Celebrities

Michael Caine Says Death Could Be ‘Around the Corner’ — He ‘Can’t Walk’ Yet He Is ‘Happy’

Sir Michael Caine got candid about growing old recently as he is 90.

Michael said his days of living are drawing close.

The movie star has experienced health issues and mobility problems.

Sir Michael Caine is 90 years old and has spoken frankly about “approaching death.” However, the veteran star said he has lived a fulfilling life despite his age and health issues.

In a recent interview, Michael was asked what is the best thing about being a nonagenarian, and he said it is being idle as people do not expect him to do much, so they do things for him.

Michael Caine at the "Going in Style" press conference at the Whitby Hotel on March 25, 2017 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

However, the Academy Award winner also stated, “The worst thing about it is that so much disappears from your life. You can’t run around, you can’t play football, and you gradually realize you’re approaching death. He further said:

“It could be just around the corner at 90. But I’m quite happy.”

Caine Has Mobility & Experienced Health Issues
In addition to old age, the English actor has mobility issues. When he was in his late ’80s, he had started using a cane to walk. In an October 2021 interview, Michael revealed that he was sent a script about a character running away from crooks, and he laughed at the idea of him playing the role, saying:

“I can’t walk, let alone run.”

In a September 2023 interview, Michael and his co-star John Landing, 89, shared their secrets of staying alive in old age. Fellow English actor Landing revealed they both watch a lot of television.

Michael jokingly added that having “younger wives, no snacking,” and wearing “trainers” all the time helps. “And you have to be careful not to fall down,” he said. Landing chimed in, saying that he “falls down” often, and Michael also divulged that he does too – adding it is a usual occurrence.

In another interview in early 2023, Michael revealed, “I have a spine problem which affects my leg, so I can’t walk very well.” He publicly appeared in April 2023 alongside his wife, Shakira Caine.

The couple were spotted at the beach enjoying a holiday in the Caribbean. Michael was later seen going to a deckchair using a walking frame with the help of an aide.

The British film icon has been using a cane since 2018 after he fell on ice, leaving him with a broken ankle. He underwent a major operation in 2022. His beautiful wife, Shakira, disclosed, “He had spinal stenosis,” adding he was recovering from the surgery.

Spinal stenosis is a condition that narrows the spinal canal and causes leg pain. When other treatments are not effective, then surgery is usually recommended as another option to treat it.

Inside Michael’s Relationship with His Wife
Despite health and mobility problems, Michael still finds time to spend with his spouse. In May 2023, the lovebirds stepped out for a date night in Mayfair.

The Hollywood star and the former fashion model dressed up for the evening outing. Michael was reportedly assisted in getting out of the vehicle before using a rollator to stand. He and Shakira then headed into Scott’s Restaurant in London.

Michael Caine Shakira Caine at Ministere de la Culture on January 6, 2011 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

The former actress and “The Dark Night” star have been married for 50 years and share one daughter, Natasha Caine. Michael has another adult daughter, Dominique Caine, from his previous marriage.

The movie legend has previously revealed how he met his love Shakira. During an appearance on “The Jonathan Ross Show” in December 2018, Michael divulged he saw Shakira on a TV commercial for Brazilian coffee, adding he “fell in love instantly.”

At that moment, he realized she was the woman for him and told his friend they would be flying to Brazil to look for her. That same day, he met someone who works for the company that advertises Maxwell House coffee.

Michael told the man that he saw a Brazilian girl in the coffee commercial and would be flying to her home country to find her. He learned Shakira was not Brazilian but Indian and lived in London and not in Brazil.

Michael Caine and Shakira Caine at the world premiere of "King Of Thieves,'" 2018 | Source: Getty Images

His efforts ultimately paid off as they married in January 1973. Asked what makes Shakira unique during a March 2023 interview, Michael said she is a beautiful woman with a beautiful face.

“I always say even if she had an ugly face, she would still be a beautiful woman. That’s the difference,” said the star. In addition to being a husband and a father, Michael is also a grandfather of three and said he wants to live long enough to see his grandchildren grow up.