Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Kevin Costner Enters His Fifth Decade of Making Movies, Jewel on Exploring Her Family’s Artistic Legacy, and Easy Tech Tips for Everybody

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Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Kevin Costner Enters His Fifth Decade of Making Movies, Jewel on Exploring Her Family’s Artistic Legacy, and Easy Tech Tips for Everybody

Plus: Philippe Petit on Balancing Life On and Off The Tightrope; Planning For Retirement at 62 Years Old; and a Sneak Peek at Latest High-Tech Products and Services For Couponing, Social Media Connections, and Staying Informed

WASHINGTON—The August/September 2024 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM) gives readers a closer look into the lives of their favorite celebrities and reveals some of the biggest trends of 2024.

Hollywood’s iconic actor-director Kevin Costner is on the cover and delves into some of the unique experiences he’s had as he enters his fifth decade in filmmaking. The issue’s Upfront series showcases eleven remarkable things about multifaceted artist Jewel, by exploring how her musical journey is intertwined with her family’s artistic legacy, while also candidly discussing her hardest lived times like being homeless and having a near-death experience.

Tightrope performer Philippe Petit, at 74, reflects on the 50th anniversary of his famed World Trade Center high-wire walk while revealing how he maintains balance in his profession and way of life.

Plus, this issue addresses the critical factors for older Americans contemplating retirement at age 62; recounts financial professionals’ toughest client challenges and their solutions, including advice on preparing for the business aspects of divorce; and how to utilize high-tech products and services for easier living and staying informed on current events. 

In this issue of AARP The Magazine:

Kevin Costner Goes His Own Way

As he enters his fifth decade in filmmaking, Kevin Costner reflects on a remarkable period in his career when he starred in six major films over a course of six years. He dives into his enduring passion for the craft, while reminiscing about the special moments with his children and the projects they’ve worked together on. 

Tech Made Easy: Your Life Simplified

For this year’s AARP The Magazine annual tech guide, our top tech experts  delve into useful high-tech products and services that will make life easier for everybody and offer some knowledge when it comes to couponing and transportation, while using secure payment apps. Including social media do’s and don’ts of safely connecting with friends and family and tips on how to stay informed on current events.

The A-List: 6 Surprising Things About Jewel

Multiplatinum singer-songwriter, actress and poet Jewel dives into her musical journey, sharing how art is in her family’s DNA and the significant impact yodeling played in shaping her singing technique. She additionally reveals to ATM the hardships she faced with her finances and family at times, and how her definition of beauty is rooted in authenticity.

Real/People: Up in the Air with Philippe Petit
Tightrope artist and performer Philippe Petit, looks back on his famed illegal high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City 50 years ago. Now at 74, Philippe discusses his next bold pursuit and the role of balancing, not only his profession, but also his way of life. He explains with ATM how he is keeping his mind and body energized.

Big Money Woes? When to Call in the Pros

ATM shares some of the most challenging situations financial professionals have encountered with their clients and the solutions they devised. AARP’s financial experts provide advice on preparing for the business side of divorce by maintaining detailed expense records and a clear financial overview.

Could You Retire at 62?

In a recent study, only 46% of American workers under age 62 said they plan to work full-time once they have reached that age. ATM provides a checklist of factors to consider before making the retirement leap, including cost of health insurance, timing Social Security claims, and adjusting retirement plans to account for inflation.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Inside AARP Bulletin’s June Issue: Mitigating Chronic Pain, Avoiding Election Scammers and Buying a Newly Built Home

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Inside AARP Bulletin’s June Issue: Mitigating Chronic Pain, Avoiding Election Scammers and Buying a Newly Built Home

WASHINGTON—AARP Bulletin’s June cover story offers insight that could be a relief to those experiencing chronic pain — which afflicts over a quarter of the population age 45 and older. Instead of a single cure, researchers are now looking for a multipronged approach to managing everyday aches. The story details the latest news on the science of pain.

PLUS: a layperson’s guide to common painkillers and how the pros build a pain management plan.

Also in the June issue of the Bulletin:

What you need to know before purchasing a recently built home: Newly built homes may have safer, stronger construction standards and the latest safety features for older home buyers. But buying new or not-yet-built can pose specific challenges. Read how to help protect yourself in the process — and how to read the fine print while getting the best price — in this month’s issue.

Protect your home against rising waters: With June marking the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, the Bulletin has rounded up the best professional insight into how to flood-proof your home. Not doing so could be costly; a single inch of water flooding your home could cause $25,000 worth of damage. In this month’s issue, we offer nine critical tips to minimize the threat of water.

This story is part of a larger AARP series. For an in-depth look at the toll of rising sea levels and more severe weather events, visit https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2024/washed-away/?cmp=RDRCT-CON-WASHEDAWAY-05232024.

2024 election scams: Crooks often target older adults during voting cycles — simply because they’re so politically engaged. The latest issue of the Bulletin details the three most popular election-related schemes: bogus political action committees (PACs), voter registration scams and fraudulent surveys. Learn how these election scams work — and how to outsmart them — in this month’s Fraud Watch.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Many Family Caregivers Avoid Personal Travel, New AARP Report Shows

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WASHINGTON—A new report from AARP reveals that half (50%) of adult caregivers have avoided personal trips with their care recipient. The primary reason preventing caregiver travel is the physical health of their care recipients (37%). Among caregivers who traveled, their biggest concern was the fear of being unable to access medical assistance when needed (33%).

Conversely, about half of traveling caregivers reported improved emotional well-being and social connectedness on account of taking a personal trip; nearly half also reported improved emotional or mental health for their care recipient.

“Caregiving can be difficult even in familiar surroundings,” says Amy Goyer, AARP Family and Caregiving Expert. “So it can feel daunting to take loved ones on the road. However, taking a trip with them can create wonderful, lifelong memories. By planning ahead, it is possible for many family caregivers to get away with those they care for and enjoy the positive aspects of travel.”

More major findings from the survey:

  • Over half of caregivers 50 or older express a desire to travel to visit family or friends (51%) or simply for a change of scenery (49%).
  • Nine in 10 (90%) of travel destinations for caregivers and their care recipients were domestic.
  • Modes of transportation used in trips with care recipients range from personal vehicles (53%), airplanes (30%), to rental vehicles (14%).
  • For more than one-third (38%) of caregivers, part of their last trip’s cost included paying additional fees for accessibility.

To read the full report, visit AARP.org/travelwithcare. Find more caregiving resources here and at AARP.org/caregiving.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Diane Lane on Acting at Her Own Pace, Guidance for Couples on How to Understand Personal Finances Together, and Navigating Conversations About Menopause in the Workplace, and Jon Bon Jovi on Writing Songs About Aging

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Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Diane Lane on Acting at Her Own Pace, Guidance for Couples on How to Understand Personal Finances Together, and Navigating Conversations About Menopause in the Workplace, and Jon Bon Jovi on Writing Songs About Aging

Plus: Bobby Cannavale on the Power of Hypnotism; How Your Hands Can Reveal Surprising Health Problems; and a Special Report on Severe Weather Conditions Affecting Elderly Residents in Coastal Regions

WASHINGTON—The June/July 2024 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM) gives readers a closer look into the lives of favorite celebrities and reveals some of 2024’s biggest trends.

Legendary rock star Jon Bon Jovi, on the cover of ATM’s June/July 2024 issue, shares details about his upcoming album and how aging is influencing the next stage in his musical career. This issue’s Upfront series showcases six surprising insights about actress Diane Lane, including her acclaimed resurgence in the entertainment industry.

Emmy Award–winning actor Bobby Cannavale reveals how fatherhood with his younger sons sparked a change of his workaholic tendencies. Additionally, ATM delves into the distressing living conditions faced by older Americans along the coasts of New Jersey and Florida, while AARP offers practical tips on fortifying homes against floods.

Plus, the issue includes eight health signals found on our nails and knuckles that could indicate underlying ailments and accompanying expert insights and prevention tips; how to discuss menopause in the workplace; and how to bridge the money-knowledge gaps in marriages so couples can better manage finances together.

In this issue of AARP The Magazine:

Cover Story: Jon Bon Jovi

After living the classic rock star lifestyle for decades, Jon Bon Jovi unveils a new chapter in his musical journey and candidly shares the profound inspiration aging brings to songwriting. Bon Jovi opens up to ATM on refining his image and how he takes care of his voice post vocal surgery.

The A List: Diane Lane

Renowned actress Diane Lane chats about her career in the entertainment business, reflecting on knowing when it is time to take breaks, and staging a triumphant return. Revealing six surprises from her journey along the way, Lane ponders an alternate career shift as a therapist.

What I Know Now With Bobby Cannavale

Emmy-winning actor Bobby Cannavale, a father of three at 54, discusses how being a parent influences his work. The Ezra star also shares his recent experiences with a hypnotist and dedication to “flex every muscle” and try new activities like singing and dancing for the off-Broadway musical Here We Are.

Open Up Your Marriage (the Money Part, That Is)

ATM delves into familiar challenges many couples face: determining who manages finances and how to transition from control to collaboration. AARP offers practical tips and motivations, such as compiling a notebook of finances or patiently educating the less-knowledgeable partner well in advance so both spouses are equipped to manage money independently when necessary.

Surprising Health Clues Hidden in Your Hand

Our fingertips and knuckles serve as revealing indicators of our overall well-being. ATM offers insights on how to be proactive when you begin recognizing any of these eight subtle warning signs that may manifest on our hands and signal the need for medical attention.

How to Talk to Your Boss About Menopause
ATM shares important research regarding menopause and the workplace, such as the fact that only 22 percent of employers provide menopause-specific benefits while 1 in 3 workers currently experiencing menopause had to miss work in the past 12 months due to their symptoms. With menopause frequently overlooked in the workplace, experts provide six tips to initiate conversations with managers and companies to discuss solutions and health benefits to ensure all employees’ comfort and efficiency.

Washed Away

AARP teamed up with veteran environmental journalist Craig Welch for a special report on how extreme weather patterns are currently impacting older Americans in the Coastal Regions of New Jersey and Florida. The report delves into how displaced residents are coping with financial loss as well as feelings of loneliness and uncertainty, and it also provides tips and resources on how individuals can advocate to assist these communities in preparing for floods. With hurricane season underway, the timing of this story is especially critical.

This report is part of a larger AARP series. For an in-depth look at the toll of rising sea levels and more severe weather events, visit aarp.org/washedaway.

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org/about or aarp.org/espanol, or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

AARP The Magazine EXCLUSIVE: Jon Bon Jovi on Aging, Living Your Truth, His Vocal Surgery Journey and Befriending Paul McCartney

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AARP The Magazine EXCLUSIVE: Jon Bon Jovi on Aging, Living Your Truth, His Vocal Surgery Journey and Befriending Paul McCartney

The legendary rock star opens up in the June/July issue of AARP The Magazine about how aging influenced his new album

WASHINGTON—Jon Bon Jovi is determined to deliver one clear message in his new music: Live your truth. In the June/July 2024 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM), Bon Jovi, now 62, is still living out his rock ’n’ roll dreams and shows no signs of stopping.

Bon Jovi has come far, leading the rock star life his younger self dreamed of while growing up in the New Jersey suburbs. However, Bon Jovi opened up to ATM on how his career has changed over the years, whether surviving new waves of music such as grunge or coming to terms with vocal cord damage.

He overcame this vocal cord obstacle thanks to the strong support he’s received over the years. Fellow singer Shania Twain referred him to a voice surgeon, and he also told ATM about his enduring friendships with music icons Paul McCartney and mentor Bruce Springsteen. Now he’s releasing a new album, which Bon Jovi tells ATM is all about aging, because he has even more life experience to inspire his songwriting.

The following are excerpts from ATM’s June/July 2024 cover story featuring Bon Jovi. The issue is available in homes starting in May and online now at aarp.org/magazine.

On whether his new music is about aging:

“Most definitely. ‘Don’t try to be what you used to be.’ I don’t want to be the kid from Slippery When

Wet. I have no desire to be that kid.”

On the impact of age in his songwriting:

“I have a grander palette to write from. More life experience. I think that every record reflects somehow who I am at that time.”

Bon Jovi’s reaction to potential vocal loss

“People had to talk me off the ledge, because you’re like, ‘I didn’t do anything wrong! What’s wrong?’ ”

On becoming friends with the legendary Paul McCartney:

“I’m sitting there with a f—ing Beatle. He comes to my house often, I go to his beach house often, and our wives are very close…. ‘Oh, I’ve got new stuff!’ he tells me. At 81. Crazy.”

Voice surgeon Robert Sataloff on Bon Jovi’s resilience:

“Jon has worked, throughout his career, harder and more diligently than most of his fans would ever have guessed.”

On other rock stars’ acceptance of the grunge movement:

“I watched my peer group suddenly buy flannel shirts and run to that. I said, ‘This is a big mistake. Why would you chase something?’ … I realized: Be who you are, tell your truth.”

On what future tours will look like:

“Whether or not I can ever do a 100-show tour again, I don’t know. But if I can have joy on the stage on night one, that would be great.”

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About AARP:

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org/about or aarp.org/espanol, or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

AARP Bulletin Enlists Pros for 2024 Guide “Modern Problems and Their Solutions”

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AARP Bulletin Enlists Pros for 2024 Guide “Modern Problems and Their Solutions”

The May edition takes on today’s most common health, money, home, and tech issues.

WASHINGTON—The May edition of AARP Bulletin offers readers professional tips to solve 26 everyday problems. Bulletin editors sought guidance from dozens of top professional field readers’ burning questions. Their tips and solutions cover the gamut of life’s sources of daily annoyances and confusion – from health, to finances, to home and tech-related issues.

In this month’s cover story, learn the answers to the top everyday problems of 2024, including:

  • How do I keep track of food recalls?
  • How do I detect AI-written news?
  • How can I save digital photos for decades to come?
  • How do I uncover the hidden fees when purchasing flight tickets?
  • And much more.

Also in the May issue of AARP Bulletin:

Five Things You Need to Know About Retirement Accounts in 2024: Did you know you can reduce your federal tax bill by contributing more to your savings plan? And did you know an even better tax break is coming in 2027? This month, the Bulletin details these and other changes to retirement accounts that are critical for older workers and retirees.

How to Sell Your Parents’ Home: The process of selling your parents’ home can be challenging – both logistically and emotionally. But it can also be a rewarding endeavor. From understanding market trends to finding the right help, AARP Bulletin offers tips to help achieve success.

I’m An Expert and Still Got Scammed: Scams are becoming more sophisticated and technologically advanced. Our Bulletin writer recounts how she clicked on a link from what she believed to be a trusted source – but was actually a spoofed email address – and accidentally gave a scammer login credentials. Read the full story and get tips from the Fraud Watch experts on how to help beef up your cybersecurity in this month’s issue.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

AARP Bulletin’s Fraud Prevention Guide 2024: How to Keep Your Money Safe!

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Readers Learn About the Latest Scam Tactics, Including AI Technology, and How to Fight Back.

WASHINGTON—Criminals are using the latest technology (and a whole lot of creativity) to come up with fresh ways to steal people’s money and identities. This month, the cover story of the April AARP Bulletin features the real-life stories of fraud—and the ways law enforcement and AARP fraud specialists advise to avoid them.

The cover story sheds light on the ever-evolving global landscape of fraud. Readers will discover:

  • How scammers are leveraging new tools, such as cryptocurrency ATMs, voice printing and AI;
  • How the mysterious dark web is used for scams and how one person has infiltrated its criminal communications;
  • The complicated market of stolen personal information—and a peek inside scammers’ centers of operations;
  • And the good news: how AARP’s Fraud Watch Network and law enforcement helps protect consumers.

The following are additional highlights from the April AARP Bulletin:

How to Win Credit Card Disputes: Our finance specialists’ number one tip for disputing a credit card charge? Act swiftly! Delaying a credit card dispute could potentially complicate the resolution process. Learn more crucial tips on the kind of paperwork you should keep track of, who you should contact, and what you should not do in this month’s issue.

What You Must Know About the Stock Market: More Americans than ever have investments in the stock market. In this Bulletin primer, readers will learn the importance of understanding market dynamics and how to invest, plus get an explainer on a new phenomenon: “meme” stocks.

The Whats and Wheys of Protein Supplements: As we age, protein intake plays an increasingly vital role in supporting overall health and vitality. Readers will find a comprehensive guide to protein supplements, including how to choose the right ones and integrate them effectively into their daily routine to support their health and well-being.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Brooke Shields on Beauty Positivity, Marcia Gay Harden on Love and Lessons Learned, Kelsey Grammer on Being in His ‘Rejuvenation’ Era, and How to Avoid Family Feuds Over Inheritance

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Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Brooke Shields on Beauty Positivity, Marcia Gay Harden on Love and Lessons Learned, Kelsey Grammer on Being in His ‘Rejuvenation’ Era, and How to Avoid Family Feuds Over Inheritance

Plus: The Challenges and Joys of Being on Your Own in Your 50s; a Guide to Living Longer by Dodging Health Risks; and the Latest Investment Scams to Be Wary Of

WASHINGTON—The April/May 2024 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM) gives readers a closer look into the lives of their favorite celebrities and reveals some of the biggest trends of 2024.

Trailblazing Hollywood actor Brooke Shields graces ATM’s April/May 2024 cover, reflecting on her rise to fame and her plans for the future. This issue’s Upfront showcases seven insightful life lessons from acclaimed actor Marcia Gay Harden, offering insight on love, parenting and the ebbs and flows of a career. Multiple-award-winning actor Kelsey Grammer explores the pleasures of growing older and closer to his children. Additionally, ATM delves into crucial strategies for navigating inheritance matters, offering indispensable guidance for both preserving wealth and avoiding family conflict.

Plus, navigating solo living and fostering connections through shared life experiences; the top health risks after age 50, with expert advice for proactive wellness; and a look into investment-related fraud and how to spot the warning signs, based on recent court filings.

In this issue of AARP The Magazine:

Cover Story: Brooke Shields

From her iconic start as a child model and actor to her journey through successes and challenges in Hollywood, Brooke Shields has navigated it all with grace and strength. Shields reflects on key moments such as her rise to fame, the pressures she faced, leaving Hollywood to study at Princeton University, and her return.

The A List: Marcia Gay Harden

Oscar and Tony award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden imparts seven life lessons she’s gathered, from skipping unnecessary drama to cherishing her independence without feeling a void as she finds fulfillment in her work and friendships. Though, she says, “If the right person came along, that would be great.”

What I Know Now with Kelsey Grammer

Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony award-winning actor Kelsey Grammer reveals he’s in his “rejuvenation” era at age 69 — with seven children. The Frasier star shares how he is now making up for years of lost time with his oldest daughters.

Inheritance Time Bombs (And How to Defuse Them)

ATM explores six common inheritance issues and the best practices to deactivate these potentially destructive time bombs, from communicating decisions to ways to handle the family business. With older Americans holding the majority of the country’s personal wealth, these practices can help avert disaster.

On Your Own in Your 50s

Living independently presents various challenges for individuals over 50, as well as opportunities. The key is to embrace independence and proactively make connections through activities like volunteering, attending alumni events, frequenting local hangouts or exploring creative pursuits.

Dodge Your Biggest Health Risks

A deep dive into the five deadliest killers of people in their 50s: cancer, heart disease, unintentional injuries, respiratory illnesses such as COVID, and liver disease. Benefit from expert guidance provided by leading scientists in each field to safeguard your health.

Danger: Investment Scams Ahead

Learn about recent financial and investment scams targeting older Americans in areas such as cryptocurrency, foreign exchange and precious metals. Promises of high returns, unverified claims and elusive “secret” formulas should all raise red flags. To protect your investments, understand your limits before diving in.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

AARP The Magazine EXCLUSIVE: Brooke Shields Reflects on Aging, Beauty Positivity, and Seeing the Glass Half Full

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AARP The Magazine EXCLUSIVE: Brooke Shields Reflects on Aging, Beauty Positivity, and Seeing the Glass Half Full

Shields discusses aging, reckoning with her image as a sexualized child model-actor, and how she achieved the rare normal life as a celebrity.

WASHINGTON—“Want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.” With these words spoken at the age of 15, Brooke Shields grabbed the attention of the world. In the April/May 2024 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM), Shields, now 58, reflects upon her early career and the challenges she faced, and continues to face, as a mom, actor, model and author.

Shields’ life looks a little different now than when she was the youngest model to appear on the cover of Vogue or when she was cast at age 11 to play the daughter of a prostitute in Pretty Baby. Shields opens up to ATM about the pressure that came with her fame, her brief break from Hollywood to study at Princeton University, and the trials and tribulations that came with her return, including her eventual split with her mom as her agent and being sexually assaulted by a Hollywood executive.

She also provides ATM a glimpse into her family life today, as she and her husband, Chris Henchy, prepare to be empty nesters after raising their two daughters. Shields’ next role will be in the Netflix rom-com Mother of the Bride premiering this May.

The following are excerpts from ATM’s April/May 2024 cover story featuring Brooke Shields. The issue is available in homes starting in March and online now at aarp.org/magazine.

On aging in front of the camera:

“You have to change the narrative. It’s an affront to people if Brooke Shields gets older. You can’t grow up, you cannot age. It’s disappointing to them that I don’t have the same face I had when I was 16.”

On what it was like being famous as a teenager:

“It only became clear to me how famous I was when we went out. If we went to Studio 54 or the Cannes Film Festival, there would be hordes of people and paparazzi screaming my name and sometimes rocking the car, and I’m like, ‘This is nuts.’ It was like facing a firing squad.”

On coping with the sexual assault by a Hollywood executive:

“It’s a universal problem. It doesn’t matter who’s doing it, it’s still happening. I was shocked and then surprised, then fearful, then dissociated, going like, ‘OK, what can I do to get out of here? What needs to happen so that I can leave?’”

On firing her mom as her agent:

“My mother kept calling it a divorce. And I was like, ‘Oh, Mom, I’m still your daughter, but if I’m going to do this, I have to do this on my own. I’ll make my own mistakes.’ But that meant I didn’t need her, and then who was she if I didn’t need her?”

On learning how to say no:

“I recently turned down a project, and it was hard for me because I don’t back out of things. But it was giving me such anxiety. There were other things I needed to do — get a foot operation, write a book, get my company off the ground. I felt such relief saying no.”

On comparing parenting to her own upbringing:

“From the time my girls were little kids, I spoke to them as human beings and made my best effort to switch it back around. ‘What do you think about that, or how does that make you feel?’ They’ve never felt judged by me, whereas I felt judged all the time.”

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org/about-aarp or aarp.org/español, or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

 

AARP Bulletin’s March Issue: Unlocking the Secrets of a Stress-Free Tax Season, Grocery Store Deceits That Cost You, and the Hot Job Market (for Dogs)

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AARP Bulletin’s March Issue: Unlocking the Secrets of a Stress-Free Tax Season, Grocery Store Deceits That Cost You, and the Hot Job Market (for Dogs)

WASHINGTON—The March 2024 issue of AARP Bulletin will offer readers an array of helpful tips – from navigating tax season as an older American to advice on how to avoid common and timely scams. Plus, our cover story notes good news in the world of Alzheimer’s treatment.

The following are highlights from this month’s Bulletin:

IRS Triggers to Avoid

Truth is, the likelihood of getting your taxes audited by the Internal Revenue Service these days are near record lows. But a handful of mistakes in how you fill out – or submit! – your taxes can greatly increase the likelihood of getting that dreaded letter from the IRS. AARP Bulletin details the mistakes or oversights that are most important to avoid. One hint for older filers: Make sure you’ve withdrawn enough from your IRAs or 401(k)s!

Alzheimer’s: New Learnings, Rising Hope

The Bulletin’s cover story delves into the latest research developments in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. For over a century, this most common form of dementia has defied all scientific attempts to develop drug or other treatments. But in just the past few years, the first medicines have emerged and scientists now believe they are on the brink of figuring out the true causes of the disease and also a viable approach to treatment and prevention. An AARP Bulletin exclusive of great importance to countless Americans.

Fraud Watch: Experts Answer Common Questions

Every week, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline receives 300-400 calls from people of all ages looking for guidance from fraud specialists. In this issue, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions, such as:

  • Why would fraudsters send packages to me without any forewarning?
  • What should I do if I think my friends are involved in a romance scam?
  • And what I do if I lose money in a cryptocurrency scam?

Live Well For Less: The Truth About Grocery Shelf Tags

In theory, they’re there to give you honest and useful info to compare prices, but grocery shelf tags often generate more confusion than help. Bulletin columnist Lisa Lee Freeman explains how and why tags var so much and more importantly, how to decipher shelf tags to make sure you ALWAYS get the best value when you shop for food.

Wanted: Dogs With Skills

Most any dog can provide emotional support, but the market for service dogs – which undergo months of training to learn how to provide a surprisingly vast array of services to their human partner – is where the real activity is. While expensive, service dogs are being trained in skills that might shock you, from sniffing for medical problems to opening doors and turning on lights.

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.