains that the hormone improved her sex life significantly. Science backs this up—testosterone can increase sexual desire and satisfaction in postmenopausal women, though it should be prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
The Final Formula
Fonda sums up the secret behind her vitality and ageless looks as follows:
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10% plastic surgery
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30% genetics
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30% healthy lifestyle
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30% good sex
Jane Fonda is living proof that aging doesn’t mean slowing down—it can be a powerful, graceful chapter full of energy, purpose, and even passion. Her example isn’t just inspiring—it’s a practical blueprint for aging well.