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

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”

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!

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

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

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.”

# # #

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.

 

Get ready! Medicare’s Open Enrollment starts October 15.

You can enroll in Medicare health and drug plans from October 15 – December 7. Get ready for Medicare’s Open Enrollment with these 5 tips:

  1. Check your mail. You may get important notices from Medicare or Social Security. If you’re in a Medicare plan, you’ll get an Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) telling you of any changes in coverage, costs, or service area. Note any 2022 changes to your health coverage or any Extra Help you may get to pay for prescription drugs.

    You may also get brochures and other marketing materials from insurance companies that offer Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Remember — plans aren’t allowed to call or come to your home without an invitation from you. Find out how to protect yourself from Medicare fraud.

  2. Think about your Medicare coverage needs for 2022. Carefully review your current Medicare coverage, and note any upcoming changes to your costs or benefits. Decide if your current Medicare coverage will meet your needs for the year ahead. If you like your current coverage, and it’s still available for 2022, you don’t need to take any action to keep it.
  3. Review your 2022 “Medicare & You” handbookIt has information about Medicare coverage and Medicare plans in your area. If you want to get your handbook electronically, you can go paperless by logging into (or creating) your secure Medicare account.
  4. Preview 2022 health and prescription drug plans. We make it easy to compare coverage options and shop for health plans. For a personalized search, log in or create an account (if you have a Medicare Number) to create or access a list of your drugs, compare your current Medicare plan to others, and see prices based on any help you get with drug costs.
  5. Get personalized help in your community. You may be able to find free information and events online, or get help from health insurance counselors in your area by phone, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

Visit Medicare.gov to sign up to get important news & updates by email from Medicare.

Guard your card: How to protect your Medicare card


Protect yourself by protecting your Medicare card!  

The next Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) is coming fast, which means con artists may try to steal your identity and commit Medicare fraud. Medicare has taken actions to make Medicare cards safer by replacing Social Security Numbers with more secure ID numbers. But even with those efforts, fraudsters may still try to take advantage of you during Open Enrollment. 

Medicare fraud results in higher health care costs for taxpayers just like you. That’s why it’s so important to know how to protect your Medicare card and Number.

What can you do to protect yourself and prevent Medicare fraud?

The most important thing you can do is guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card. Don’t give your Medicare card or Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.

You can also:

  • Keep your Medicare Number to yourself. If you get a call from people promising you things if you give them your Medicare Number — don’t do it. This is a common Medicare scam.
  • Refuse any offer of money or gifts for free medical care. A common ploy of identity thieves is to say they can send you your free gift right away — they just need your Medicare Number.
  • Use a calendar to record all of your doctors’ appointments and any tests you get. When you check your Medicare statements, look out for any items and services listed and other details that don’t look correct. If you see a charge or service that you think is incorrect and you know the provider, call their office and ask about it.
  • Learn how a Medicare plan works before you join.
  • Stay alert for fraud during the coronavirus disease 2019 (or COVID-19) national emergency. Con artists like to take advantage of people when they’re distracted.

Committing Medicare fraud is illegal & you should report it

If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan, call the Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor (MEDIC) at 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379).

Learn how to protect yourself from health care fraud. Visit Medicare.gov/fraud for more information on how to help fight Medicare fraud.

Prevention is key—protect yourself with vaccines

More than 79% of people 65 and over are fully vaccinated for COVID-19—but are you defending yourself from other life-threatening illnesses, like pneumonia and the flu? Getting vaccinated is a simple, safe, and effective way to protect yourself.

According to the CDC, “vaccines greatly reduce the risk of infection by working with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop immunity to disease.” They strengthen your immune system and train it to create antibodies, like it does when it’s exposed to a disease.

Medicare covers a variety of vaccinations, including:

  • COVID-19 vaccine—helps protect against Coronavirus disease 2019
  • Flu shot—helps prevent the influenza virus
  • Hepatitis B shots—helps protects against the Hepatitis B Virus
  • Pneumococcal shots —helps protect against pneumococcal disease and its potentially serious complications, including infections like pneumonia and meningitis
  • Shingles shot—helps protect against reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes varicella (chickenpox)
  • Tdap shots—helps protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (“whooping cough”)

Also, you no longer need to wait 14 days between different vaccines. According to the CDC, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including flu and shingles, at the same visit.

Adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date because immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Talk to your doctor to help you decide which vaccines are right for you.

Help Paying for Prosthetic Care

Help Paying for Prosthetic Care

People who have had an amputation may get help paying for rehabilitation and a prosthesis.

Help With Your Diabetic Supplies

Help With Your Diabetic Supplies

If you are having difficulty affording your diabetic supplies there are resources available.