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Eva Mendes turned 50 in March 2024, and when she sat down with PEOPLE in May, her perspective on aging was refreshingly honest and grounded. She used to think 50 was “her mom’s age” and never imagined having kids or settling down — until a certain man changed her mind. Now she’s grateful for it. She laughed about people reacting to her being pregnant at 40 the same way they react to turning 50: “It’s more of a big deal for other people than it is for yourself.” What really stood out was how she now sees beauty in imperfections and broken things. Her best takeaway from entering this decade? “I’m still here. I get to watch my mom grow older, watch myself grow older, and watch my kids grow up.” She added with a smile: “We all just die in the end, so who cares?” while admitting she still catches herself looking at her hands thinking “whose hand is that?” It’s such a warm, joyful take on getting older. What’s one thing you’ve started appreciating more as you get older?

Aubrey Plaza is expecting her first child with partner Christopher Abbott, People reports.