The Academy Award winner shares how he's staying young at 88—and why he's narrating a new video about a certain heart condition.
Morgan Freeman Speaks Up About Heart Health and Aging Well
Published on Jun. 19, 2025
Morgan Freeman’s voice is one you’d recognize instantly—after all, it’s served as narrator to countless documentaries and delivered lines in classic movies such as The Shawshank Redemption and Driving Miss Daisy. Freeman has even served as the voice of God a few times in his illustrious career.
Now, he’s lending his iconic voice to a cause he’s passionate about: raising awareness for a heart disease called transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (often referred to as ATTR-CM). He’s currently serving as the narrator for (and makes a cameo in) a new video about ATTR-CM and the medication Attruby, as part of a partnership with the biotechnology company BridgeBio Pharma.
According to the American Heart Association, ATTR-CM is “an underdiagnosed and potentially fatal disease of the heart muscle.” It’s a condition that particularly affects older adults (especially men) and individuals who are Black.
Ahead, Freeman shares with The Healthy by Reader’s Digest why this particular campaign is so meaningful to him, as well as his secrets for aging well.
The Healthy by Reader’s Digest: Morgan, thank you for talking with us to raise awareness about ATTR-CM. We know your 88th birthday happened just recently—happy birthday to you! We love your mission “not to let the old man in.” Talk to us about what that means to you.
Morgan Freeman: Don’t let the old man in means “don’t get old.” It’s a mental thing. You have to avoid thinking about aging. It is a physical thing. You have to stay active and engaged, regardless of age.
The Healthy: If you had to credit staying well at 88 to one thing, what would it be?
Morgan Freeman: I’m fortunate to have good genes, I work with my doctor to take care of my health, and I stay active by golfing as much as I can!
The Healthy: Talk to us about why you felt compelled to bring attention to ATTR-CM.
Morgan Freeman: I’ve experienced a heart condition before, and I know my voice can help reach people—especially older adults and the Black community. That’s why I’m partnering with BridgeBio on a new campaign to draw attention to ATTR-cardiac amyloidosis, a rare and progressive heart condition, and the treatment Attruby. On Attruby.com, you can find information about the benefits and side effects of Attruby—and watch me narrate a great story about how people don’t have to let ATTR-CM define them.
The Healthy: As you look back on a career that’s touched so many people, and a life well-lived, what is one philosophy on life or piece of advice you’d share?
Morgan Freeman: You must have a dream. And when you have that dream, you must go for it.
The Healthy: Finally, what’s one self-care habit you refuse to skip?
Morgan Freeman: One self-care habit I refuse to skip is taking my daily vitamins. I work with my physicians to make sure I take the proper vitamins and minerals to support my physical and mental health.
For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:
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This interview has been edited for clarity.
