The 8 Lessons About Aging I've Learned From Rock Stars

Are you, too, inspired by these celebrities?

By

Christine Schoenwald

 
Published April 15, 2025
photo illustration collage of rockstars, advice about aging
Ryan Olbrysh

Since I was a preteen, music has been there for me whenever I needed emotional healing, had complicated decisions to make or felt lonely and misunderstood. Whether it was the poetry of the lyrics, the music, the singer’s emotion or a combination of the three, music was my remedy, adviser and balm to my broken heart.

At 64, I turn to rock-and-roll icons for lessons on aging, and here are eight of them:

Be your authentic self.

While I’d like to focus on artists who are still alive and performing, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the late Aretha Franklin. While she may not seem like a “rock star,” she was the first woman inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her music surpassed genres and labels and scored a direct hit to our hearts and souls. Seeing Franklin perform on stage was a powerful experience I’ll never forget. She might not have written “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman,” but it’s her song. Franklin elevated the music and lyrics, transforming them into an anthem about self-acceptance, empowerment, loving yourself as you are and using your voice to stand up against injustice.

Flexibility is more than yoga moves.

On a surprisingly rainy and cold night in Los Angeles, nothing could take our attention away from the virtuoso guitarist and singer on the stage, Peter Frampton. Instead of his former rocker’s stance, long-flowing blonde hair and youthful swagger, Frampton sat in a chair, playing his guitar and singing. After falling onstage in 2015, he was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM,) an autoimmune disease that causes chronic muscle inflammation and weakness. Instead of giving up, Frampton, 74, adapted to his current circumstances. Now, he walks with a cane, utilizes his service dog, Bigsby, and promises to continue performing as long as possible. I think this older version is even better than the one we came to know in “Frampton Comes Alive.”

Continue to grow and learn.

Sheila E, also known as the “Queen of Percussion,” doesn’t let her age of 67 hold her back. She’s constantly performing and releasing new songs, albums and videos. In 2024, she put out her first salsa and Spanish-language album. Sheila E hasn’t ever limited herself to being only a singer or percussionist — she’s added author, composer and even actress to that list. Sheila E and other icons remind us that we’re never too old to challenge ourselves, get out of our comfort zones, take reasonable risks and remain curious about the world.

Have a positive mindset.

One thing you’ll notice about Paul McCartney, 82, if you’ve seen him in concert or on talk shows, is that he never takes himself too seriously. He also has a hopeful attitude. In his words: “I’ve always been an optimistic person because I don’t like the alternative. I know life’s difficult for many people, but I think a positive thought is often a great help. You’ve got to train yourself not to think the worst. I always try and see the good side — the silver lining — and if you’re lucky, it arrives.” This is a lesson on the power of optimism, for it has been linked to better health and provides better coping mechanisms for us as we age.

Don’t allow your age to scare you.

Besides her obvious beauty, there’s something inherently cool about Debbie Harry, 79, of Blondie. I’ve seen her in concert many times, and what always strikes me is her fearlessness and confidence. In her book, Face It: A Memoir, she talks about her secrets to aging well: she thinks of herself as being 25 mentally, having almost no regrets (she only regrets not being able to wear heels anymore), appreciating herself at every age and continuing to challenge herself. As she has said: “…I understand: the older you get, the harder it is to do many things physically. But you can certainly do a lot more mentally.”

Use the wisdom you’ve gained with age.

Ask almost any musical artist about their biggest influence, and they’ll tell you it’s Joni Mitchell. After she suffered a near-fatal brain aneurysm, she learned to walk, talk and sing again. Rather than retreating to recover alone, Joni contacted her friends for help and support. At a recent Hollywood Bowl concert, she sat in an armchair looking very majestic and sang from her heart. She teaches us that age brings wisdom and resilience. Older age is the time to embrace change and see things from different perspectives. At 81, Joni Mitchell can finally see things from both sides now and her musical influence shows no sign of stopping any time soon.

Appreciate the time you have left.

When I saw Rod Stewart, 80, perform in Las Vegas last year, I was blown away by his energy and sheer joy. Stewart , who obviously loves being on stage, has said he knows he won’t live forever but he doesn’t fear death. It can be challenging when you have more time behind you than in front, but this reminds us to make the most of every moment. Stewart’s message is to accept that you’re getting older, but don’t let that number hold you back.

Stay creative.

I’ve been a devoted Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks fan since I was 14. I’m not exaggerating when I say her influence on me and my life has been huge. In 1978, when choosing a college, I picked my hometown university, San Jose State, not because it had an excellent theatre department but because Stevie Nicks went there. She didn’t graduate, but just knowing she’d been there was enough for me.

Now at 76, Nicks inspires us all with her creativity, insight and activism. Last year, she wrote, recorded and performed a new song, “The Lighthouse,” about fighting for reproductive rights. She encourages other artists to create works that reflect what’s happening now, and not to do the same things repeatedly. The lesson here is while the past can be a comfortable place to reside, it’s important to stay engaged in the now and in what lies ahead.

As Nicks wrote in her song “Landslide,” “But time makes you bolder, even children get older, and I’m getting older too.” But older doesn’t mean you're done with life; it means a new chapter, further adventures and more chances to surprise yourself.

 

Which of the above celebrities do YOU admire most? Let us know in the comments below.

Christine Schoenwald is a writer, performer, and humor essayist. Christine has written for The Los Angeles Times, Business Insider, Salon, and AARP’s The Girlfriend, and The Ethel. She’s currently working on a humor essay collection “Living Hollywood Adjacent,” and a memoir, “Everything Must Go Including Me,” about growing up with a mother who threw away everything, including occasionally, Christine. When not writing, Christine enjoys performing in storytelling shows, spending time with her cats, going to concerts, and having afternoon tea and other food adventures with her friends. For more information, please visit her website, Christineschoenwaldwriter.com or her Substack, Everything’s Slightly Off-Kilter.