Idris Elba reflects on his struggle with ageism in his 50s

Idris Elba has recently reflected on his struggle with ageism in his 50s.

The Luther star spoke up about challenges of ageing during an appearance on the latest episode of Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast.

“I don't love that, at this age, the age of [having] wellness and consciousness, is so upon us, yet our bodies fail us,” said the 52-year-old.

The host Amy chimed in and quipped, “You can get hurt just getting out of bed.”

Despite physical constraints, Idris saw value in growing older and explained how his generation focused on “some of the coolest things like art, music, culture, some of the craziest world politics” deeply shaped his emotions and goals.

Another advantage of ageing Idris noted, “In my 30s and 40s, I was blowing with the wind a little bit with what was influencing me, what my goals were.”

“And in the 50s, I'm like, 'Nah. That wind has to pass around me.' I'm not getting as easily influenced,” explained the 2018 PEOPLE Sexiest Man Alive.

The Hijack actor recalled he’s “also not afraid of difficult things, or challenges that make me uncomfortable”.

“And to choose your own discomfort is like a privilege at our age,” stated Amy.

Elsewhere in the interview, Idris revealed what he “enjoys” about being his 50s “is that I really want to learn more”.

“We talk about AI and all that stuff. I refer to it as like, 'Wow. That's the future that we talked about as kids that was just in our imaginations, and here it is,’” added The Wire alum.

Meanwhile, Idris can be seen in Heads of State, which releases on Prime Video today.