Why Kelly Ripa's aging compliment didn't sit well with Howie Mandel

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos learned the hard way that age is not just a number.

The Emmy-winning daytime hosts found themselves in an unexpected debate on aging during an interview with guest Howie Mandel on "Live with Kelly and Mark" Monday, March 23. The comedian and longtime "America's Got Talent" judge turned 70 in November.

"That doesn't make any sense," Ripa said in amazement at Mandel's age, to which he replied, "What do you mean it doesn't make any sense?"

Consuelos attempted to clarify the comment by complimenting Mandel's appearance, remarking he "look[ed] great," but the explanation didn't sit well with Mandel.

"I look great? That doesn't mean anything to me," Mandel said. "I don't like that because that's a caveat. Because when you tell somebody you're 70, they go, 'You look great [for your age].'"

He added: "It's like saying, 'You're smart for a stupid person.' 'Oh, you look smart; you seem smart.' I don't look good."

But Ripa and Consuelos insisted that Mandel looks "great" regardless of his age, a point that he eventually conceded.

"Thank you. ... Honestly, now, I'll be serious for a minute: I'm gorgeous. I am," Mandel said, to which Ripa replied, "You're a thing of beauty."

As for Mandel's secret to staying young, the comedian got candid on his exercise regimen, which involves swimming with cables he attaches to his ankles and using "frying pan" paddles.

It's "the most ridiculous workout I've ever done in my life," said Mandel, jokingly adding, "I swim for an hour and go nowhere. I [get] so lost in it. It's really good."

Ripa, 55, reflected on her own aging in a February interview with USA TODAY.

While the TV host has previously been game for on-air physical feats, from scaling a 30-foot wall with Cirque du Soleil to hanging upside down on a bungee cord with magician David Blaine, she said she'll be cutting back on the stunts going forward.

"I'm older and wiser and more afraid of breaking a hip," Ripa said. "Now, I'd probably tap out."

Contributing: Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY