Ted Danson, 78, Shares the Habits He Wishes He’d Started Earlier for Healthier Ageing

Ted Danson says a recent health scare forced him to rethink his lifestyle and approach to ageing.

The Cheers, CSI and The Good Place star, 78, revealed on his podcast Where Everybody Knows Your Name that the experience prompted him to make changes to his daily habits – despite having always considered himself relatively health-conscious.

‘The latest thing that really hit me – and was actually very freeing – was that I had a small health scare,’ Danson said. ‘I’m perfectly okay, but it made me think: “Oh. This is real.”’

The actor explained that the experience made him reflect more seriously on mortality.

‘Death is a very real thing, you know? It’s not just a rumour.’

Danson also stressed that the scare came as a surprise because he had always tried to look after himself.

‘I hadn’t massively messed up in any way,’ he explained. ‘It was a very sobering and calming experience, and I’m okay. Honestly, I think it was probably the best thing that could have happened to me.’

While he did not reveal details about the health issue itself, Danson admitted it has changed the way he approaches self-care and wellbeing.

One of the biggest changes has been meditation.

‘I now meditate twice a day,’ he said, adding that he and his wife practise together regularly.

The Emmy-winning actor explained that although he had always talked about improving his habits and prioritising his health, the scare finally pushed him to take those intentions seriously.

‘It’s like, wow – I’ve talked about this stuff before, but I haven’t always followed through,’ he admitted.

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Danson added that, at this stage of life, he increasingly values emotional connection and presence over anything else.

‘You can listen, support people and be loving,’ he said. ‘That’s probably the best thing I can offer for the rest of my life.’