Curious and thriving: the secret wellness superpower after 50

Ever notice how some people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond seem to glow with energy and optimism, while others feel stuck in a rut? They aren’t chasing trends or relying on willpower alone—they’ve tapped into a deeper, more lasting source of motivation: curiosity.

Yes, curiosity—that simple spark that inspires you to ask questions, try something new, and keep learning—is one of the most powerful tools for lifelong wellness.

The new chapter: age with energy, not limits

We’re living in a time when the idea of aging is being completely rewritten. Look at Martha Stewart, who appeared on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover at 81. Paul McCartney is still touring the globe. Jane Fonda, now 87, recently appeared in Jennifer Lopez’s 2024 film This Is Me… Now and accepted the 2025 SAG Life Achievement Award—proving that age doesn’t mean slowing down, it means leveling up.

This generation is redefining what it means to grow older—and curiosity is at the heart of that transformation.

Curiosity fuels engagement, mental sharpness, and resilience. It encourages you to try new routines, challenge assumptions, and continue evolving—even when your body or lifestyle changes.

The mindset shift that changes everything

If you’ve ever struggled to stick with a fitness routine, change your eating habits, or stay consistent with self-care, you’re not alone. But curiosity offers a fresh, low-pressure way to reconnect with your wellness journey.

It’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about staying open and asking:

• What if I tried this instead?
• How would I feel if I changed that habit?
• Is there a better way that works for me now?

This kind of mindset makes wellness feel less like a chore and more like a personal discovery.

5 ways to stay curious—and stay well

Here are a few ways to invite more curiosity into your life and wellness journey:

1. Ask Bold Questions

Ask your doctor why a certain medication is prescribed. Ask your trainer how a movement supports joint health. Ask your nutritionist what small swaps could boost energy. The more you know, the more empowered you’ll feel.

2. Try the Trends—Your Way

You don’t have to plunge into ice baths or do intermittent fasting just because it’s all over social media. But you can explore what works for you—like a 10-minute meditation on the Calm app or experimenting with the Mediterranean diet, which is consistently backed by research.

3. Keep Learning

Podcasts like Unlocking Us by Brené Brown, or The Huberman Lab, offer valuable insights into wellbeing. Local workshops, webinars, or even your library can open doors to new tools and habits that make a real difference.

4. Fail Forward

Didn’t love that Pilates class? Great—you just learned something. Every attempt is a clue. Curiosity reframes “failure” as information, not defeat.

5. Stay Playful

Whether it’s joining a community pickleball league (yes, it’s still booming!) or exploring new healthy recipes, curiosity adds joy to your journey. When wellness feels like play, you’re more likely to stick with it.

The takeaway

Wellness after 50 isn’t about chasing youth—it’s about embracing possibility. Curiosity invites you to stay present, stay learning, and stay hopeful. And perhaps most importantly, it reminds you that your story is still unfolding.

So, ask the questions. Take the leap. Stay curious.

Because the most exciting part of your wellness journey?

It might just be the part that comes next.