Cher's Unfiltered View on Getting Older
While many celebrities project an air of nonchalant acceptance when it comes to aging, Cher offers a more candid, and often fiery, perspective. In a 2023 interview on Good Morning Britain, she admitted that getting older "pisses the f--k out of me". She has also stated that she'd "give anything to be 70 again," demonstrating a genuine frustration with the process. This unfiltered honesty stands in contrast to her late mother, Georgia Holt, who Cher noted seemed to mind aging less.
The Rebellion Against Ageist Expectations
Despite her admitted frustration, Cher's approach to aging is defined by a defiant attitude. She has consistently pushed back against societal norms and expectations for older women. This is a core part of her philosophy, and she lives it unapologetically.
- Rejecting Stereotypes: Cher publicly stated her refusal to follow the old rules of aging, specifically the expectation that women must cut their hair and stop wearing jeans as they get older.
- Embracing Youthful Energy: She keeps herself current by following trends and maintaining a wide circle of friends, including many younger people.
- Internal Youthfulness: When celebrating her 77th birthday, she tweeted a question that encapsulated her mindset: "When will I feel old?". This suggests that her internal sense of self doesn't match the number of years she's been alive.
Health, Lifestyle, and Cosmetic Procedures
Cher's ability to maintain her famous youthful look is the result of a multi-pronged approach that includes diet, exercise, and cosmetic surgery. Unlike many stars who deny procedures, she has been remarkably open about her journey.
- Health and Wellness: Cher adheres to a disciplined regimen of healthy eating and consistent exercise, which she credits as a vital part of her lifestyle. She has been dedicated to a regular workout routine for decades.
- Plastic Surgery: She has been upfront about her various cosmetic procedures, including a facelift, rhinoplasty, and breast augmentation. In her signature outspoken way, she once quipped, "Yes, I've had a facelift, but who hasn't?". She does not believe she has normalized the process, pointing out that younger girls are having extensive procedures.
- Addressing Rumors: She has vehemently denied many of the more outlandish rumors, such as rib removal, highlighting that such extensive scarring would be impossible to hide in her stage outfits.
Career Longevity as a Form of Resistance
For Cher, staying active in her career is another powerful way to resist the notion of aging into irrelevance. The music and film industry can be particularly unforgiving to women as they age, something she has openly commented on.
In a 2018 interview, when someone suggested she was too old for rock 'n' roll, she famously responded by asking if they would ask Mick Jagger the same question, highlighting the double standard faced by female performers. Her continued touring, recording, and acting demonstrate her refusal to let age diminish her career or her place in pop culture. This sustained energy is both a personal trait and a statement against industry ageism.
Cher vs. Conventional Aging: A Comparison
| Feature | Cher's Approach | Conventional Societal Expectations |
|---|---|---|
| Attitude | Vocal frustration mixed with defiance; age is a number, not a limitation. | Quiet acceptance or denial; fear of being seen as "old." |
| Style | Long hair, jeans, bold fashion; no "old lady dresses." | Dressing for your age; conservative choices; conforming to norms. |
| Physicality | Regimented exercise and diet, combined with cosmetic interventions. | Focus on natural aging, sometimes leading to resignation. |
| Career | Actively working, touring, and innovating for over five decades. | Retiring or slowing down professional life after a certain age. |
| Social Life | Diverse social circle with both younger and older friends. | Tends to socialize primarily with peers in the same age bracket. |
The Power of Authenticity and Enjoyment
At the heart of Cher's approach is a commitment to authenticity and having fun. She isn't trying to be someone she's not. In her own words, she is "just getting along". This relaxed but determined attitude is what allows her to continue enjoying life on her own terms. It's a reminder that while you can't stop the clock, you can control your attitude and choices, and that's a powerful key to aging well.
Her mother, Georgia Holt, also serves as a lasting inspiration. Cher often spoke of her mom's youthful spirit and amazing skin, showing that her own defiant approach to aging was likely inherited. This familial example reinforced the idea that vitality and spirit are not tied to a specific number.
For more information on the psychology of aging and maintaining a healthy mindset, consider exploring the resources at the National Institute on Aging.
Conclusion: Turning Back Time with Attitude
So, what does Cher say about aging? She says she hates it, but she won't let it win. Her message is a powerful one: acknowledge the difficult parts of growing older, but don't let them define you. By focusing on an active lifestyle, a rebellious spirit, and personal choices that make you happy, you can maintain your vitality and continue to thrive, no matter your age. She teaches that true aging gracefully isn't about hiding your age, but rather about living authentically despite it.
