Billie Jean King didn’t just dominate tennis, she redefined what it means to lead with energy, purpose, and compassion well into her 80s. From winning Grand Slams across disciplines to reigniting her college dreams mid-life, King has made vitality look effortless. Now, at 81, she’s still in motion—traveling, advocating, studying, and, yes, playing tennis regularly, all while using Lyft Silver to stay independent and active.
Her secret? A lifestyle rooted in social connection, consistent physical activity, mental stimulation, purpose, and rest. Here are her five standout tips—backed by science and ready for your double-check.
Surround yourself with people
For King, a quick chat with a stranger or coffee with a friend is as nourishing as a workout. “I meet people everywhere, and I think those connections are really important,” she says. “I wish young people would get off their phones and engage in conversations.”
Research agrees, strong social ties are linked to lower risks of dementia, heart disease and depression. Even brief interactions can lift mood and reduce stress.
Move because it feels good
After a pause due to knee and shoulder troubles, King picked up her racket again with encouragement from her wife, Ilana Kloss. They now try to play tennis two or three times a week. “For older adults I think it really helps with balance,” she says.
Regular movement, whether tennis, walking or stretching—has been shown to add years to life and improve bone, brain and heart health.
Keep learning
King has always been curious, about people, about history, about the world. Recently, that curiosity led her back to California State University, Los Angeles, to finish the degree she left in 1964.
“I always wanted to go back and get my degree,” she says. “Learning from history is so important. History repeats itself, and some of these fights are cyclical.”
Lifelong learning, whether it’s a new course, language or even a hobby—keeps the brain sharp and helps preserve memory as we age.
Rest when you can
Even with her packed schedule, King makes sleep a priority. “We really try to get eight hours of sleep no matter where in the world we are,” she says.
Quality sleep supports everything from recovery to mood to immune health—something even the most active lifestyles can’t do without.
Find something that matters to you
King has never been one to stand still, and that includes her advocacy. From championing equal pay in tennis to helping launch the first Professional Women’s Hockey League in the US, she’s still working to create opportunities for others.
“We have a long way to go,” she says. “I just want freedom for everybody to pursue their dreams."
Studies have linked a strong sense of purpose to healthier aging and even longer lives.
Her secret? A lifestyle rooted in social connection, consistent physical activity, mental stimulation, purpose, and rest. Here are her five standout tips—backed by science and ready for your double-check.
Surround yourself with people
For King, a quick chat with a stranger or coffee with a friend is as nourishing as a workout. “I meet people everywhere, and I think those connections are really important,” she says. “I wish young people would get off their phones and engage in conversations.”
Research agrees, strong social ties are linked to lower risks of dementia, heart disease and depression. Even brief interactions can lift mood and reduce stress.
Move because it feels good
After a pause due to knee and shoulder troubles, King picked up her racket again with encouragement from her wife, Ilana Kloss. They now try to play tennis two or three times a week. “For older adults I think it really helps with balance,” she says.
Regular movement, whether tennis, walking or stretching—has been shown to add years to life and improve bone, brain and heart health.
Keep learning
King has always been curious, about people, about history, about the world. Recently, that curiosity led her back to California State University, Los Angeles, to finish the degree she left in 1964.
“I always wanted to go back and get my degree,” she says. “Learning from history is so important. History repeats itself, and some of these fights are cyclical.”
Lifelong learning, whether it’s a new course, language or even a hobby—keeps the brain sharp and helps preserve memory as we age.
Rest when you can
Even with her packed schedule, King makes sleep a priority. “We really try to get eight hours of sleep no matter where in the world we are,” she says.
Quality sleep supports everything from recovery to mood to immune health—something even the most active lifestyles can’t do without.
Find something that matters to you
King has never been one to stand still, and that includes her advocacy. From championing equal pay in tennis to helping launch the first Professional Women’s Hockey League in the US, she’s still working to create opportunities for others.
“We have a long way to go,” she says. “I just want freedom for everybody to pursue their dreams."
Studies have linked a strong sense of purpose to healthier aging and even longer lives.
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