Introduction: Mariska Hargitay’s Balanced Life at 60
At 60, Mariska Hargitay is not only thriving in her career but also in her personal life, balancing an iconic role on Law & Order: SVU with a powerful legacy of advocacy, personal growth, and wellness. Having recently celebrated major milestones—her 60th birthday, 25 years portraying Detective Olivia Benson, and 20 years of marriage to former costar Peter Hermann—Mariska is an inspiration to many. In an exclusive interview, she opened up about the principles and routines that keep her grounded, vibrant, and looking amazing as she enters a new chapter of her life.
From her enduring gratitude to her powerful wellness secrets, here’s how Mariska has managed to achieve a successful and fulfilling life while juggling the demands of a career in Hollywood, raising a family, and championing important causes.
The Power of Gratitude: How Mariska Hargitay Stays Grounded
Living in Gratitude: The Key to Endurance
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to get caught up in the challenges, whether it’s the demanding nature of her job or the whirlwind of personal milestones. Yet, Mariska says the one thing that keeps her going through it all is her gratitude.
“Through having the father and the mother that I had,” Mariska says, referring to her late father, former Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay, and actress Jayne Mansfield, “I can power through anything, but the thing that really keeps me going is I understand just how lucky I am. I live in gratitude.”
This mentality is something that Mariska credits for her ability to keep pushing forward, even on the toughest days. Despite the chaos of life, she regularly takes a moment to reflect on how fortunate she is for the opportunities she’s had, the work she loves, and the family she’s built. This sense of appreciation isn’t just an abstract idea for Mariska—it’s a way of life.
Gratitude, according to Mariska, has been essential not only for her emotional health but also for maintaining the endurance required to keep up with her physically demanding role on SVU and her advocacy work. She admits, “It is exhausting,” referring to her schedule, which includes 15-hour workdays and shooting multiple shows in a short period. But focusing on her blessings helps her overcome the exhaustion and stay motivated.
A Legacy of Advocacy: Mariska Hargitay’s Commitment to Survivors
Building a Foundation for Change: The Joyful Heart Foundation
In addition to her gratitude-filled approach to life, Mariska’s sense of purpose and her advocacy work have played a huge role in shaping the person she is today. Playing Olivia Benson for over two decades has not only shaped her professional life but also sparked a deep personal commitment to helping survivors of sexual violence.
Early in her career, after learning the devastating statistics surrounding sexual assault and domestic violence, Mariska felt compelled to make a difference. She became a rape crisis counselor to better understand the emotional toll of these crimes and how her character could bring empathy and compassion to the role of a detective. But Mariska didn’t stop there. She realized the systemic issues that existed within the legal and healthcare systems, particularly the failure to process rape kits, which were often left in storage and never tested.
This led her to found the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004. The foundation focuses on healing, education, and pushing for survivor-centered reform. Mariska has dedicated much of her life to eradicating the rape kit backlog and has successfully advocated for laws to address this issue, helping thousands of survivors.
“We are about healing, education, and pushing for survivor-centered reform,” she explains. Her foundation’s tireless work on behalf of sexual assault survivors has made a significant impact, bringing national attention to issues that were once largely ignored. In recent years, Joyful Heart has helped change laws, giving victims hope that their trauma will not be further ignored.
Mariska Hargitay’s Wellness Secrets: Staying Strong at 60
Physical Wellness: Heart Health and Daily Exercise
Mariska Hargitay’s wellness routine reflects her commitment to staying strong, inside and out, as she moves into her 60s. She believes that heart health is one of the most important aspects of aging gracefully and staying sharp. But it’s not just about taking care of your heart; it’s about keeping the whole body in check.
“Exercise is key,” she says, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a regular fitness routine to stay healthy and energized. “Being engaged and having to learn lines also helps, because the brain is just a muscle, right?”
Aside from the brain exercises required for her role on SVU, Mariska also stays active through physical exercise. She believes that moving her body regularly is crucial for overall health, especially as we age. Cardiovascular health plays a big role in keeping both the heart and the brain in top shape, so regular physical activity is a key part of her daily routine.
In addition to staying active, Mariska is mindful of her diet and sleep habits. “I eat and sleep well,” she shares. While getting enough sleep can sometimes be difficult with her busy schedule, she’s found that stretching before bed and limiting her screen time helps her wind down and get more restful sleep.
Embracing the Challenges of Aging: A Mindset Shift
Self-Compassion and Inner Work: The Key to Lightness and Freedom
While many of us feel the pressure of aging, Mariska has embraced the process with an open heart and mind. Over the years, she’s done a lot of “inner work” to let go of things that no longer serve her and focus on what truly matters.
“I’ve worked so hard on letting go of things that don’t matter and being smart enough to focus on what’s important,” Mariska says. She adds that through self-reflection, she’s found “a new lightness and freedom” in her life. This, she believes, comes from excavating the “hard parts” within herself and practicing self-compassion.
Rather than fear the challenges that come with aging, Mariska has learned to embrace them. She encourages others to do the same, noting that when we have the strength to face our struggles and flaws head-on, we unlock a sense of freedom and joy that only comes from personal growth.
Mariska Hargitay’s Beauty Secrets: Effortless Glow at 60
Skincare and Beauty: The Secret to Mariska’s Radiant Glow
When it comes to beauty, Mariska is a self-confessed “product girl.” She has found a few key beauty products that have become essential to her routine, and she credits one in particular for changing her life: the Ogee Contour Stick.
“One of the things that changed my life is that Ogee Contour Stick,” she reveals. “There’s a highlighter, contour, and rouge. You put it on, rub it in, and you’re good to go. It makes applications super easy.”
Mariska’s beauty routine is about making life simpler without sacrificing her radiant look. It’s not about layering on heavy makeup but about enhancing her natural features with a few well-chosen products. She also emphasizes the importance of hydration, especially as we age. To nourish her body from the inside out, she enjoys a refreshing watermelon salad with cucumber, feta cheese, mint, and a citrusy dressing. “It’s super hydrating and makes me feel like I’m getting a treat,” she says.
Conclusion: Mariska Hargitay’s Life Lessons at 60
Mariska Hargitay’s journey over the past 60 years is nothing short of inspiring. From her transformative role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU to her advocacy work for survivors of sexual violence, she has dedicated her life to service and self-improvement. Her wellness secrets, rooted in gratitude, physical health, and emotional self-care, have allowed her to not only thrive in her career but also to live a life full of purpose and joy.
As she moves into the next chapter of her life, Mariska continues to show that age is just a number. Her ability to balance family, work, and personal growth is a testament to the strength and resilience she has cultivated over the years. Whether she’s mentoring survivors, celebrating her family, or simply taking a moment to reflect on her blessings, Mariska proves that living with intention and gratitude is the ultimate beauty secret.
