Actor and musician Idris Elba has opened up about the ups and downs of ageing, saying that growing older has changed both his mindset and the way he sees challenges. In a recent episode of the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast, the Heads of State star spoke honestly about turning 52.
“I don’t love that, at this age of wellness and awareness, our bodies start to fail us,” Elba said. Host Amy Poehler joked, “You can get hurt just getting out of bed.”
Despite the physical challenges, Elba sees value in growing older. He reflected on how, in his younger years, art, music, and world events deeply shaped his emotions and goals. But now, he’s more grounded. “In my 30s and 40s, I was blowing with the wind. Now, I’m not as easily influenced. That wind has to pass around me,” he said.
He also noted that he's no longer afraid of discomfort. “Choosing your own discomfort is a privilege at this age,” Poehler agreed.
Elba mentioned how amazed he is by how far technology has come, saying that AI and modern tools feel like the future he imagined as a child.
His latest film Heads of State is currently streaming on Prime Video.