Many of us remember Harrison Ford for his appearance in blockbusters, whether as the rebel Han Solo in the Star Wars saga or as the adventurous archeologist Indiana Jones in his many adventures, which are now modern classics. This year the actor reached the “eighth floor,” but that is no impediment for him to put his hat back on, grab his whip and go back to face the bad guys in a new Indy adventure. And we decided to learn which habits help him stay strong.
1. He replaced meat with fish and vegetables.
Harrison Ford explained in an interview that he decided to remove all meat from his daily diet, as it has adverse effects on his body and the planet.
“I just decided I was tired of eating meat, and I know it’s not good for the planet or for me,” he explained. He maintains a strict diet based on fish and lots of vegetables, so self-care is a priority. Ford attributes most of his fitness to what he calls “boring” but healthy meals.
2. He loves biking.
Ford is in pretty good shape for an 80-year-old. He is trim and toned, with muscular arms, and leads an active lifestyle. Even on his vacations, he has been spotted riding his bike in Los Cabos, Mexico, and in some towns in England.
Bicycling is a wonderful aerobic exercise that strengthens legs, and bones and improves breathing. Harrison Ford seems to be enjoying the benefits of this activity.
3. He gave up dairy products.
Harrison Ford has completely eliminated dairy products from his diet. When asked what he does to stay in shape, he corrected the question by saying it has more to do with what he stopped doing.
Ford, who had campaigned a few years ago in favor of drinking milk, recognizes that at a certain age, it is no longer nutritious and, on the contrary, can be harmful to the body, as certain studies indicate.
4. He plays tennis.
Photographers often capture Harrison Ford coming and going from tennis practice or wearing sportswear that reveals a muscular body.
He started practicing this sport many years ago, and photos of his youth in which he is seen shirtless on a tennis court are popular on the Internet. On several occasions, the actor has revealed that this is how he stays in shape at his age. Tennis is a complete sport that requires immense arm strength and endurance, and it’s amazing how Ford still plays with the same intensity as when he was young.
5. He performs his own stunts.
Last year, it was revealed that the actor, then 78, had injured his shoulder while doing his own stunts for the movie Indiana Jones 5.
Despite his advanced age, Ford prefers to do his own stunts for most of his films. Although he has a stunt double at his disposal, he likes to do as much of the work as he can, even if it doesn’t always turn out perfectly. The actor suffered injuries while filming three Indiana Jones movies, and was also injured working on some of his other iconic films.
6. He’s very punctual.
It has been revealed that the actor, in addition to filming scenes for his new movie, rides a bicycle 60 kilometers a day, takes long walks, and gets six hours of sleep.
The long filming days, which can last up to 11 hours, must be added to this routine. Sources said: “It’s unbelievable. He seems to live a rigorous routine. Wake up, then lunch, a very long bike ride, and he’s on the film set by 6 pm. Then he’s back at the hotel around 5 am. He’s like clockwork. That exercise and work regimen would punish a man half his age. He has a real dedication.”
7. He takes care of household chores.
When he’s not filming, Ford spends his days in Wyoming, working and playing a little. “Well, if I’ve finished my housework and there’s nothing else pressing and the weather’s good, I go flying. I love flying there or hiking in the woods; I do some work, I ride my road bike or mountain bike.”
As for those chores, “I do the things my wife asks me to do,” he said in 2020. And he’s always doing something on the property: maintenance, working in his carpentry shop, or “talking to the guys who are putting a new roof on.”
8. He has a happy marriage.
Ford has admitted he loves spending quality time with his wife, 58-year-old actress Calista Flockhart. They are approaching their 12th wedding anniversary, but have been together for nearly 20 years, a difficult milestone to see among Hollywood couples.
“The truth is, sometimes I feel a lot older than Harrison,” the Ally McBeal actress said in an interview. Ford has confessed his secret to a happy, long-lasting marriage: “Don’t talk. Nod your head,” she joked in an interview.
What is the best advice for turning 80 and still be strong and active?
