Brooke Shields Explains Why We’re Never Too Old

Brooke Shields

Verywell / Julie Bang

Every Monday on The Verywell Mind Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspirational people about the strategies that help them think, feel, and do their best in life.

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Meet Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields has worked in Hollywood since 1978 as an actress and a model. She’s starred on magazine covers across the globe, appeared in movies like 'Blue Lagoon,' and starred in the TV show 'Suddenly Susan.'

She’s also a New York Times bestselling author. In 2005, her book 'Down Came the Rain' talked about the debilitating postpartum depression she experienced after the birth of her daughter and this helped reduce the stigma associated with postpartum depression. In 2014, her book, 'There Was a Little Girl,' chronicled her life growing up with a single mother who became her show business manager. 

One of Brooke’s latest ventures is Beginning Is Now, a website that combats ageism. At age 56, she is showing women that life doesn’t end at 40. Instead, it’s just beginning.

Why Brooke Is Mentally Strong

Brooke has faced ageism both on and off the camera. But she acknowledges that some people might think she’s been part of the problem. After all, her career in the beauty and entertainment industry spanned decades.

But, now she is boldly speaking up against ageism, both inside and outside of her industry. She wants to break down the stereotypes that imply you’re too old to do certain things once you reach a certain age.

What You’ll Hear on the Show

  • The stereotypes about aging that Brooke is trying to break down
  • How to stop comparing yourself to other people
  • How to stay physically and mentally healthy as you grow older
  • Why it’s so important to find people who inspire you in different age brackets
  • Why Brooke started fighting ageism
  • How being on 'Friends' changed her life
  • Why community is so important as you grow older
  • How to build up the belief in yourself that you can accomplish new things at any age
  • How to get more excited about life at any age

What You’ll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength

The pressure to look youthful and the idea that you’re too old to reach your dreams can certainly affect your mental health. 

Fortunately, you’re never too old to build mental strength. As you grow older, you may find a healthy balance between accepting the changes in your body as well as a desire to stay as healthy as possible. 

Quotes From Brooke

Brooke Shields

Comparison is just the kiss of death. And we all do it. And I have to remind myself daily not to do it.

— Brooke Shields
  • "Find people who are in that age bracket, and find people that inspire you that are that age. And try to learn from them and try to find similarities with yourself in them."
  • "None of us are without struggles."

More About the Podcast

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Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too.

Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors. Thank you.

For media or public speaking inquiries, contact Amy here.

Links and Resources

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By Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief
Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.