Jane Fonda is almost 89 and based on her presence at the Livelong Women’s Health Summit NYC, she is still going strong. Her chat about The Third Act with Dr. Stacy Sims on Friday afternoon was the highlight of the two day event.
Jane came out to a standing ovation and had the audience back on their feet cheering her on when her 30 minute session was over. I, along with the hundreds of women in the audience, could have listened to her talk for hours. She was amazing! What energy! What stamina! Afterwards she stood in the Rotunda to shake hands and take pictures with her many VIP fans.
Jane Fonda was interviewed by Dr. Stacy Sims at Livelong Women’s Health Summit NYC
The importance of friendship
As a two-time Academy Award-winning actress, bestselling author and renowned activist for environmental and social justice, Jane talked about her legacy and how friendships played a part in her success and continue to bring meaning.
With the recent passing of close friend Dolly Parton, Jane reflected on the movie they did together in the 1980s. “The ‘9 to 5’ movie and song became a working women’s anthem,” said Jane. A strong bond developed with costars Lilly Tomlin and Dolly. You could tell that their long-term friendship was important to her.
“I consider the fact that I have friends one of the great things in life,” said Jane. “Women’s friendships are critical to positive aging.” She said that Dolly encouraged her to be gracious to her fans.
“It was when I became an activist that I learned how different women are than men as friends,” she added. “Men face out next to each when they talk. Women face each other.”
Jane Fonda will turn 89 the end of this year
Remembering Jane Fonda exercise videos
“How many women did a Jane Fonda exercise video?” asked Dr. Sims. Almost every hand went up, including mine. I adored Jane’s videos when I was in my 20s and even into my 30s. I used to pop a video into the VHS machine and get a great workout in about 30-40 minutes. My daughter A and son D liked her children’s exercise videos too. Do you have fond memories of Jane Fonda videos? LMK.
Jane noted that her exercise videos were largely started as a way to fund Campaign for Economic Democracy, an organization which she co-founded in 1977 with her then- husband Tom Hayden, to promote progressive economic and environmental policies.
With husband Tom, she became an activist during the Vietnam War. “We were doing something bigger than ourselves,”
Jane Fonda’s exercise videos in the 1970s were created to help fund her activism efforts
Focusing on her Third Act
Jane is a petite powerhouse. Her enthusiasm for reinvention, resilience, activism, and purpose during her third act is infectious. I wondered – how does she have such energy?
About being single now: “Major research shows that men and women over 50 are happy,” said Jane. “Women thrive after divorce. I’m single and I’m thriving. I’ll be 89 soon and I don’t miss it,” she added referring to her three earlier marriages.
Reflecting on her early years: “My life up until 1970 was always filled with judgement. Are you thin enough, pretty enough, etc. I was bulimic and anorexic but got over it years ago,” she said.
Staying healthy in her later years: Now she eats a big breakfast and big lunch and skips dinner. “I like to go to bed hungry,” admitted Jane. About sleep at this age she revealed: “I take a gummy called Lights Out Midnight Cherry.” (Hmm, I tried gummies before but they didn’t work for me. I googled this gummy and here’s what came up: Midnight Cherry Lights Out Sleep Gummies. May have to try them. However, I don’t know for sure if this is the exact gummie that Jane uses.)
On a soul level: “I feel younger than when I was twenty. And now I’m almost ninety. Now I’m healthier and have younger friends,” said Jane.
Jane encouraged everyone to vote in the mid-term elections
Keeping up with exercise: “When I’m home I have a personal trainer. She only works with people over 50. I do exercise but I do it slowly,” said Jane. (I follow her trainer Malin Svensson on Instagram @nordicbody.)
Her body parts at almost 89: “My shoulders, hips, one knee and thumb have been replaced,” said Jane. She has osteoarthritis and fractured her hip twice and she healed. “I walk a lot.”
Still acting: While Jane said that she hasn’t worked for 5 years. She indicated that she is going to play Sybil, in the movie adaptation of the recent bestseller The Correspondent. (Ooh, ooh, ooh, did you read the book? I bet Jane will be terrific as Sybil. Can’t wait!)
Still an activist: Today, Jane is on the Board of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. About her work with Homeboy Industries, Jane said, “Bad behavior is from someone who is traumatized. You can hate the trauma but not the person.”
Meet and Greet with Jane Fonda
Jane took pictures with all her VIP fans including me
Yes, I was one of the VIP ticket holders who waited in line to meet Jane Fonda. It was worth the price of admission. What an inspiring afternoon with an incredible icon. I received an autographed copy of her book Prime Time. I read it years ago as it came out in 2011. I highly recommend it for those post 50. It’s still applicable 15 years later.
Judi
P.S. – If you’re a big fan of Jane Fonda, check out her website filled with all things Jane, including what she is up to in her Prime Act.
Reader B said: “ With all her exercise, I’m amazed that she fractured her hip twice.”