Tom Hanks Explains Why ‘35 Is the Worst Age’ in Life

Tom Hanks, one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures, has always brought depth and authenticity to his roles, but his latest revelation about aging may surprise fans. While many might assume the Oscar-winning actor would yearn for the vitality of his younger years, Hanks, now 68, is surprisingly content right where he is. In fact, he’s quick to point out that age 35 was one of the hardest periods in his life—a time he describes as feeling like a “burden.”

So, what is it about midlife that made Hanks so eager to move past it? In discussing his newest film, Here, the star offers a rare glimpse into the physical and emotional challenges he associates with this age, as well as a refreshingly honest perspective on why aging has actually improved his quality of life. With humor, insight, and the wisdom that only decades of experience can bring, Hanks shares a take on aging that’s bound to resonate.

But what exactly makes age 35 so daunting in his view? And why does he now feel more content than ever before?

Why 35 Feels Like Life’s Toughest Hurdle

For Tom Hanks, age 35 represents more than just a number—it’s a life stage he recalls with a blend of humor and exasperation. “Life is such a burden!” he joked during an interview with Entertainment Tonight, reflecting on the physical toll and relentless pace of midlife. This period, often marked by the onset of physical changes, brings unique challenges that Hanks found particularly intense, describing it as “that time when your metabolism stops, gravity starts tearing you down, your bones start wearing off, you stand differently.”

Hanks’ perspective resonates with research highlighting how people in their mid-30s begin experiencing noticeable shifts in their physical and mental health. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that metabolic rates start to decline gradually from the early 30s, potentially leading to slower calorie-burning and weight gain if adjustments to diet and exercise aren’t made. Alongside this, bone density also begins a natural decline, affecting posture and stability, as Hanks pointed out.

Emotionally, midlife often brings an array of stresses, from career responsibilities to family commitments, which can feel overwhelming. According to the Journal of Adult Development, many people in their 30s report feeling increased pressure to “do it all,” balancing professional advancement, family obligations, and personal goals. These expectations can create a sense of burden—an experience Hanks reflected on, noting, “You can’t do that when you’re 35.” The demands of this period, combined with physical changes, contribute to what some psychologists call the “midlife squeeze.”

Interestingly, Hanks observed that he feels “in better shape now” than he did at 35, attributing this shift to grown children and a lifestyle that prioritizes fitness and well-being. His insights echo a broader trend, where individuals in their 60s often report higher levels of life satisfaction than those in midlife, as found in a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research. This “U-shaped” curve of happiness suggests that while midlife can be challenging, contentment and self-acceptance tend to increase with age.

In this way, Hanks’ reflections not only capture his personal journey but also touch on the universal struggles and growth associated with midlife. The physical and emotional shifts at this age make it a uniquely challenging period—a time when, as Hanks puts it, “life starts tearing you down,” but also sets the foundation for a more fulfilling later stage.

Life Lessons From Aging Gracefully

At 68, Tom Hanks feels he’s finally hit his stride. Reflecting on his journey through adulthood, Hanks credits his physical and mental well-being to the freedom he now enjoys with grown children and a lifestyle focused on balance. “You know why I’m in better shape now?” he explained in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “Because my kids are grown up, I’m getting decent exercise, and I can eat right.” Hanks’ grounded approach to aging resonates with the notion that aging gracefully is less about defying age and more about embracing the natural shifts in priorities and lifestyle that come with it.

Studies in gerontology often highlight the “liberation phase” that comes with later adulthood, when many find themselves with fewer day-to-day responsibilities and more time to focus on self-care. Research from the Journal of Aging and Health supports Hanks’ perspective, showing that those in their 60s and beyond often report higher satisfaction with life compared to individuals in their 30s and 40s, partly due to this newfound freedom. The reduction of external demands allows for more intentional choices around health, fitness, and mental well-being.

Hanks also emphasized that he wouldn’t want to relive his younger years despite the benefits of looking young again, noting during a red carpet interview with PEOPLE, “It’s good to look young again, but it’s not great to be young again.” His comments echo the findings of the National Institute on Aging, which suggests that aging is often accompanied by improved mental health and a stronger sense of self, qualities that many, including Hanks, find more valuable than the physical vitality of youth.

Moreover, Hanks’ decision to maintain his health is driven by a desire to “maintain the temple,” as he humorously put it, managing his type 2 diabetes with consistent lifestyle choices. His approach is supported by research indicating that exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management can mitigate many age-related conditions and enhance quality of life in later years.

Making the Most of Every Chapter

Tom Hanks’ reflections on aging reveal a practical approach to navigating each stage of life with grace, humor, and resilience. Drawing from his comments and experiences, here are some tips inspired by Hanks’ perspective on making the most of every age.

1. Prioritize Health and Wellness at Every Age

Hanks is open about his dedication to maintaining his health, particularly as he manages type 2 diabetes. He credits his current wellness to a balanced routine that includes “decent exercise” and a mindful diet, practices that have helped him feel “in better shape now” than he did at 35. Research by the American Heart Association echoes this approach, noting that regular physical activity and a balanced diet can prevent or delay many age-related health issues, promoting longevity and quality of life.

2. Adjust Expectations with Grace

Accepting the body’s natural changes is a cornerstone of Hanks’ philosophy. As he humorously describes, “gravity starts tearing you down” and bones “start wearing off” with age, and instead of resisting these changes, Hanks embraces them. Studies in Psychology and Aging suggest that people who accept their physical limitations tend to report higher life satisfaction and reduced stress. Embracing the body’s evolution over time can foster a healthier, more positive mindset toward aging.

3. Maintain a Sense of Humor

Hanks’ lighthearted comments about the struggles of midlife—calling it a time when “life is such a burden”—reflect his ability to find humor even in life’s challenges. According to studies by the American Psychological Association, humor can be a powerful coping mechanism, reducing stress and enhancing resilience, particularly in older adults. Laughing about the natural aging process can make it easier to navigate its ups and downs.

4. Enjoy the Freedoms That Come with Each Stage

Hanks attributes his current sense of fulfillment to having grown children, which gives him more time for himself. “My kids are grown up, I’m getting decent exercise, and I can eat right,” he shared, emphasizing the personal freedom he enjoys now. Research from the Journal of Family Issues highlights how life satisfaction often increases as parental responsibilities decrease, allowing individuals to focus more on personal growth, hobbies, and self-care.

5. Focus on What Matters Most

For Hanks, a fulfilling life centers on prioritizing well-being and family, rather than longing for youthful looks or peak physical form. He explained, “I’d rather be as old as I am,” embracing the present over chasing the past. This outlook aligns with research showing that older adults who focus on personal relationships and health over material success often report higher levels of happiness and fulfillment (Journal of Happiness Studies). By concentrating on what genuinely matters, Hanks exemplifies how to age with purpose and peace.

Aging with Purpose: Lessons from Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks offers a refreshing take on what it means to age gracefully. By candidly sharing his experiences—from the challenges of midlife to the newfound freedom and health he enjoys today—Hanks reminds us that aging doesn’t have to be something we resist. Instead, it can be an opportunity to embrace new priorities, invest in our health, and enjoy the wisdom that comes with life experience.

His journey underscores a powerful message: that each stage of life brings its own unique blend of challenges and rewards. By focusing on self-care, finding humor in life’s twists, and staying connected to what matters most, we can make the most of every age. Hanks’ story encourages us to see aging not as a loss but as a transformation, one that brings growth, resilience, and a sense of fulfillment that’s worth celebrating.

Sources:

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3. Baird, B. M., Lucas, R. E., & Donnellan, M. B. (2010b). Life Satisfaction Across the Lifespan: Findings from Two Nationally Representative Panel Studies. Social Indicators Research, 99(2), 183–203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-010-9584-9