Brooke Shields on aging, thriving and the surprising perk of empty nest life

She admitted that she is “selfish,” Brooke Shields had said.
She has become more productive as a result of her selfishness.
Through her new initiative, THRIVE@50, she has high hopes that other people will be “selfish” and prioritize their own health.The 59-year-old actress Brooke Shields is done putting herself in second place after nearly half a century of working in the entertainment industry. In terms of health and wellbeing, the celebrity who has appeared on stage and screen wants everyone to be aware that it is not only acceptable, but it is encouraged, to be self-centered. According to her pro-aging perspective, she tells Prevention, “This is the first time in my life that my physical well-being is not for the benefit of anybody else.”

Despite the fact that the word “selfish” may have negative connotations, Shields has discovered that he is confident in the concept. The confession that she made was, “I grew up saying yes to everything.” This is exactly what you did. It was only a yes from you. She is willing to take on additional assignments, she is willing to work longer hours, and she is willing to spread herself too thin. But those days of trying to please everyone have long since passed. Shields is completely prepared to dive headfirst into the process of establishing boundaries as she enters this new period of her life. In what specific way does she intend to carry out that action? “[I want to] take care of myself and rejuvenate myself, rather than running myself ragged,” she adds when asked about her goals. In regard to those particular matters, I have developed a strong sense of self-centeredness, and I find that I am even more productive when I take time for myself.

Excessively productive is an understatement. She has had a complete slate during the “selfish” phase of the celebrity, which includes the following: Her most notable accomplishments include starring in the critically acclaimed film Mother of the Bride, becoming the President of the Actors Equity Association, and launching a new hair care line called Commence. Moreover, she is now taking on a new job, which is that of a health advocate. Shields has collaborated with the pharmaceutical company GSK on her most recent project, which is called THRIVE@50+. This campaign is a star-studded initiative that urges those over the age of 50 to inquire with their physician or pharmacist about the possibility of contracting shingles and the various vaccination choices available.”When I heard the statistics—that one million people over the age of 50 in the United States will get [shingles] each year, I thought that was staggering, and I couldn’t believe that wasn’t something I already knew,” she says in an interview about the disease with Prevention. Taking into consideration the shame that is associated with getting older, Shields does not find it altogether surprising that there is a lack of understanding and quiet surrounding this disease.

She says, “The moment you don’t look nubile or your ovaries are up and out, [you’re made to feel like] it’s the end of the line.” [They] make you feel like it’s the end of the line. In contrast, Shields has discovered that this is not even close to being accurate, and it is a message that she intends to convey to others. The statement that she makes is that “for me, age is a source of power, rather than a negative.” “Because…you work hard for it… Getting older is freedom.”

As part of her campaign, she intends to encourage women to take advantage of their powerful position. Additionally, a component of this is putting up a fight, despite the fact that it may initially feel uneasy. As a general rule, we have the notion that if you ask an excessive amount of questions, you are either being difficult or you are being too crazy. On the other hand, she might be in a mood. And that narrative is just so outdated and wrong,” she says.

Shields’ message is clear: You know your body best, and it’s up to you to get the information you need in order to live your best and healthiest life—that’s what being selfish is all about. It’s time to throw others’ expectations out, and live life for you. Get the information you need, get the healthcare you need, get the support you need without fear. To Shields, that is the most valuable lesson she’s taken from aging.

“If you don’t ask the questions for yourself,” she continues. “Who’s going to do it for you? Continue to ask.”