Brooke Shields: Redefining Aging for Women
At 59, film, modeling, and television legend Brooke Shields is on a mission to reshape society’s perceptions of aging in women. In her candid new memoir, Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old, the former child star takes a bold stance against the stereotype that older women are “past their prime.”
In this revealing narrative, the mother of two shares her empowering journey towards confidence, marked by challenges that have shaped her life. Here are five pivotal experiences highlighted in her book.
Confronting Depression and Public Criticism
Shields bravely opens up about her battle with postpartum depression following the birth of her first daughter, Rowan. Initially, she hesitated to share her struggles, fearing it would reduce her to a “sob story.”
She reflects, “While I’ve learned to have no shame about experiencing postpartum depression (about 1 in 8 women experience symptoms), it was not something I was proud of in 2005 when it was less widely discussed.”
Shields was taken aback when actor Tom Cruise publicly criticized her decision to use antidepressants, labeling it “dangerous.” This incident occurred just a month after her 40th birthday when her mindset shifted to valuing her own knowledge of her body over others’ opinions.
In response, she penned an op-ed for The New York Times, defending her choices with factual evidence and emphasizing that Cruise’s remarks came from a place of ignorance regarding her experiences. “Today, I know what is best for me, and I feel certain that prioritizing myself will benefit me,” she asserts.
Seeking Relief from Menopause Symptoms
Shields candidly recounts an uncomfortable moment on set, where she experienced a sudden sweat that she initially dismissed as just a momentary inconvenience, not realizing it was a hot flash at the age of 50. She admits to not having considered menopause until that point.
Nearly a decade later, conversations about menopause have gained momentum, largely due to the advocacy of numerous celebrities and the enhancement of menopause-related healthcare. Shields found relief through low-dose hormone replacement therapy, describing it as a “personal decision” that has been “incredibly helpful.”
She emphasizes the importance of connecting with other women about their menopause experiences and encourages shifting the focus of these conversations towards the emotional growth, peace, and creativity that can come with age, rather than solely the negative symptoms.
Overcoming Trauma from Medical Experiences
After the births of her daughters, Shields chose to undergo labial reduction surgery to alleviate the painful chafing she had endured since her teenage years. However, post-surgery, she discovered that the surgeon had performed an additional procedure without her consent, leaving her feeling angry and dissatisfied with the outcome.
Though she never pursued legal action, this experience prompted a significant shift in her perspective. Shields now asserts, “I know myself better than you do. I’ve lived in this body for almost 60 years … I know my body,” illustrating her newfound empowerment.
Choosing Well-Being Over Unrealistic Beauty Norms
Shields reflects on the societal obsession with unattainable beauty standards, a concept she is intimately familiar with, having been celebrated as one of the world’s great beauties at a young age. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown tired of being preoccupied with achieving a certain standard of beauty. It’s exhausting!” she admits.
While acknowledging the temptation to chase eternal youth, Shields urges her audience to embrace self-acceptance. Yet she’s candid about her own choices, revealing her reliance on hair dye for grays and occasional Botox treatments, stating, “I’ve begun to shift my focus to what I feel comfortable with rather than what pleases others.”
She champions a balance of self-care and acceptance – a space where women prioritize their well-being while learning to love themselves as they are.
Embracing Risk and Overcoming Fear of Failure
Shields firmly believes that great opportunities are not exclusive to youth. New adventures, challenges, and successes can happen at any age, and often require an active role in creating them.
In 2024, she launched her own haircare line, Commence, aimed at women over 40. This venture has involved raising capital, navigating the startup landscape, and confronting the fear of failure or rejection head-on.
“I’ve learned to sit with that fear (of failure) and tolerate it, rather than allow it to deter me from pursuing what I want. And if things don’t go as planned … well, we’ve all endured worse,” she reflects.