Diane Keaton’s routine: spin, skip meat and ‘walk really fast’

By Cindy Pearlman | Big Picture News Inc.

There is nothing la-di-da about Diane Keaton’s views of aging.

The 69-year-old icon gasps when the reporter complains about turning 50. “I’m a lot older than you!” she says with a laugh. “Just remember: It keeps evolving and changing. Your views of getting older might change every single day.”

How does Keaton have a healthy mindset about the number on her driver’s license?

“Bottom line: I think healthy aging is something you take on with a modicum of grace,” she says. Keeping a healthy outlook is key. “I’m at an age where the real goal is to be the best person you can be. That’s something that starts in your brain. It’s the real challenge of life.”

Keaton stars in a movie these days called “5 Flights Up” about the clock ticking.

Opening May 8 at AMC South Barrington 30 and on demand, the film centers on a couple worried about living healthy in the future. She plays Ruth, a Brooklyn native married forever to Alex (Morgan Freeman). Together, they wonder about their gorgeous five-story walkup and if it will be too challenging as they get older. So they put their beloved home up for sale.

“I loved this story about a woman in an ordinary marriage, which is extraordinary to me, Diane, who has never been married,” Keaton said of why she embraced the role. “The most wonderful part of Ruth’s life is the man she chose to marry. Frankly, I enjoyed playing that part because it gave me the opportunity to feel that way.”

Her best health tip starts on her plate. “I’m a vegetarian now. I don’t eat meat or fish. I eat eggs and cheese,” she says. “And I do watch what I eat.”

The mom of two says that she does make sure to get in some exercise every single day, even if she’s on a set. “I walk. I get on the treadmill,” she says. “And I’ll walk really fast to break a sweat. One thing is for sure – I don’t run. It’s too hard. But the fast walking does give me a lot of energy to face the day.”

Yes, that woman on the next bike in spin class might be the Oscar winner for “Annie Hall.” “I do take spin classes with my daughter Dexter,” moans Keaton. (Dexter just turned 19, and her son Duke is 14).

“It’s rough. But at least I’m there. I’m sweating. I think the key here is that you don’t have to be like everybody else. Just do it. Do it the best you can do it.

“I know in spin class that for 45 minutes, I’m using my body to its fullest. And that’s big,” she said.

The L’Oreal Paris spokeswoman doesn’t fret about aging in Hollywood. She has twice survived a skin cancer scare (once at age 21 and the other a few years ago) and credits sunscreen as her No. 1 survival secret.

Her other best aging secret: “Distract yourself,” she said. “Have a busy, full life and stop looking in the mirror all the time!”