Jane Fonda shares her insights on ageing and feeling young at 84

From ’80s workout videos to movies to activism, Oscar-winning actress Jane Fonda is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.

Despite turning 85 later this year, the Grace and Frankie star has no intention of slowing down, and while her talent and glamour continue to shine through, Fonda has revealed that it took her about 70 years to “become young,” saying she feels younger now than when she was in her 20s.

“I was very unhappy and I felt old and didn’t feel like I would live for very long. So to be almost 85 years old and to feel like I do now is a miracle to me,” Fonda told Stellar.

To Fonda “becoming young” means not feeling like she has a great burden on her shoulders.

“Learning how to be present, learning how to accept what comes, learning that we don’t have any control … something bad will happen, been there, done that and I survived,” she said.

“It’s much easier being older than it is being younger. It’s so hard to be young!”

This isn’t the first time Fonda has shared her perspectives on ageing and staying young at heart.

Earlier this year, the actress told CBS Sunday Morning: “I’m super-conscious that I’m closer to death. And it doesn’t really bother me that much,” explaining that for her, age was more about how you feel rather than the birthday you’re celebrating.

“You know, you can be really old at 60, and you can be really young at 85,” she said.

“I want young people to stop being afraid about getting older. What matters isn’t age, isn’t that chronological number.

“Just because you’re a certain age doesn’t mean you have to give up on life, give up on having fun, give up on having boyfriends or girlfriends, making new friends, or whatever you want to do,” she continues.

“It’s still in the realm of life possibilities for you.”

While Fonda has admitted to feeling optimistic about aging, she hadn’t always had this mindset.