At 93, Barbara Eden might just have unlocked the secret to aging gracefully. The beloved star of “I Dream of Jeannie,” who turned 93 on August 23, continues to defy time, maintaining a life full of activity and engagement. With no plans to slow down, Eden recently appeared at Fan Boy Expo Comic Con and will soon grace the Wyland Galleries in Orlando, Florida, for Adam Scott Rote’s “Disney Fine Art” exhibition on October 18.
For Eden, staying active is key. She explained to Fox News Digital that physical activity plays a crucial role in keeping her both youthful and energetic.
Staying Fit with a Simplified Routine
“I used to work out all the time,” Eden said, reminiscing about her earlier, more intense exercise regimen. “I used to do spinning classes and then do weights with a trainer… When COVID hit, that ended my heavy workouts. Now I have a stationary bicycle and I lift five pounds. I use very lightweight weights, but they’re good for your bones.”
Though she’s adjusted her routine for home workouts, Eden admits she misses the gym atmosphere. I like the camaraderie and I loved the spinning classes,” she said. “It gets you going. And I’m not much of a self-starter. I have to remind myself to go to the bicycle
Finding the Right Exercise: It’s All About What Works for You
As someone who’s dabbled in various fitness trends over the years, Eden encourages others to experiment with different routines to find what fits best. “I remember when aerobics was all the rage,” she said. “It was good for you. I tried it, but no, it wasn’t for me. But walking? Now that’s another thing. If you can walk briskly, which suits me just fine, that’s good for you. It’s good for your knees and ankles. I find it better than running.”
Moderation in Everything, Even Diet
When it comes to her diet, Eden credits her parents for instilling lifelong healthy habits. “I was lucky to have a mother and father who were conscious of eating well and living,” she explained. “My mother’s mantra was ‘moderation of all things.’ That’s how they lived, and that’s how I’ve lived.”
But she’s not without her guilty pleasures. “I’m also a sugar eater,” she admitted with a laugh. “I like sweets. I like key lime pie. My sister brought me one for my birthday. I also like angel food cake. I make my own angel food cake and then put a very sharp, sweet lemon icing on it. And chocolates, of course—I love them. You can’t miss with me, really. You want to give me something? Just give me anything sweet.”
A Simple, Effective Skincare Routine
Despite the glamour associated with her Hollywood career, Eden keeps her skincare routine simple. “I wash my face with Cetaphil every night,” she said. “It’s very gentle. I also use Estée Lauder’s Repair Serum every night. I’ve been using a serum on my face since I was a teenager. But keeping your face clean is very important. When I wear makeup, I remove it with a gentle facial cleanser that foams up. I never go to bed without washing my face. I like to moisturize and go to sleep clean.”
Decades of Success and Staying Connected
Eden has enjoyed a career spanning decades, appearing alongside stars like Elvis Presley in “Flaming Star” and Larry Hagman in the iconic “I Dream of Jeannie.” Staying busy with work is a significant part of what keeps her feeling youthful.
“Connecting with my fans is very important to me,” Eden shared.
“First of all, I think I have absolutely the nicest people who like what I’ve done. No one’s rude. No one’s out of line. Everyone is polite and fun to be around—no matter where I go.”
She fondly recalled a fun encounter with some college students during Halloween. “Now, I don’t encourage this at all, but I remember these three young men from college came to my front door, and they were all dressed as Jeannie. They were just having fun being Jeannie with the ponytail, the pink pants—everything. That was fun. Strange, but fun!”
Staying Busy: The Key to Longevity
When asked what keeps her going, Eden reflected, “I don’t think about it. I would guess that a shrink would say that I want to be productive and not sit on a shelf and do nothing. I think if I wasn’t doing what I’m doing, I would go out and find a job just to keep myself going and be part of civilization… If you don’t try, you’re not going to be doing anything. That’s not good. I say, just be busy. Be productive. That’s so important… It’s important to me.”
Barbara Eden, with her unwavering energy and love for life, serves as an inspiring example that age is merely a number. As she puts it, “Time goes on, and you go with it.”
