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  • Elizabeth Banks, a renowned actor, director, and producer, discusses how she maintains her health now that she’s in her 50s.
  • The star of “Hunger Games” is actively raising awareness about the respiratory ailment known as pneumococcal pneumonia.
  • Banks talks about her experience with healthy aging, managing shingles, and navigating perimenopause.

Famous for her memorable role in the “Hunger Games” series and her Emmy-nominated performance in “30 Rock,” Elizabeth Banks has a knack for engaging her audience.

Now at 51, she is leveraging her influence to engage Generation X in discussions about healthy living in their 50s.

A couple of years before hitting her 50s, Banks was diagnosed with shingles, a painful viral infection linked to the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Shingles is characterized by a painful, blistering rash.

“Initially, my diagnosis was incorrect because I was considered somewhat young for shingles. The symptoms I had were typical, including a rash on one side of my body and a tingling sensation on my scalp. I suffered from insomnia and felt a burning pain,” shared Banks with Healthline.

The episode of shingles was the sole health issue that caused Banks to take time off work.

“It was a moment when I truly felt my age, and it broke my sense of invulnerability. I realized I had to start taking better care of myself in every way,” Banks remarked.

“Shingles can often be triggered by stress, and I realized that my body was becoming less resilient to the stress I had always coped with. I thrive under stress and keeping busy, but it was a wake-up call that I needed to start taking better care of myself,” she added.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises individuals over the age of 50 to get vaccinated against shingles.

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“Upon turning 50, or for those who are immunocompromised, starting at 19, there is a specific vaccine for shingles. It’s crucial to get vaccinated to protect your health,” explained Jen Brull, MD, president of the Board of Directors at the American Academy of Family Physicians, to Healthline.

Banks emphasized that she always follows her doctor’s recommendations about vaccinations and has been particularly vigilant about keeping up with them since her shingles experience.

Recently, she collaborated with Pfizer to promote awareness about pneumococcal pneumonia. Through VaxAssist.com, people can schedule vaccinations for pneumococcal pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

“Maintaining preventive health as we age is vital—it can mean the difference between an early diagnosis and dealing with a severe illness later on as the condition worsens,” Brull mentioned.

Brull also highlighted that preventive care includes vaccinations, cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies, blood tests, annual wellness checks, and advice on lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and mental health care.

“Regardless of age, having a baseline of health is essential. Consider all the benefits of regular check-ups—that’s what preventive care is all about,” added Brull.

Healthline recently caught up with Banks to discuss the significance of vaccinations during midlife and how she focuses on her health now that she is in her 50s.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

Health Prioritization for Generation X

Banks: I believe Generation X finds itself in a unique position. We are inundated with information about health and longevity like never before, yet we face numerous challenges.

Many of us are parenting young children or teenagers, caring for aging parents, and striving in careers we’ve worked hard to establish. All these responsibilities often sideline our health because we are just so preoccupied.

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My advice is a simple reminder for Gen X to also prioritize their own health. It’s crucial for staying available for both their young and older family members and to maintain their professional performance without compromising their well-being.

Maintaining Health in Your 50s

Banks: It started with reevaluating my daily routines, focusing on my diet and sleep patterns. Additionally, I’m going through perimenopause, which is something all women in Gen X will experience.

I’ve improved my diet, enhanced my exercise regimen, prioritized walking, aimed for better sleep, and reduced stress.

Moreover, I stay updated with necessary vaccinations and engage in preventative health practices like getting mammograms and colonoscopies—it’s all part of staying healthy.

I realized especially after learning that individuals over 50 are significantly more susceptible to pneumococcal pneumonia, that midlife is a critical time for heightened health awareness to ensure longevity.

Experiencing Perimenopause

Banks: I’m currently experiencing perimenopause, with menopause on the horizon. Honestly, I wish it would arrive sooner because it’s challenging to navigate this phase.

I’ve noticed subtle changes that have made me feel unlike myself, which was quite the eye-opener.

There are noticeable physical changes, and it’s clear I won’t be the same as before. This has allowed me the chance to reevaluate my life and put my health first.

Understanding Menopause

Menopause marks a significant life stage where menstruation stops for 12 consecutive months. It typically begins in the early 50s, though it can vary.

“Menopause is a gradual transition that can span several years, affecting both physical and emotional health,” Brull explained.

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Perimenopause is the preparatory stage before menopause, potentially lasting a decade or more. This is usually when symptoms commonly associated with menopause start to appear.

Brull suggests several healthy habits to aid women during this transition:

  • regular physical activity
  • a nutritious diet
  • limiting alcohol consumption
  • keeping up with vaccinations and routine health screenings

“For some, reducing intake of alcohol and caffeine might help with sleep disturbances typical of menopause. Others might find hormone replacement therapy (HRT) effective for managing symptoms,” Brull added.

“There’s no universal solution, but maintaining healthy habits is key to managing what you can to stay well,” she continued.

If you start noticing irregular periods, increased fatigue, hot flashes, or pain during sex, it’s important to consult your doctor.

In addition to seeking medical advice, Brull emphasized the importance of sharing experiences with other women who are going through or have gone through menopause, as well as participating in support groups, whether they are online or local, to help make the process less isolating.