ShAARP Session: Observations from AARP

AARP has an article with tips on how to get a good night's sleep - after all, studies are showing that getting better sleep means better health. This is important especially these days; too many folks are losing sleep from being stressed about the economy. They talk about the range of health issues that can arise or be worsened by a lack of sleep, as well as ways to ensure you get 7-8 hours per night. Here are a few tips (with details in the article):

• Get a checkup
• Avoid sleep aids
• Practice stress management
• Nix the nightcap
• Time your naps

But speaking of naps, new research has also shown that women who take long naps every day have a larger risk of death. Interesting how nighttime sleep is good for you, but sleeping during the day can be bad. What would make sense is what the AARP piece said - that too much napping can effect the amount nighttime sleep, or just indicate a larger health problem.

While this R&B icon isn't with us anymore, we felt the need to acknowledge that today is the great Marvin Gaye's birthday. For those of us who grew up listening to the sounds of his glorious hits, this one is for you:

Unemployment is rising and consumption is shrinking. All sorts of producers and service providers are seeing their sales dip and as a result, many are coming up with creative promotion to boost sales. Just yesterday, General Motors announced a new promotion which offers to make some of your car payments for you if you lose your job. You can find many more companies with offers that help you out if you lose your job. The idea is that if people are holding off on buying because of fears of job loss, the best way to promote more buying is to reduce those fears. Would any of these deals encourage you to buy during this recession?

AP has a news story on how older workers are not only struggling to get a paycheck in this tough times, but searching the "help wanted" ads for the first time in their careers. Check it out.

If you're looking for a job, or want some job hunting advice check out Bob Skladany's columns on AARP.org or our Work pages.

The Kennedy Serve America Act, which will strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities for people of all ages, just passed the House and is heading to President Obama's desk for signature into law.

Thanks so much to all of you who reached out to your Representatives and Senators!

Thought you might enjoy reading more about it in this Newsweek story. Excerpt below:

"Tom Nelson, AARP's chief operating officer, said the bill gives more older Americans the chance to apply their years of experience to helping others.

Nelson said his group is hearing from thousands of people who say, "How do I get involved, how do I help my community?"

"That older volunteer can be the ideal volunteer," he said."

To see how your Member of Congress voted, visit www.aarp.org/governmentwatch or to get updates on how you can make a difference, join Create The Good.

Great news! The House of Reps could send voluntary service legislation to the President as early as this evening. We're hearing they will consider the Senate-passed version of H.R. 1388, The GIVE Act/Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act this afternoon.

How can you help? Contact your Representatives now and urge them to support the bill. It's pretty simple, just tell them to "Please pass the GIVE Act as amended by the Senate."

The House operator -- 202-225-3121 -- can connect you with your Congressperson. Click here if you need to see who your representative is. Stay tuned to www.aarp.org/governmentwatch to see how your legislator voted.

PS. If you've already called, and asked your friends to call, visit www.aarp.org/CreateTheGood to find more ways you can help out in your community.

Going to the gym to do some cardio or lift weights is great for you, but get with the times. It's not just about working out your body. These days more and more people are exercising their brains in order to keep their minds sharper for longer. Brain gyms as they are called, offer classes with mental exercises that claim to improve both memory and reasoning. Recently, these brain gyms have exploded in popularity in a growing trend to keep the mind functioning well during aging. Traditional exercise is still a good idea, but maybe hitting the brain gym will help you remember to go to the regular one afterward.