At 69, Linda Hamilton is taking a refreshingly honest approach to aging. Best known for her iconic role as Sarah Connor in The Terminator, the actress says she is no longer interested in trying to look younger. Instead, she has learned to appreciate the face she has today, including the wrinkles and lines that reflect the experiences of her life.

Hamilton says she doesn’t want to “chase beauty” or “chase longevity.” While she remains committed to staying healthy, she prefers listening to her body rather than following strict routines or becoming consumed by the idea of living perfectly. She exercises, attends physical therapy three times a week, and allows herself to enjoy simple pleasures, joking that sometimes “it is just a jelly donut.”

The death of her twin sister five years ago also changed Hamilton’s perspective. The loss encouraged her to stop putting things off and make more room for experiences she had missed. One example was returning to horseback riding after four decades away. She says the experience helped reinforce how important it is to make the most of the present rather than constantly worrying about the future.

Perhaps most importantly, Hamilton says she feels more comfortable with herself now than she did when she was younger. She no longer feels the need to impress others, prove herself, or live according to someone else’s expectations. Instead, she values her friendships, work, health, and the freedom to simply enjoy her life.

After decades in Hollywood, Hamilton’s perspective offers a different way of looking at getting older. She isn’t trying to erase the signs of time or compete with her younger self. Instead, she sees aging as part of her story and chooses to focus on living well today. For her, growing older isn’t something to hide—it’s something to embrace.