Amy Sedaris Talks About Her Fitness and Mental Wellness Routine for Staying Healthy and Engaged
Spending a Tuesday morning at the Times Square Dave & Buster’s with Amy Sedaris was an unexpected yet delightful experience. The actress has recently collaborated with Centrum and Dave & Buster’s to launch Silver Hours, a program aimed at engaging the over-50 crowd in activities designed to stimulate brain health while having fun. During the event, Sedaris participated in various games and shared insights on brain health, aging, and the art of improv.
“I’ve never been one to wear a lot of makeup,” Sedaris remarked, reflecting on her approach to beauty at 64. “When I get dressed up for events and look in the mirror, I’m reminded that I don’t want to look exaggerated. Thinning hair is difficult, and aging is evident in the neck area, so I opt for subtle styles like wearing a bandana.”
To maintain her physical well-being, Sedaris emphasizes the importance of exercise. “It’s essential for me to get up from the ground without feeling aches, so I work out five days a week,” she explained. The regimen began after a breakup in 2001 when she decided to hire a trainer. “Having a set routine helps me stay active. Sometimes, I even make myself take the stairs just to keep moving and breathing.”
Her workout regimen includes strength training three times a week, along with cardio and stretching classes. “I have a Pilates chair at home and try to do Pilates once a week. I enjoy feeling strong, and although I’ve noticed some decline in strength, I still find myself stronger than many of my peers. Being around younger people keeps me motivated.”
Reflecting on aging, Sedaris shared a experience from a hot day on set, which left her momentarily forgetful due to the heat. “In that moment, I thought about what older people go through.” She described a concern for brain health, raising questions about vitamins that could help maintain mental sharpness. “I took a lot of vitamins, but Centrum Silver was the first multivitamin I tried. I hope I remember to take them.”
Despite her occasional lapses in memory, Sedaris expressed surprise when forgetting details. “I have a good memory for names and birthdays, but it is alarming when things don’t come to me as quickly as they used to. I come from an improv background, so I usually think on my feet. It’s concerning and somewhat scary.”
On social media habits, she stated, “I post every day; it’s like a job for me. Although the shifting algorithms have changed how I interact online, I still enjoy it.” She also mentioned starting vitamin A for eye health, acknowledging her visual nature and the impact of aging on her eyesight.
Looking ahead, Sedaris shared a personal project involving her godson, who writes and directs a Halloween movie each year. “This year, I’m playing a teenager, which is funny because I’ve mainly portrayed older characters. It will be interesting to see how it turns out.”
Sedaris continues to embrace various roles, often taking on jobs to sharpen her memorization skills. “It’s good exercise for the mind,” she concluded. “Even though I may think I’m bad at it, I’m actually not, and I just want to keep going.”
