Salma Hayek says she feels 'very optimistic' after turning 60 on 2 September, a milestone she once found frightening. She told PEOPLE exclusively that ageing looks far less daunting from where she stands now.

Speaking at the 2026 Women in Film Honors in Beverly Hills, California, on 5 November, Hayek said, 'It sounded so scary in the 20s, in the 30s, in the 40s, even in the 50s.' She added, 'Once you get here, it's not bad at all.'

She said she still does what she loves and counts health and energy among her blessings, along with family, friends and dreams. 'Let's go,' she added.

Those dreams now include directing. Hayek is making her feature directorial debut with Arena, which is still in production. Asked about directing more, she said, 'Let me finish this one. Let's stay in the present.'

Weeks before her birthday, she became a grandmother for the first time. She marked turning 60 with an Instagram post captioned '60 and grateful' and has long denounced Botox as she embraces the ageing process.

Strength and Balance Matter

Her optimism echoes health experts who say healthy habits pay off at any age. Abby King, PhD, a Stanford Medicine professor of epidemiology and population health, said, 'It's never too late to start.'

US federal guidelines recommend that older adults get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week. Chair squats, wall push-ups and resistance bands can help maintain strength.

Silvia Tee, MD, a geriatrician, recommends single-leg stands, holding a countertop or chair, for 10 to 20 seconds at a time. Falls are a leading cause of injury and lost independence in older adults.

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Heart, Bones and Metabolism

Mayo Clinic says arteries commonly stiffen with age, making the heart work harder and raising the risk of high blood pressure. It recommends regular activity, such as brisk walking, swimming or dancing.

Muscles also tend to lose strength, endurance and flexibility, which affects coordination and balance and raises fall risk. Adults are advised to get enough calcium and vitamin D, plus weight-bearing exercise to help bones.

Metabolism slows with age, so staying active and eating well helps maintain a healthy weight. Getting sufficient sleep is also important for overall health, although recommended sleep duration varies with age.

Nutrition and Brain Health

Nutrition matters, too. Research shows healthy older adults benefit from about 1.0 to 1.3 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, alongside a Mediterranean-style diet shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

For a 150-pound person, that equals roughly 68 to 88 grams a day, which can be reached with three meals of 20 to 30 grams of protein each. Greek yoghurt, tuna or eggs can help meet that target.

Brain health also plays a part. Victor Henderson, MD, a neurology professor, said mental stimulation 'helps', and studies link social connection to better cognitive function and memory.

The National Institute on Aging says social isolation and loneliness are tied to higher risks of depression, heart disease and cognitive decline. It suggests regular calls and joining groups with shared interests.

Screenings and Doctor Visits

Preventive health checks may include blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes assessments, alongside vision and hearing evaluations. Bone-density screening is also recommended for women aged 65 and older, and for some younger postmenopausal women at increased risk of osteoporosis. Screening decisions often depend on a person's overall health and life expectancy.

Regular primary care appointments can help people review their health, discuss preventive care and manage existing conditions. How often someone needs to see a doctor depends on their medical history, risk factors and individual health needs.

For Hayek, turning 60 has proved far less frightening than she once feared. 'The present is great,' she said, and she is ready to keep going.

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