For Tom Cruise, These 2 Words Are the Secret to Aging Well. Science Agrees With Him
At 62, Tom Cruise is still scaling buildings, performing death-defying stunts, and looking decades younger than his age. His secret? Two simple words: variety and activity.
Cruise, who turns 63 in July 2025, has made it clear he has no plans to slow down. “I will never stop,” he recently declared. “I will never stop doing action. I will never stop doing drama, comedy films—I’m excited.”
So, how does he maintain his youthful energy and physical prowess? The answer lies in his diverse and active lifestyle.
When asked about his approach to staying young, Cruise listed an impressive array of activities: sea-kayaking, caving, fencing, treadmill workouts, weight training, rock-climbing, hiking, and jogging. “I do so many different activities,” he said.
This mix of cardio, strength training, and adventure-based exercises isn’t just about physical fitness. It’s a scientifically backed strategy for aging well.
Sports scientist Anne Elliott of Middlesex University explains that alternating between cardio, strength work, and activities like fencing or rock-climbing helps maintain flexibility and balance—two key factors that often give away a person’s age.
Cruise’s approach aligns with research on longevity. A 2023 study in the Journal of Happiness Studies identified eight traits common among centenarians, including physical activity, mental challenges, curiosity, and a sense of commitment. Cruise embodies these traits, continually pushing himself with new physical feats.
For his latest Mission: Impossible film, The Final Reckoning, Cruise performed stunts like a lengthy scuba dive and wing walking on a biplane—activities most people half his age would shy away from.
So, what can we learn from Cruise’s regimen? Variety and activity aren’t just for Hollywood stars. They’re a blueprint for aging well.
Cruise’s workout routine combines cardio exercises, strength training, and adventure-based activities like sea-kayaking and rock climbing. He also practices skills that enhance flexibility and balance, such as fencing.
This diverse approach does more than keep his body in top shape. It also sharpens his mind and contributes to overall well-being. Experts on healthy aging note that keeping both the mind and body active, including pursuing new hobbies, is linked to longevity.
Cruise draws inspiration from other long-working actors, like Harrison Ford, who is still active in film at 82. But Cruise aims to go even further, declaring his intention to make movies well into his 100s.
Scientific Backing and Real-World Applications of Cruise’s Philosophy
The scientific community further supports Cruise’s approach to aging. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies identified eight key traits among centenarians—people who live to 100 or older. These traits include being physically active, challenging the mind, taking commitments seriously, and maintaining curiosity. Cruise’s lifestyle embodies all of these principles, as he remains highly active, continually challenges himself with new physical feats, and approaches his work with dedication and enthusiasm.
For instance, during the filming of his latest Mission: Impossible installment, The Final Reckoning, Cruise performed a series of demanding stunts, including a lengthy scuba dive and wing walking on a biplane. These activities, which would be daunting even for someone decades younger, highlight his commitment to pushing boundaries and staying physically and mentally sharp.
Cruise’s workout regimen is a prime example of how variety and activity can be applied in real life. He combines traditional exercises like cardio and strength training with more adventurous pursuits such as sea-kayaking, rock climbing, and fencing. These activities not only improve physical fitness but also enhance flexibility and balance, which are crucial for maintaining a youthful appearance and preventing age-related health issues.
Moreover, Cruise’s approach to aging is not just about physical health. His diverse activities and constant pursuit of new challenges also contribute to mental sharpness and overall well-being. Experts in healthy aging have consistently emphasized the importance of keeping both the mind and body active, whether through exercise, learning new skills, or engaging in hobbies. Cruise’s lifestyle serves as a living example of this principle in action.
Cruise’s inspiration comes from other long-working actors, such as Harrison Ford, who continues to be active in the film industry at the age of 82. However, Cruise has set an even more ambitious goal for himself: he aims to keep making movies well into his 100s. This determination not only reflects his passion for his craft but also his belief in the power of staying active and engaged as one ages.
Conclusion
Tom Cruise’s approach to aging well is a testament to the power of variety and activity. By embracing a diverse range of physical pursuits and maintaining a commitment to mental and physical challenges, Cruise exemplifies how staying active and engaged can lead to a vibrant, youthful life. The scientific backing from studies on centenarians further validates his approach, showing that his philosophy is not just a Hollywood secret but a blueprint for healthy aging available to everyone. Incorporating variety and activity into your lifestyle can help you maintain energy, flexibility, and overall well-being as you age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tom Cruise’s two secrets to aging well?
Tom Cruise’s two secrets to aging well are variety and activity. He maintains a diverse range of physical and mental activities to stay youthful and energetic.
How is Tom Cruise’s approach to aging supported by science?
A 2023 study in the Journal of Happiness Studies identified traits common among centenarians, including physical activity, mental challenges, and curiosity—all of which Cruise embodies in his lifestyle.
What specific activities does Tom Cruise engage in to stay active?
Cruise engages in a variety of activities such as sea-kayaking, caving, fencing, treadmill workouts, weight training, rock-climbing, hiking, and jogging. He also performs demanding stunts for his films.
How does Tom Cruise’s approach benefit mental well-being?
Beyond physical health, Cruise’s diverse activities and constant pursuit of new challenges contribute to mental sharpness and overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of keeping both mind and body active.
Is Tom Cruise’s approach to aging only for celebrities?
No, Cruise’s philosophy of variety and activity is applicable to everyone. It’s a scientifically backed strategy for aging well that encourages incorporating diverse physical and mental activities into daily life.