Clint Eastwood’s Aging Advice That Rob Lowe Lives By—And How It Changed His Life

At 59 years old, Rob Lowe is redefining what it means to age gracefully—and his inspiration comes straight from Clint Eastwood’s playbook. With his 60th birthday fast approaching, Lowe has adopted Eastwood’s famous mantra: “Never let the old man in.”

The Power of Perspective

In a recent interview with AARP, Lowe reflected on the aging advice he’s received, not only from Eastwood but also from another idol, who suggested “dialing it down” as the years go on. Lowe, however, chose the opposite approach: “dialing it up.” That mindset led him to continue pursuing the active, adventurous lifestyle he’s maintained for decades.

Lowe has long argued that youthfulness isn’t just about physical appearance. As he told Howard Stern in August, it’s more of “an inside job.” “What are kids? They’re curious, they’re enthusiastic, they’re active, they’re interested, they’re interesting, and they’re not checked-out,” Lowe explained. He believes that retaining those qualities—curiosity, enthusiasm, and engagement—matters more than any number on a birth certificate.

Challenges of Staying Active

Despite his optimistic outlook, Lowe admits that maintaining his high-energy approach hasn’t come without consequences. Over the holidays, while surfing in Hawaii, he took on a wave that, by his own admission, he “had no business” attempting. The result? A painful rib injury that still hasn’t fully healed. Yet even that hasn’t deterred him from embracing Eastwood’s philosophy.

Embracing a New Decade

With his milestone 60th birthday just around the corner, Lowe told The Healthy by Reader’s Digest that he’s excited for what’s ahead. “Each year we get, we’re lucky,” Lowe said. “A lot of people don’t get [birthdays], and I feel like I’m the best version of myself that I’ve ever been.”

This mindset—a mix of gratitude, curiosity, and a refusal to slow down—is what Lowe credits for helping him navigate the passage of time. By continuing to “push and challenge” himself, Lowe proves that age truly can be just a number. As Eastwood’s words suggest, the key is to keep moving forward, never giving the old man a chance to take over.