what’s new dia Meter The Me ............................. ............................. Queen of Soul clockwise, From top CENTER: illustration by pablo; steve granitz/wire images/getty images; everett collection; Stuart Ramson/AP Photo Aretha Franklin Taking Off Aw She just released her 38th CD, but the number that excites Aretha Franklin is 85. That’s how many pounds she’s dropped since last fall, when she underwent a health scare and surgery (she won’t disclose details). Franklin, 69, is now proudly wearing a size 16. e s ome ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. Jane Seymour The actress, 60, claims her wrinkles help her land roles: “I’m able to play women who are normal. I don’t do Botox or that kind of thing. As an actress it’s important to have all the pieces moving!” Q: What can you tell us about your surgery and weight loss? I did not have gastric bypass, and would not. The weight loss was gradual; I go to the health spa and eat more whole foods. I’d lost 30 pounds before the surgery. My doctor said I’d lose more naturally afterward, and I did. Q: Are you still dieting? I’m on maintenance. I like my weight exactly where it is. It looks healthy; let’s keep it. I’m on the track and up to a mile now at least three times weekly. Q: Have you had to buy a new wardrobe? Absolutely. Nothing fits, and I’m so happy! In fact, tomorrow I have fittings for new gowns. Q: What’s your proudest career moment? My happiest moments were singing with my family (sisters Carolyn and Erma and cousin Brenda), the Grammy Legend and Lifetime Achievement awards, National Medal of the Arts, and Congressional Medal. And singing the national anthem for President Obama. Q: Any plans to retire? Definitely not. I love performing. It’s the way it is and the way it’s going to be. Q:What’s the best part of growing older? I couldn’t tell you. I’m very young at heart. —Janet Kinosian Raising Hope Agei st The new Fox series uses a grandmother’s dementia for cheap yuks, as when Maw Maw (played by Cloris Leachman) crawls under a bed to sneak her grandson’s Halloween chocolate, smearing it on her face. Wonder Woman Lynda Carter Perfect Pitch Smacking bad guys around as TV’s hottest heroine made Lynda Carter famous, but these days she’s having more fun hitting high notes. With a CD and a national concert tour, she’s launching a second career as a singer. In the early ’90s she stepped away from acting to raise her children, James, now 23, and Jessica, 20. When James headed to college, she realized she was unprepared for her future. “You gear your life toward your family,” says Carter, 60, “but as your children build their own lives, you have to rebuild yours.” Carter started in music, singing with bands while growing up in Phoenix, but moved fully into acting in 1975 upon landing the Wonder Woman role. Recording her new CD, Crazy Little Things—a blend of jazz, blues, and pop—was “a giant undertaking,” she says, but she hopes it will inspire others: “Doing something new is so rewarding.” —Craig Tomashoff AARP.ORG/MAGAZINE 17