The actress turned farmer is unbothered by commentary on her aging naturally

Rachel Ward in 1983 (left) and today.Credit : ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Rachel Ward/Instagram

Rachel Ward is unbothered by criticisms of her appearance.

The Thorn Birds actress, 68, went viral during the holiday season as fans remarked on her appearance.

Ward runs a beef cattle farm in Australia with husband Bryan Brown, 78, whom she met on the set of the 1983 mini-series. While promoting her farm, she was met with messages by trolls who said she looked older than her years and wondered why Ward hadn’t done anything to make herself look more youthful.

Now, she’s sharing a message for the trolls while thanking the fans who rallied to her defense.

“Dear those of you who responded to the brouhaha over the trolls criticizing my appearance, I have tried to do a little better today. I ran my hands through my hair, etc. but anyways, just to say, do not fear aging,” she began her message, shared on Instagram on Jan. 15.

“It’s a wonderful period of life, in your 60s. I am more fulfilled than ever and I have no regrets, leaving my youth and beauty behind” she continued.

“I’m not youthful, but I am a very happy camper. Later years are to be exalted and welcomed. You wait until you get there. They have so many other gifts to bestow that you have no idea what they are until you get there.”

Ward said she was “overwhelmed” by how many rushed to defend her from naysayers, adding, “Don’t worry about me. I do recognize that we’re all a little bit worried about losing our youth and resorting to rather drastic ways of holding on to it, but let it go,” she urged.

“Let it go and much bounty will come. Anyway, I just thank you from [my heart]. It was amazing to receive that response from you all.”