Mary Steenburgen on How Jane Fonda Redefined Her View on Aging

Mary Steenburgen, now 72, reveals how a pivotal conversation with Jane Fonda, who is 88, transformed her outlook on getting older. Initially, she never anticipated that Fonda's words would leave such a profound mark on her life.

Their friendship began with a simple yet impactful question from Fonda. As they were parting ways, Fonda paused and asked Steenburgen, 'Are we going to be friends?' Steenburgen affirmed, to which Fonda responded, emphasizing the importance of being deliberate and genuine in their relationship. 'At my stage in life, I need to be purposeful,' Fonda explained. This exchange highlighted the urgency of cherishing time, an insight that resonated with Steenburgen.

A Lesson in Living with Intention

The insight Steenburgen gained from Fonda became a guiding principle in how she allocates her time, especially with those dear to her. She has since embraced the philosophy of avoiding unproductive relationships and embracing authenticity in her life's journey. 'Growing older isn't just inevitable, it's intriguing,' says Steenburgen.

Keep the Curiosity Alive

Fonda's influence extends beyond the realm of relationships. Steenburgen shares how Fonda consistently encourages her to remain inquisitive and to maintain momentum in life. 'She reminded me never to ease up. Her mantra was to press harder on the accelerator as we age. That's our motivation,' Steenburgen remarks.

This experience isn't Steenburgen's first introspective look at aging. Back in 2013, she spoke with enthusiasm about turning 60 and the excitement of growing older, viewing each birthday as a celebration of life's journey.

Jane Fonda’s Philosophy on Aging

Jane Fonda is no stranger to publicly speaking about aging consciously and with determination. Upon reaching 60, Fonda was inspired to reevaluate how she spent her time, realizing it was the onset of her 'final act.' Her fear of passing with unresolved regrets motivated her to ensure that her later years were lived with purpose and without remorse.