Patti LaBelle 'Doesn't Act Old' With A Playful Energy That's Made Her (& Her Grandkids) Happy
Patti LaBelle's key to staying happy and youthful as she ages is rather simple. While there are a number of lifestyle habits that will help us live longer, the singer prioritizes keeping fun people around her and tapping into her own playful energy. She told Oprah Daily that this often means spending time with people younger than her, such as her grandkids. "... they watch me for encouragement. As they turn 7 and 4, they'll say, 'Oh, Grandma is old, but she doesn't act old,'" the singer, who turned 82 in 2026, shared. "So I feel that doing things like dancing and moving around and, and pranking and all the fun things that I do has kept me happy."
During the interview, LaBelle noted that by doing this and listening to a number of high-energy, youthful rap songs she feels decades younger than her age. The "If Only You Knew" singer has five children and three grandkids, who she recently took to a basketball game, per Instagram.
Patti LaBelle encourages others to embrace their age
In 2025, Patti LaBelle celebrated her 81st birthday on stage at the Barclays Center in New York City as part of the "Queens Tour." While performing, the "On My Own" star encouraged her fans not to worry about getting older. "Let me say something. I have so many people who are afraid to say how young they are," she told the crowd (via People). "Don't be scared. 81 is wonderful, okay?"
Back in 2019, LaBelle shared a similar sentiment on the "Tamron Hall Show," noting that good genes and maintaining a glamorous appearance are all contributing factors to how she's aging gracefully and happily. "It's the Philly in me, my mother and father in me ... I am just loving my life ... and don't ever be afraid of your ages ladies," she told the show's audience. "Even at the airports, you're going to see me in a pump and a nice wig."
If you're struggling with maintaining your youthful energy, consider attending live music shows, which may be more beneficial than you knew, and avoid lifestyle mistakes that may be aging you.