( CM ) - Pop superstar MADONNA is refusing to worry about her forthcoming 50th birthday, insisting the landmark age is "not a bad word". The Material Girl singer will celebrate the milestone on 16 August (08), but claims her advancing years have done little to dampen her attitude to life. At a press conference on Thursday (28Feb08) to promote the upcoming release of her new album Hard Candy, Madonna was hounded by reporters wanting to know how she feels about turning 50. When a journalist mentioned "5-0" in hushed tones, she responded, "It's not a bad word, you can say it." She also urged them not to view the age as a milestone, saying: "I see it as another excuse to have a birthday party. "(Physically) I feel stronger now than, maybe, 20 years ago - but I think your physicality is connected to your consciousness so if your mind is strong, your body will be strong."