ShAARP Session: Observations from AARP

We are very excited to announce today that GRAMMY® Award-winning Country star Faith Hill appears in a new public service announcement that encourages Americans to volunteer their time to make America a better place.

Faith's ad, featuring AARP Create The Good is one of the iParticipate series you'll see on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC.

Got 30 seconds? Take a look at Faith's ad and let us know what you think and how you like to make a difference. As she says, "There are so many ways to serve. What will you do?"

If you're looking for ideas and inspiration to make a difference on your own time, in your community, on the things you care about, visit AARP's www.createthegood.org to get started.

Blythe Danner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey are among the performers featured in the PSAs. iParticipate was recently launched in New York's Times Square with Create The Good volunteers. We were joined by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and 15 mayors from around the country, numerous celebrities, including Ashton Kutcher, Tyler Perry, Tim Daly (ABC), Christine Baranski (CBS), Randy Jackson (FOX), Michelle Trachtenberg (NBC), among others, and key service groups to launch the initiative. Check out the pictures and video in Create The Good's Facebook group.

As a really cool way to promote green living, AARP has created a new contest that allows folks to not only offer new ideas to be environmentally friendly, but also win stuff for doing it! The Live Green Everyday Sweepstakes urges people to give their tips on how to be green, and gives back green prizes in return.

And that will be every day for the next 6 weeks! Amazon gift codes will be given out to folks each day, and bigger prizes will be given out each week during the sweepstakes - like bicycles, green washing machines and dishwashers, even macbooks and television sets!

Looks like you can't lose with this kind of game. Enter the contest today.

I can remember the very first time I saw The Wizard of Oz. I sat cross-legged on my parents bed, staring up at the television. I don't think I moved an inch until the Wicked Witch and Dorothy fought in the castle hallway, sending me running!

This year is the 70th Anniversary of the classic film and if you're like me you still watch the movie whenever it's on tv...even if it's half way done!

Fast forward to a particularly low-key evening when I was doing some internet surfing and came upon Elf Island. The site is essentially a virtual world for kids where they can play games, learn about social issues and interact with peers across the world.

In honor of Oz's anniversary, they've brought this huge virtual experience to kids where they can play games, dress up as the Tin Man - and even don Dorothy's slippers. So if your kids have recently seen the movie and you want to keep the magic alive check them out!

An added bonus of the site? They regularly partner with non-profits all over the world to raise children's global awareness about what's going on in places they may have never heard of! Each month there is a new GoodQuest that encourages the kids to work together toward a common cause. This month kids are helping the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation by building 10,000 virtual camp buildings. If they reach the goal, they will fund the construction of a camp in Uganda for children living with HIV and AIDS.

So if your kids are glued to the computer, they mind as well have fun & do good all at the same time eh?!

Although times are tough, the summer tends to trigger the "travel itch" - you know, that sense of urgency to get out of town immediately to a sun-drenched vacation consisting of laying out by a pool and sipping on piña coladas all day. So how can we quench our vacation thirst without spending all of our retirement savings?

Well, it looks like Peter Greenburg has some answers for us. An inquiry led Greenburg to give tips on how to find the best deals for older folks looking to go on a cruise - apparently there a lot of discounts for older adults available. Check out the article and some online resources he gives, like CruiseCritic, GalaxSea Cruise and Tours and Cruise.com.

Happy cruising!

Remember the new social networking section on AARP we blogged about last week? Well, it looks like it may come in handy after we find a new study showing that not only are the numbers of 50+ Facebook users skyrocketing, but their younger counterparts are actually decreasing:

A report released by iStrategyLabs shows that while the number of Facebook's U.S. high school and college-age users declined over the past six months, its popularity among the 55-and-older crowd is booming. In fact, the number of 55-and-older Facebook users showed staggering growth -- 513.7% -- in the last six months, the digital consulting firm said. This isn't a new phenomenon for Facebook. In March, Hitwise Pty. reported that the social network's audience of people over the ripe old age of 35 increased by 23% in February compared with the same month a year earlier. While Facebook was first launched to serve college students, over the past year or so the network has expanded to include many middle-aged folks. (Emphasis mine)

While there are rumors that the decrease in college-aged users is because they are beginning to feel alienated by their parents joining the site, I don't know if that's the entire reason. There are so many new social networking sites being introduced every day, young people end up migrating to the newer and better forums. But be careful kids, looks like mom and pops are right on your tail!

This is awesome. AARP is featuring a social networking section on the site, giving folks some tips on how to dive into the social networking world, as well as some funny stories of web 2.0 overload like "Confessions of a Facebook Addict."

While a common misconception is that older adults aren't engaging social networking (or engaging online at all), that's actually far from the truth. In fact, the fastest-growing group of people joining Facebook is women over 55 years old. Take that, stereotypes!

Make sure to check it out.

Some daring folks trying to change the urban landscape - watch it on AARP TV:

While you're staying indoors to beat the summer heat, might as well get your game-on! AARP has released the Video Games for Grownups: Summer 2009 list, and it's not to miss. Some highlighted games for all ages:

• Hasbro Family Night (Hasbro)
• The Maw (Twisted Pixel Games)
• Stoked (Destineer)

And the list goes on. Check 'em all out!

The folks at AARP TV posted some original footage of the Stonewall riots and new interviews with gay and lesbian leaders. Powerful stuff to watch on this day.

According to a new Harris Interactive Poll, baby boomers (aged 45-63) say that the popular sitcom from the 1970s and early 1980s is their favorite television program of all time. H/t The Examiner, which notes that when you aggregate all age groups CSI comes out on top. Me? I'll take any show with Alan Alda!

Here's Alda reflecting on the popularity of M*A*S*H some years later.

em>SPECIAL GUEST BLOG FROM MIMI CASTALDI, AARP
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita had a devastating impact on St. Barnard Parish, LA. All 27,000 homes were uninhabitable after the storm. More than three years later, only one-third of the residents have returned home.

One of my friends suggested we get a group together to help and the next thing you know, seven of us from DC are down in Louisiana this week helping rebuild houses with the St. Bernard's Project. You can sign up right on the web and choose your dates. When we got here they had an orientation and we met volunteers from around the country. There was even another AARP member from Philadelphia who was on her FIFTH trip!

It has been an amazing experience. We heard the story of one of the residents who was stranded on a roof top for six days waiting for help. We saw house after house that still had the markers from when crews in after the storm.

Our group spent the day in a house that is midway through reconstruction. The owner currently lives about 35 minutes away, but he's eager to return to his home, his neighborhood and his family. Crews of volunteers before us stripped the house down to the studs, treated it to get rid of mold, and installed drywall. It was our job to tape and spackle (or mud) the drywall to create a smooth surface. None of us had much experience, but we had a leader from AmeriCorps who patiently showed us what to do, and monitored it to make sure we got it right. By days end I had the hang of it, and felt like I was making a difference.

As a special treat, we were lucky enough to be able to visit a family who had just returned to their home. The family was so happy they cooked us jambalaya for dinner. I told them that somehow that didn't seem fair since they've been living in this harsh reality for years, and we just arrived. She said, just tell your friends what you're doing and that we need their help too.

To get started, visit St. Bernard's Project today.

Bob Dylan's newest album, Together Through Life, hit music stores yesterday. Edna Gundersen in USA Today offers a typically glowing review.

"He's got grit, for sure. His gloriously wicked, wheezy croon suits these biting, sentimental tales of love in hard times. Dylan may be tangled up in blues, but when he punctuates My Wife's Home Town with a mischievous chuckle, it's clear he has never felt so unfettered."

And in a nod to the younger generation, Dylan has announced a tour of minor league ball parks across the United States (along with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp) in which children 14 years and younger get in for free. Oh, and he's got a twitter page! too. The times they are a-changing!

Remember when we were kids and we had summer reading lists? Lord of the Flies, The Scarlet Letter, Animal Farm...the classics we had to read between trips to the beach, camping and day-long excursions to the pool.

I'm reviving the summer reading list this year - but you won't find any classics on mine. I'm making it a goal to finish a couple books that are difficult to get through and carry on to a few fun ones that will entertain me while I'm trying to get some sun!

If you're like me, a walk through the book store can end with five books in hand and a never ending list of "books I should read." I like to keep track of my reading list on a site called Goodreads. You can connect with your friends, their reading lists, form book clubs, get reader recommendations and convene with other people who love to smell the spines of books, too (maybe that's just me).

I'm going to finally finish A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers...and pick up Supreme Courtship, by Christopher Buckley, Moose: A Memoir of Fat Camp, by Stephanie Klein, and The Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follet.

What will you be reading this summer?

I filed my tax forms a few weeks ago and BOY! Was I proud of myself for getting it done soooooo early! I'd also be lying if I said I hadn't already spent my whole return in my head yet!

Mostly paying off debt, but a little will go to a much needed mini-vacation. What are you spending your tax return on?

While we know that the number of older folks using Facebook are skyrocketing, it looks like Twitter users are catching up too. And they ain't all young.

For those of you who don't know how this social networking site works, it's easy as pie - while Facebook allows you to "update your status" in real time so friends can see what you're up to, Twitter does just that. Rather than having a profile, applications, picture albums and all the other facets of Facebook, Twitter only allows you to update your status for your friends to see.

In a way, Twitter is more appealing to those not internet savvy because it's so much simpler than Facebook. Type in your thoughts, press enter, and you're done! So it makes sense that more folks are catching on, and middle aged folks are among the increasing group of new users:

ComScore found that people aged between 45 and 54 are 36% more likely than other age group to use Twitter, making them the highest-rated age group, followed by those aged 25 to 34, who are 30% more likely to Tweet out updates about their life and work.

Older users also spend more time on Twitter than their younger counterparts. Now we need to do some research on folks older than 54 - after all, Boomers can be Tweeters too!

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:

Know someone over 60 who is changing the world? They could win $100,000 for their passion. Nominate them for the Purpose Prize.

The Purpose Prize awards up to $100,000 to social innovators over 60 who are creating new ways to solve pressing social issues - from education to health care, poverty to global warming. Winners are finding purpose in an encore career and putting their experience to work for the greater good.

Click Here for stories on past winners and the nomination form.

Good luck!

We'd be remiss to not mention the Oscars for at least a moment, and what a show! The Oscars are still buzzing since the Sunday night festivities, with everyone going over the highlights and upsets that the awards ceremony brought to the table. Between Kate Winslet's father whistling to her during her acceptance speech for Best Actress, to Heath Ledger's family accepting his award for Best Supporting Actor, it was a night to remember.

Below is the awards' opening number with Hugh Jackman, who did a fantastic job as host this year.

What was your favorite Oscar moment?

I love this. Abigail Thomas has a thoughtful piece in AARP The Magazine on writing a memoir, saying, "To write a memoir, cultivate the habit of listening to yourself." Not only does she talk about her own personal journey towards and through memoir-writing, but gives us inspirational advice on how to tune into our inner writer, step by step. One snippet I like:

Writing is the way I ground myself, what keeps me sane. Writing is the way I try to make sense of my life, try to find meaning in accident, reasons why what happens happens--even though I know that why is a distraction, and meaning you have to cobble together yourself.

Sometimes just holding a pen in my hand and writing milk butter eggs sugar calms me. Truth is what I'm ultimately after--truth or clarity. I think truth's what we're all after, although I'd never have said such a thing when I was young. Writing memoir is a way to figure out who you used to be and how you got to be who you are.

She reminds us that a memoir isn't a journal of who you are, but how you got to where and who you are; in other words - the story behind it. After all, everyone has a story to tell.

As we gear up for the holiday o' love tomorrow, AARP has a special V-Day feature with Dr. Laura Berman, who answers 10 questions about making love and sex better for older couples. It's important to not only recognize that age and time can affect the passion in relationships, but to acknowledge that older adults are still capable of passion in their lives!

They also have a poll heating things up by asking AARP members if they're still "Frisky after 50"! Make sure to check it out, and have a great Valentine's Day!

I've never heard of a better reason to play video games! The Guardian has an article on new study which found that after playing a strategy-based video game, older adults became better at certain mental abilities that tend to decline as people age, like scheduling, multi-tasking and holding two or more things in our short-term memory at one time. Check it out:

The study included 40 adults in their 60s and 70s who hadn't played a video game for at least two years. Half received nearly 24 hours of training on a game called Rise of Nations, which gives players points for building cities, feeding and employing citizens, expanding territory, and creating great works of art, technology and architecture. The other half didn't play or train on any game.

The researchers used several tests to measure each person's mental abilities at the beginning, middle and end of the study. They found that gamers improved in several measures compared with non-gamers. They became much better and faster at switching between tasks. Their reasoning and their ability to hold two or more pieces of information in their memory also improved. They also did better in tests measuring their short-term memory of visual cues and their ability to quickly identify objects that had been rotated.

The study was funded by the US National Institute on Aging, and published in the American Psychological Association's journal, Psychology and Aging. Who knew video games could potentially be good for you? Check out the whole piece for more info.

You don't see it at first. The stuff.

You see the river, rimmed with ice, and the sky and the boats at anchor. You see the marshy shoreline, stark in its tangled winter cover in countless hues of brown.

I'd come this morning to the Dyke Marsh area of the Potomac River - directly south of Old Town Alexandria on the George Washington Parkway - to help remove debris from the river's edge.

Not much to do, I thought. I was wrong because you just don't see it at first. At least, I didn't.

But I tromped south with 12 to 15 others. We scattered along the shoreline south of the marina and slowly colors began to emerge. Blues and greens, reds and whites, that didn't belong to nature. Slowly the eye begins to pick out the dull gleam of dirty plastic bottles.

Only then do you begin to realize the sad task confronting us.

Perhaps a hundred people were drawn to this service project. I'm certain many - like me - came to honor the memory of Martin Luther King and to honor the promise of a new President.

The volunteers were of every age. There were parents with their children. Some of the kids young enough to be distracted by the shells cast up by the water. There were mothers with their 20-something daughters, teens and retirees and a Congressional aide (from Rep. Jim Moran's office).

The clean-up was sponsored by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Friends of Dyke Marsh.

The volunteers were scattered along a mile, perhaps two of the Potomac shoreline. The debris they hauled from the river's edge was impressive.

Trash sacks bulged with water bottles (lots of water bottles), soda bottles and soda cans, beer cans, juice bottles, baby bottles, energy drinks, potato chip sacks, random bits of Styrofoam (it's the worst) and plastic in countless configurations. Volunteers also dredged up several discarded automobile tires.

Spirits were high. It was a good morning - sunny, dry, in the low 30s - and a good cause.

One day won't do, of course. Return next week, next month, and another impressive mound of trash could be hauled away from the river's edge.

All that trash made me angry, sad and determined. All those volunteers made me hopeful. I will be back. I hope you'll join me next time.

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Love coffee? Love Starbucks coffee? How does a FREE Starbucks coffee sound to you? We think it sounds pretty darn good, especially at this time of day. (*yawn*)

What's the catch you ask? Well just five hours, really.

On Monday, January 19 - which is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day - hit up your local Starbucks, pledge to do five hours of community service work in 2009 and you get your free cup of Joe.

You can read about it all right here.

What do you think about Starbucks getting into the service action? Will you pledge five hours of the 8,304 hours that will be left in 2009 by MLK day? We are! Visit AARP Create The Good for ideas of what you can do - whether you have 5 minutes or 5 hours.

Remember Polaroid? Big, brick-sized cameras, and you could take a picture of your cat and five minutes later it'd be a beautiful printed picture?

I ran into Polaroid at the Consumer Electronics Show, and they're making some new cameras that print pictures without even using ink. Remember how the old Polaroid prints had to sit out on your counter and dry for a painful, long 2 minutes? Not anymore. This is a picture I printed of myself at the show:

They weren't the only ones - there's a Japanese company that makes a similar camera in all sorts of different colors. Check them out here.

Linda Frey of Allentown, Pennsylvania! More than 7,000 votes were cast online for the "Air Guitar for My Guitar" collaboration between AARP and the legendary rock group Foreigner. Frey will receive the grand prize of a trip for two to Honolulu, Hawaii to meet Foreigner on New Year's Eve at their last tour stop, as well as an autographed limited edition Gibson Signature Series Les Paul Guitar worth $10,000 from lead guitarist and the band's founder, Mick Jones. Congrats to "Lyrical Linda" and everyone who participated.

Here's the winning video.

Bob Crowley, a 57-year-old school teacher from Portland, Maine bested rivals half his age to win $1,000,000 in this year's season of CBS's Survivor. Here is Bob on CBS's Early Show explaining how his aged proved an asset for the competition. Congrats, Bob!

The legendary 1950's "pin-up" model Bettie Page died yesterday at the age of 85. As the New York Times obituary explains, Page defied the typical expectations of women in her day--and ended even up in the cross hairs of a United States senate investigation on "pornography." After dropping out of the public imagination for close to three decades, there has been in recent years something of a Betty Page revival, including the 2005 film "The Notorious Betty Page." At the time, Salon offered a smart take on the significance of Page to her era.

Bettie Page's spirit transcends traditional feminist ideology, cutting straight past perceived ideas of how women should or shouldn't pander to men's sexual appetites. Her pictures are so elemental, so lacking in guile, that they often seem to be less "about" sex than about a pure state of being -- maybe even a state of grace. No wonder Page, even long after she left modeling and became deeply religious, never denounced her past. [Actress Gretchen] Mol's Bettie explains, "I'm not ashamed. Adam and Eve were naked in the Garden of Eden. When they sinned, they put on clothes."

RIP, Bettie Page.

Amid all the talk about the economic crisis during the holidays this year, we can't forget about the other problem that's brooding in the back of our mind during the holiday season: how we're going to survive planning the family party madness.

We have a funny but also really useful article on holiday get-togethers with our loved ones, how they can often be super stressful, and what to do about it. And I gotta say, the author - senior VP of outreach for Grandparents.com Amy Goyer - came up with some amazing advice on how to plan effectively. She even suggests using flip-charts! Here are some of her tips:

• Hold a family conference
• Plan ahead
• Lighten up and be open to changes
• Share responsibilities
• Communicate clearly and often
• Honor family traditions

Check out the details in the full article. It actually makes planning for the holidays sound, well, fun!

Today, six entrepreneurs over age 60 found out that they are 2008 Purpose Prize Winners! One invented a $28 machine to help rural African villagers turn their small peanut farm into a cash crop, another rallied hundreds of volunteers to help Iraqi refugees start new lives in their city, and a third is helping African-American farmers in the South become part of the new "green" economy. The six big winners get $100,000 to continue their efforts - and nine more won $10,000.

Over 1,000 people were nominated for tackling everything from "poverty to pollution, recidivism to racial reconciliation, and health care to homelessness.

Read the inspirational stories here - and join AARP Create the Good Network to get tools and inspiration to make a difference in YOUR community!

I'm heading off for a long weekend of turkey, stuffing and hopefully a work out (thanks Richard). But before I leave, I wanted to leave you all with a little holiday humor from the funny bones at the New Yorker.

Turkey Wish

After Thanksgiving dinner when I was a kid, my dad would make me pull the wishbone apart with him to see who would win the "Turkey Wish." I always thought it was kind of stupid, but my dad took this tradition really seriously. Here's how it went:

1988: I win. I wish for a pony. Dad says I can't wish for that because it's too expensive. I wish for a dog instead.

1989: I win again. Dad yells a word I've only heard in R-rated movies and then hits his hand down on the table, hard. I wish for a Nintendo.

1990: Dad wins. He is really happy. He kisses my mom on the mouth and yells "Now who's the loser?"

1991: I win. Dad locks himself in the bathroom. There's a loud crashing sound like a pane of glass shattering. I wish for us never to play Turkey Wish again.

1992: Dad says my previous wish doesn't count and makes me play. He wins. He wishes for a new son who isn't "such a failure at everything he sets his hand to."

1993: I win. Dad moves to Wisconsin.

1994: Thanksgiving morning, 5 A.M. The phone rings. It is my dad pretending to be an old lady. It is a bad impression. He asks if any one remembers the tradition of the Turkey Wish. I can hear him sobbing softly in the background. He makes up some excuse about needing to go put on his "old lady dress" and hangs up. The next week I receive an envelope in the mail with twenty broken wish bones soaked in tears.

Happy Thanksgiving!

posted by Farley Katz

Have a wonderful holiday no matter where you are or what your plans are. I'm sending out the best joo joo possible for families across the nation!

The craze over the movie release of the hit book series Twilight is just about everywhere - I admit I haven't read it yet, but I'm starting to think I should. I'm seeing a lot of commentary that Twilight's appeal goes beyond age. In short, tweens, teens, moms and, yes, older women, are all going nutty for this vampire series.

While it seems so many movies are age-specific these days, there's nothing I appreciate more than flicks (and books) that can reach all ages. For example, Finding Nemo is a favorite of mine. That's right, one of my favorite movies is a cartoon. But so what? The ability for a movie to be clever enough to pull in an adult but funny enough to make a 5-year old belly laugh is amazing to me.

Any age-defying favorites you'd like to share?

Remember how President-Elect Obama promised his daughters they can have a puppy when they move to the White House?

He's hardly the first President to have a pet keep the First Family company. AARP TV went back and looked at recent presidential pets. Watch it here:

The top 20 finalists for AARP's Win Mick Jones' Guitar Competition have been chosen! Now, it's up to YOU to vote for the best one. These air guitarists range from age 20 to age 79, each one rocking harder than the next. Included in the mix are a 37 year-old California native (nicknamed "Moony") who wants to open a rock-themed restaurant, and a pair of 42-year old twins (known as "Good Twins")

To view and vote for these excited Foreigner fans, go to http://www.winmickjonesguitar.com and check out the videos. Once you've selected your favorite, give it your vote. And remember - you can only vote once, so make sure you make it count! The air guitarist with the most votes wins a trip to see Foreigner play live in Hawaii on New Years Eve and a Gibson Les Paul guitar autographed by Mick Jones of Foreigner.

Voting ends on November 21, so go to http://www.winmickjonesguitar.com right now and pick your favorite!

TAGS: Stolen Dreams, Air Guitar, Win Mick Jones Guitar, Mick Jones, Foreigner, Classic Rock, AARP, Hawaii, Gibson Les Paul, New Years Eve, Moony, Good Twins, ShAARP Session

In a recent article from the Associated Press, Howard Gruenspecht, the acting chief of the Energy Information Administration, warned of the increase in cost to heat American homes this winter as compared to only a year ago. Depending on location and fuel type, some families can expect to pay more than a 20 percent increase over last winter. And, although oil prices are dropping, we won't really feel those effects until early 2009. Because you can't wait until February to purchase your oil, there are other energy saving tactics that can help you save money all year long.

It's getting cold outside, so here are some ways you can save a few bucks and become more energy efficient:

Install a programmable thermostat. You can save up to $180 a year by installing a programmable thermostat that controls the temperature of your home while you're at work or asleep.

Choose ENERGY STAR appliances. Save money and the environment by replacing standard model appliances with ones that are ENERGY STAR-qualified. ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances use 10-50 percent less energy and water than standard models.

Update your windows. ENERGY STAR-qualified windows can reduce your energy costs by $126-$465 per year when replacing single-pane windows or $27-$111 a year when replacing double-pane, clear glass windows.

Install dimmer switches and motion detectors. Dim the lights by 25 percent and save an average of 15 percent a year on energy costs, and extend the bulb life by four times.

Install a ceiling fan - and learn to correctly rotate it. Ceiling fans aren't just for when it's hot outside.

Install insulation. According to the Department of Energy, the leading cause of energy waste in the home is inadequate insulation and air leakage.

You can check your local home improvement store like Home Depot for more tips and products and also look to the Department of Energy for more information about how you can become more energy efficient.

Back by popular demand is the AARP Pet Pals Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest! If your feline's looking fancy or your pooch has panache this coming Halloween, snap a picture and heading over to our website to enter the contest.

I found this really interesting. A recent piece by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution talks about how 60 is the new 40; in other words, a cultural shift has occurred in the way society views older Americans. The stereotypical image of grandmas in wheelchairs and with canes is being replaced with active and healthy older adults. In other words, people are living longer, and living healthier lives.

I particularly found the thoughts of Pat McVicar, assistant director with the local Area Agency on Aging in California, interesting. She said that the term "elderly" should be thrown out altogether - the preferred terminology is "seniors" or "older adults." Even many active older Americans don't consider themselves "seniors" at all.

This makes total sense considering the stigmas attached to the word "elderly"; folks don't want to be associated with negative stereotypes. But is this rejecting the fact that aging is a reality and not necessarily a bad thing? What are you thoughts? Do you think "elderly" is politically incorrect?

A new study shows that reading ShAARP Session is good for your health. From the UCLA Newsroom.

UCLA scientists have found that for computer-savvy middle-aged and older adults, searching the Internet triggers key centers in the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning. The findings demonstrate that Web search activity may help stimulate and possibly improve brain function.

The study, the first of its kind to assess the impact of Internet searching on brain performance, is currently in press at the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and will appear in an upcoming issue.

"The study results are encouraging, that emerging computerized technologies may have physiological effects and potential benefits for middle-aged and older adults," said principal investigator Dr. Gary Small, a professor at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA who holds UCLA's Parlow-Solomon Chair on Aging. "Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function."

So, here is your task: find the contact information for both campaigns and tell the candidates what you would like to see addressed at tonight's debate. Remember, it's good for your health.

A childhood favorite turns 50 this year...Paddington bear!

Many news outlets, including New York Daily News report:

In honor of his birthday, Google put Paddington on its homepage logo. Fully dressed in his signature coat and hat, the picture shows Paddington making his way from his native Peru to his new home in London.

More than 30 million Paddington Bear books have been sold in the last half-century, in 30 different languages. With all his timeless charm, Paddington has come alive in his own BBC television series and has comforted many a child as a furry stuffed animal.

Who says that older people can't get an education?

While most would think that seniors have already had their fair share of school, this isn't the case for all of us. And for those who want to take classes, being older can sometimes include some barriers - after all, there's a big difference between 18 and 81! Fortunately, a new NY-based program allows older students to take classes without having to leave their home. DOROT University Without Walls allows older people to take classes by telephone, and is guessed to be the largest program of its kind in the U.S.:

The curriculum includes more than 250 courses and runs the gamut from understanding feng shui and poetry writing to discussions on moral, ethical and philosophical issues and a discourse on women of the progressive era. Informational classes on money management, Internet surfing and medicine also are available.

Kathy Leeds, a 79-year old widow with multiple sclerosis living in Manhattan has been taking courses for 12 years. "It gets me out emotionally. It releases me from the four walls around me," she says. The program not only aims to educate others, but to simply allow seniors who may not be able to get out often to stimulate their minds. Check out their website for more info, it seems like a really interesting program.

September 27 is the ServiceNation Day of Action. As a big supporter of ServiceNation, AARP is excited to announce that we expect more than 3000 events all over the country. More than 100,000 people--and it could easily be more than 200,000--are expected to participate.

What will you be doing?

Rally your friends, grab your grandkids, and click here to find an event in your community.

A new study shows that older Americans are the top purchasers of environmentally friendly products.

According to a survey conducted by ICOM Information & Communications, women aged 55-59 are more than twice as likely as the average consumer to use green products. Meanwhile, men aged 65-69 are 1.7 times as likely to use green goods.

ICOM's Peter Meyers says that younger buyers are still "green" -- "that is," he says, "inexperienced when it comes to engaging with environmentally friendly goods."

Indeed, somewhat counter-intuitively, the survey finds that "Of those who said they do not use environmentally friendly products, both male and female demographics age 25-34 years were among the 'least likely to use' when compared with the national average."

Remember life before the Internet? If you're 50+, like I am, you do. But you're not reminiscing the good old days. You're increasingly going online to research healthcare choices, manage your finances, plan your retirement and vacation, buy baseball tickets and groceries, and socialize with family, friends, even strangers, by emailing or blogging.

Life online brings great rewards and risks, particularly to our personal privacy. To help you stay safe online and protect yourself, AARP and Google have created a series of online consumer safety videos that you can watch on the Google Privacy Channel on YouTube and on AARP.org's online safety page.

Our videos offer tips for using passwords safely, enabling firewalls, shopping and sharing information wisely, and avoiding online scams like phishing and other ploys.

While you can't eliminate every risk, these tips can help you reduce the chance your personal information will be hijacked. Whether you're searching for doctors, dates, limousine drivers, or donut shops with online search engines or simply surfing the web for fun, our videos will help you be smart and protect yourself.

I hope you'll use our new online consumer safety videos and share them with family and friends!

Here are a few tips from our videos that I hope that you'll follow:

• Firewalls are your friend: They ensure that only trusted servers interact with your computer. Be sure your firewall is enabled.


• Passwords are key: Make them easy for you to remember, but hard for others to guess. Never use social security numbers, birthdates, addresses or other easily found information.


• Acronyms get A+: Use a phrase you can't forget - like I Bought My Car in 2005 - and use the acronym, IBMCI2005, as a password.


• Beware of public computers: When accessing websites in your public library, a government office or friend's house, never click on a "Remember me on this computer" prompt.


• Inoculate your pc against viruses: Use anti-virus and anti-spy ware software and always keep them up to date.


• Be savvy when shopping and sharing: The Internet is an easy way to share emails, photos, and blog posts. But use the sharing controls provided by the service you're using. For example, when using AARP's photo-sharing service, use sharing controls to ensure that your family vacation photos stay within your family.

And as always, don't forget to check for daily updates on all the latest news you can use on both AARP's blog, ShAARPsession and the Official Google Blog. Have fun, and stay safe!

An article titled, "Why Presents Become Less Exciting As You Get Older" talks about how as we age, our brain's "reward system" doesn't function as strongly as it once did, making older folks less inclined to be excited about gifts than younger people are.

The new study says this is why kids are so excited to get presents, because a chemical in the brain which controls the feeling of reward is abundant when young, but decreases significantly as a person grows older.

I'm always interested to know more the science behind how our body ages, but a part of me has a hard time believing that there's biological certainty we'll all like gifts less as we get older. I don't know about you, but I've definitely seen 60+ year old men gleefully jump up and down for joy when they get a present!

AARP's very own Tom Nelson teamed up with pop-star phenom Usher Raymond IV (you probably know him from his dance song "Yeah" that had kids shakin' their booties) to talk about the importance of volunteerism and all generations working together.

Last week ServiceNation kicked off in New York City and this continues the drum beat of spreading the word about doing good (even if it's something small). Check out the full piece on HuffingtonPost.com!

Looking for a cool travel destination? Want to try something new...exotic...something that is NOT Europe? Ever given Indonesia a thought?

My friend came across this neat blog that is all about Indonesia. So whether you're thinking about summer vacation 2009 or you're a venture capitalist they've got something for everyone!

Quick Update to this post: According to a group called International Living, Mexico is the best place to retire. Uh oh...watch out Indonesia!

It's Friday (!!!) and I'm in an exceptionally good mood. Not for any particular reason - maybe it's because I slept well, or maybe just because it's Friday. Either way, I'm trying to do one nice thing for each of the people I love most in my life today and spread the joy along.

I live so far away from most of my friends and my family so I poked around for some easy ways to "be nice" and came across this great article from Real Simple.

Check it out and let me know...how have you been nice today?

Clinton Kelly, fashion guru and down to earth make over man, joined a packed room of men and women who wanted to hear about how to be stylish after 50. Clinton is from TLC's What Not To Wear and co-author of Dress Your Best shared with fans his essential style tips and easy ways women can funk up their wardrobe.

In a press conference, when asked if older women can or should be wearing the latest trends he offered this: "Last fall there were about 20 major trends out. Twenty! Of them, there were probably about 12 that a more mature woman could wear." Well, that makes us all feel better....no more keepin' up with ridiculous fads each year. He also offered that a woman should dedicate at least one day of shopping to getting the basics (classice white shirt, great fitting pants, etc.) so that you won't have to look at your closet in the morning and think, "Hm! Nothing in here works!'

Did we mention he was super nice and handsome too?!

You know we're bringing the biggest and the best to this year's Life@50+, but perhaps THE coolest? Well, that might be superdriver Richard Petty!

That guy really knows how to drive a car!

Oh Regis, we just can't get enough of you. In fact, we want to know SO much that an AARP member from the Q&A session at our Annual Member Event yesterday asked him if he's a boxer or briefs man. Well, more specifically: "Regis, do you wear boxers, 'tighty whities,' or thongs?"

We were happy to find that he's a boxers man.

Aside from his undergarments, Regis talked about his native home in the Bronx, joining the Navy, and his eventual path to Hollywood. Kudos to Regis for coming out to support and answering our ridiculously personal questions!

I love this. During this week's AARP Annual Member Event this week, one of the highlights I was particularly interested in was their Online Dating panel. Because online love is always worthy of a blog mention!

Did you know that as many as 20 percent of online daters at sites like Match.com are aged 50+? That's right, older folks can not only be single, but also know how to use the internets! Relationship expert Dr. Gilda Carle and Tom Blake, author of the weekly newsletter Finding Love After 50, were on the panel of experts o' love, and gave the audience a number of onling dating dos and don'ts, including:

• Seek friendship first, and build up to a more meaningful relationship.
• Leave your "baggage" behind.
• No prom pictures. Be honest! Use real, current pictures.

But the best line of the panel was actually from one of the gentlemen in the crowd, "I'm not interested unless she has an AARP card and hot flashes."

Awesome.

For those of you workaholics who didn't get away this summer, you might want to consider a group beach house next summer. Yes. I said group beach house.

Contrary to messy, drunken, 20-something belief group summer homes are turning into quite the class affair among those 50 and older. As reported by the Washington Post:

Members are recruited by word of mouth and vetted thoroughly. They work for the federal government, big corporations or defense contractors. They are college professors, economists, political consultants. Many are at the top of their game professionally.

Sounds like a deal to me! Make a note in your PDA to do some research for next Summer!

An article in last Sunday's Chicago Tribune reported that while just 35 percent of Americans over the age of 65 use the Internet, that number is up from 30 percent in November 2006. Boomers and older generations are not just using the Internet to check email and book travel. More and more adults are joining LinkedIn and Facebook for networking purposes, and even grandparents are now exploring the world of social media as a way to stay in touch with grandchildren.

With so many applications, widgets, pokes, requests and invitations, it can be tough to know when to accept or deny, what information to share or hide, and how to get the most out of your social media experience. This article on BusinessWeek.com offers business-related tips for choosing your friends and deciding which picture to post on your profile. Hint: Not a Glamour Shot!

Internet service provider EarthLink also has some great advice on general social networking security precautions and steps you should take to protect your identity. Here are eight tips:

• Read the privacy policy first - Review a site's privacy policy so you can understand the features and privacy controls offered to users. Review different sites before deciding which one to join.
• Know who's watching you - Some sites have options to restrict who can access your page, allowing you to keep your posted information public, private or restricted to a certain group of people.
• Use anonymous email addresses - As a precaution, you should consider using different e-mail addresses when setting up social networking accounts. Some email providers like EarthLink offer users different email addresses that interconnect so you can keep your information private and limit spam.
• Don't give out personal info - Never post personal information on your page, such as your Social Security number, address, bank accounts, etc. When you give someone personal information, such as your phone number, it can be taken and used by unwanted sources, even communicated via e-mail or posts.
• Use a strong password - Smart social networkers will always use strong passwords that contain both letters and numbers and aren't immediately associated with the person's identity. Try to keep passwords to five characters or more and change monthly to avoid password phishing -- when outside sources steal your password and then post messages under your persona.
• Keep your computer protected - It's a good idea to make sure your computer has anti-virus and anti-spyware features that help protect it from unwanted spam, viruses and other privacy breaches.
• Post only what you want others to see - Many people can potentially see your page, even if you have privacy settings. That means that not-so-subtle picture of you could be seen by future employers, colleagues or even the police. Any information or images you share could be seen by more people than you are comfortable with.

While attention on America's aging population has focused on the 70 million people who comprise the Baby Boomer generation, another aging population is quietly entering its older years. That is the 45 million pets the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says are ages seven or older--placing them squarely alongside their human-boomer counterparts. In fact, a seven-year-old dog or cat is roughly 45 human years old, putting it at the youngest end of today's Boomer spectrum.

Nationally recognized veterinarian, author and Baby Boomer Marty Becker, DVM, offers five common health problems to be watching for:

1. Weight Gain
2. Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
3. Stiff Joints and Slower Movement
4. Changes in Coat and Skin
5. Eye Abnormalities

Check out the The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health for information on how to care for your pets at all ages and stages of their lives, and learn how to recognize changes associated with aging.

Well this is good to see. "Saving the planet may be the next big trend in retirement living," said Leslie Moldow, head of the American Institute of Architects' Design for Aging Committee.

That's right - the newest fad in retirement living is to build homes that save more energy, improve indoor air quality, preserve the natural habitat, conserve water and rely on recycled materials. Environmentally friendly architects and designers are increasingly being hired to build retirement homes in an effort to support the "green design movement."

While it's natural to think going green automatically means making sacrifices, that's not always the case. "Our commitment to green practices fits nicely with our overall objective of delivering high-quality retirement living. What we save on utility bills, for example, we can use to improve residents' care," says Bernie Francis, board director of Dallas-based Senior Quality Lifestyles Corp., a pioneer in "graying" the green design movement.

Even if you don't live in one of these places that were green-designed, there's nothing wrong with supporting the environment in other ways in your home; check out AARP's suggestions on living green! And if you decide you want to get more involved in the green movement - check out LiveGreen for discounts, coupons and fun events!

The Wall Street Journal's blog Juggle has an interesting post on the issue of the younger boss. You would think most people dread the younger boss; after all, much of the time it's a new boss who comes into a company that you know better than them. But it seems a lot of people vary in their experiences. Blogger Jennifer Merritt wonders:

That may be true, but I wonder if having a younger boss -- particularly one without children and with a 24-7 mentality of messaging and communicating -- could be tough if you have a family. Constant communication can seem overbearing and a younger boss might not care about working until 8 p.m., or won't understand that your lack of chit-chatting isn't unfriendly, just a tactic to be efficient and make it home in time to say goodnight to your children.

But are those experiences Jennifer is wondering about an issue of age, or an issue of whether you're simply a good boss? What do you think?

The Christian Science Monitor's Bright Green Blog takes a look at recent Department of Transportation numbers and an AARP survey that shows people are hopping on their bikes, riding the bus and hittin' the pavement more.

Our own Elinor Ginzler was featured, here's what she had to say about this trend:

Four in 10 said they have used public transportation, walked or ridden a bicycle more frequently since gas prices have risen, according to the AARP poll, which was being released Wednesday.

Elinor Ginzler, AARP's senior vice president for livable communities, said she's concerned that communities don't have adequate sidewalks, bus shelters, bike lanes and public transportation options as more people look for other means to get around.

"More Americans age 50-plus are trying to leave their cars behind but face obstacles as soon as they walk out the door, climb on their bikes or head for the bus," Ginzler said.

Are you going green because of gas prices?

USMagazine has a great slide show of starlets who are beautiful, smart and just happen to be lookin' good at 50!

Congrats ladies!

While we're all watching Michael Phelps' historic quest to beat Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals...

Spitz was in our studios earlier this year talking about life after swimming - and how swimming in the 1972 Munich Olympics was different from today.

Phelps "reminds me of myself," Spitz recently said.

If you're at work and need a brain break, check out Ann's space. Ann, a 56 woman from St. Louis, MO explores everything from family to aging on her personal blog. She's poignant, funny and has an interesting perspective on the world. She's been blogging for about a year now (or so say her archives), so check her out!

"Voluntourism" is hotter on the travel trend list than just about any destination these days. But with so many people in need these days, what's a commitment phobe to do? Check these ideas courtesy of DailyCandy.com and AARP:

• Spend two weeks in Costa Rica and help local schoolkids learn English. Read about AARP The Magazine editor Ken Budd's experience here.
• Join Hands Up Holiday for a Yucatan experience that includes helping elderly stay active and independent and beachcombing.
• Visit Belize to snorkel and help protect precious coral reefs or dive with dolphins in Greece with Earthwatch diving and snorkel expeditions.

And for those of you that desire a more pampered jaunt, check out Ritz-Carlton's Give Back Getaways and when the hard work is over you can sink into your luxurious accommodations. They even have one that is helping restore a seniors home in Singapore this October. Sign me up - I can paint, garden and sightsee all in one shot!

Did the 1960 Olympics mirror or even cause major changes in society? In his new book Rome 1960: The Olympics That Changed the World, David Maraniss makes the case that events from that year's Rome games reflected and accelerated the cataclysmic changes that would reverberate throughout the world in the 1960s.

From race relations to the Cold War, Maraniss paints with a broad brush, and makes a strong case that the Olympics that year were not "just" games.

In the clip below Maraniss and Prime Time Radio host Mike Cuthbert discuss Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila, his amazing story and what it meant for the world watching the 1960 Olympics.

Click here for the full interview with Maraniss and for AARP's Bulletin Today coverage of the 2008 Olympics, click here.

Have you read Connie Shakalis' essay What I Really Know About Summer Nights: Learning From the Family Next Door on AARP Bulletin Today yet? If you haven't, you should - it's a lovely account of enjoying summer through the delighted eyes of her neighbor's children. Makes me think of summer when I was a kid - "Be home by dark!" takes on a whole new meaning when it's light till 9! My cousins and I would ride our bikes all over town, coming home only for ice cream money and a quick "Hey Mom!"

What about you - what's your favorite summer memory?

There's a great op-ed today in the Chronicle of Philanthropy talking about how foundations can promote volunteering.

"The signs of interest in service are everywhere. A group of scholars and leaders housed at the Brookings Institution has proposed that Congress join with the White House to double the size of the Peace Corps and to establish a program of Global Service Fellowships to support American volunteers interested in working with nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, and universities that are committed to advancing peace and development. In the past few months, California created a new cabinet-level position for service and volunteering, and the U.S. Senate joined the House of Representatives in establishing the National Service Congressional Caucus."

At AARP, we're pretty focused on engaging people in opportunities to make a difference. In fact, nearly half of our 39 million members are out making a difference from their own communities to the halls of Congress. That's why AARP's joining ServiceNation, which is working to make more opportunities available to people who want to get more involved in national or community service.

So, tell us, what do you do to make a difference? And, while everyone's focused on engaging young people, how can AARP be doing more to make sure those of us over 50 have more opportunities too?

AARP is excited to announce that we are getting involved in a new project called ServiceNation... and in a big way! Our head honcho, Bill Novelli, will be joining the likes of Caroline Kennedy and Alma Powell with the goal of getting more folks involved in giving back to their community.

American presidents have a history of taking this issue seriously. George W. Bush brought us Points of Light and Bill Clinton's baby was AmeriCorps. (Both of which are still going strong and part of the ServiceNation team!) On September 11 in NY, we've invited John McCain and Barack Obama to tell us what they would do. You can suggest questions you'd like the moderator to ask them here.

The next day, we'll be part of ServiceNation Summit, where hundreds of organizers will be coming together to learn new strategies and hear from our nations leaders. We'll be blogging live from the scene, bringing you interviews with big wigs like Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as well as the average Joe and Jane's out there making a difference each day.

Read an excerpt from this week's TIME for more details. And, stay tuned to Shaarp Session for more!

Oh, summertime! Ball games and hot dogs, sunshine and salty ocean air. But beware - there's a hidden danger lurking out there. It's not a shark (cue scary music)...it's swimsuit season! No matter your age, shopping for a new suit is a much dreaded annual event for most of us. But some people really know how to do it style, like AARP Bulletin reader Barbara Costa. Read her account of shopping for a suit at the young-at-heart age of 74. Barbara shows us how it's really done, Esther Williams-style!

The sports world is abuzz this week with swimmer Dara Torres' record-setting 50-meter free-style win, qualifying her to compete on behalf of the United States at the 2008 summer Olympics. The catch? Torres is a 41 year old in a sport dominated by teenagers. She may be getting older, but she still got game.

Inspired by Torres' success (and who isn't?) The Miami Herald listed a few other athletes who excelled in their craft after hitting 40.

-Eamonn Coghlan: In 1994, the 41-year-old Irish miler and former world champion at 5,000 meters becomes the first person over 40 to run a sub-4 minute mile. Coghlan clocks a 3:58.15 at a race in Cambridge, Mass.

-George Foreman: In 1994, at age 45, the boxer regains part of the heavyweight title he lost to Muhammad Ali 20 years earlier, stopping Michael Moorer with a two-punch combination in the 10th round. Foreman captures the IBF and WBA championships to become the oldest champion in any weight class.

-Jack Nicklaus: In 1986, the golfing great wins his last major championship, the Masters, at age 46.

-Nolan Ryan: In 1990, at age 43, threw the sixth no-hitter of his career, blanking Oakland 5-0 while pitching for the Texas Rangers. The next season, at age 44, Ryan tossed his seventh no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays.

-Darrell Green: Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in February in his first year of eligibility, the Washington Redskins cornerback was 42 when he retired after the 2002 season. He had at least one interception in 19 consecutive seasons.

-Martina Navratilova: A month before her 50th birthday, in 2006, the tennis champion finished her career by winning her 59th Grand Slam title, teaming with Bob Bryan to take the mixed doubles championship at the U.S. Open. To this illustrious list, I would add hockey legend Gordie Howe, who played until the age of 53 (and on a team with two of his sons!) I suppose we could also add Roger Clemens, but perhaps with an asterix? Who else would readers add to the hall-of-after-40 fame?

Photo from bmcvey on Flickr.com.

We've already discussed how gaming is becoming more popular among adults, and now so is the idea that gaming can help folks get fit.

According to an article in Inland Valley's Daily Bulletin, Nintendo's Wii is getting people up and moving at "senior centers" around the country.

The Wii, "which recreates games like bowling, baseball and tennis on the television screen and gets players mimicking the motion, has resulted in [folks] swinging, throwing and punching their way around the popular senior center." The article goes on to explain the benefits people are reaping from an increase in fun, physical activity and from an increase in social interaction with their peers.

Sounds like a win-win to us.

So who's got next game?

Check out this lovely story aboot older Canadians creating collages of their lives for the Calgary Seniors' Social Link (SSL) Heritage Collage Program. The SSL initiative gives seniors of different cultural backgrounds – some of whom do not speak English – a chance to share their life stories with each other visually.

Linda Wong, who emigrated from Hong Kong almost 50 years ago, said, "I didn't want to just cut up stuff and glue it on, I wanted to do it with my heart. They wanted a story, so I thought of a story of where I come from and what I've done in my lifetime."

How aboot it? What would be on your collage?

We’ve heard that “gaming” is all the rage, and people can’t stop talking about “friending” people on Facebook, but young people aren’t the only ones playing online anymore. Boomers are behaving like teenagers on the Internet too—joining online communities, playing games and shopping according to a new study. The perception that people over 50 are only dabbling on the Internet has been totally dispelled by this study – in fact, they’re pretty much doing the same stuff online that 20 year olds are! The majority of folks said their online community is important to them and that they are going online to check for news now more than ever!

Okay, shameless plug here. If you haven’t found a community yet – give aarp.org a try. Happy “friending.”

’It's kind of odd to think of Woodstock in terms of AARP…But that's probably the magazine we're going to advertise in,’ said Woodstock museum director Wade Lawrence in a recent Chicago Tribune article.

Woodstock seemed like a bookend to such a tumultuous decade – one filled with political turmoil and social change. My parents certainly didn’t get to experience Woodstock and its three days of “peace and music,” but it's been a marker for their younger years. Something by which to gauge the changing world around them. The generation that came of age during the 60s is redefining what the new 50, 60 and heck, even 70, looks and feels like now.

Any good Woodstock stories to share? Send us your pictures and we’ll post them up.

Peace, man.

From the Huffington Post: Can you believe this? “Harry Lee Hawk” McGinnis is 80 years old and in the process of walking across the world. He walked through the US in the 1980s and then in the early 90s, he began his quest around the world. Currently in Panama City, you can track the Hawk on his website. If this isn’t a testament to the importance of staying active, I am not sure what is.

Clay’s got some competition from Nancy Liatsis of Brooklyn, NY who won AARP Brooklyn’s Senior Idol Contest. Contestants ranged in age from early 50’s to 85, but Liatsis belted out “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Grobin to make her tops in the borough.

n honor of Earth Day, social networking site Boomj has put together a list of Top 10 Green Baby Boomers. The list includes lots of familiar names (Blythe Danner, George Clooney, Bono), but my personal favorite is the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bob Nutting, who has team scouts using “fuel flex” cars. Happy Earth Day!

Actor Andie MacDowell turns 50 today. She hit it big with starring roles in the films Ground Hog Day and Four Weddings and a Funeral. She currently lives in Biltmore Forest, North Carolina and is has maintained an active lifestyle as an avid outdoors-woman. She has also shown fans that aging can be beautiful and glamorous. Happy 50th Andie!

Do you know who Kellie Pickler is? After this week, you probably do. She won the most awards at this week’s Country Music Television awards – three and is a former American Idol star. The reason I mention her is because CMT One Country donates to a charity of the winner’s choice and Kellie has designated the AARP Foundation’s Grandparents program as the beneficiary. Why? Kellie was raised by her grandparents and it’s something she has spoken about frequently as she has claimed the spotlight.

Yesterday, Jamie Lee Curtis was on Oprah dishing about being 50 plus and about posing for the AARP Magazine cover. Check it out!

Over at Back in Skinny Jeans, Stephanie marvels at just what Madonna does at nearly 50 (her birthday’s in August). Her new video, Four Minutes (with Justin Timberlake), is worth a look if you want to see the epitome of defying the stereotype. Check out her site to enjoy her moves.

There’s been quite the buzz in the blogosphere on Ms. Curtis since Friday, so I thought I would share:

Over at Pink is the New Blog, Trent voices his approval. Va Voom!

Celebrity Mound discusses the pressure women face to look a certain way, regardless of age.

Women’s Voices for Change is grateful that AARP the Magazine is not Penthouse.

Inspiration 365 Days is just that – Inspired!

Check out the cover of this month's AARP the Magazine, which is highlighted in the current issue of People magazine and online at people.com, for the splashy cover of Jamie Lee Curtis. Curtis, who turns 50 later this year, is looking fit and sexy as she dishes on being comfortable in her own skin and embracing aging.

Reuters reports that just one in four Americans are reading political blogs. The big readership, according to the poll is those who are 44 and older, with 26 percent of those over 63 saying they read political blogs. This is right on with what we know about those who are over 50. The 50+ group buys computers at twice the rate of younger consumers. Most of 50+ America has a computer and more than 42 million use the Internet. Boomers learned to use the Internet at work and are extremely savvy when it comes to technology.

See? We know you’re out there.

USA Today was on it early, but AARP is pairing up with musicians of all stripes to promote their upcoming 50th anniversary. This includes priority seating at the upcoming Foreigner concerts (14-cities to be announced in March); exclusive member-only pre-sale events to Ramsey Lewis and the Legends of Jazz (in April); the One Love Gospel Choir Competition (starting in March); and a June concert in Atlanta featuring soul music stars Yolanda Adams, Patti Austin, Shirley Caesar, Chaka Khan, Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, CeCe Winans.

Time to get rockin!

AARP The Magazine’s Editor Steve Slon tells Valentine Day love seekers, “You don't have to be a glamorous movie star like Demi Moore to proudly sport a younger man.” We recently featured a study in the magazine that found one third 40+ single women are dating younger men.

It seems that marriage is less on our minds over 40 than when we obsessed through our younger years. What we all want most is someone to just hang out and have fun with. Maybe we aren’t so unlike our brothers when it comes to enjoying a wide range of ages.

For those of us that are single, the study found that 53 percent of those surveyed said personal freedom was the biggest perk and a sassy 28 percent of us love not having to answer to anyone but ourselves!

AARP Alaska’s Ann Secrest gets the most creative blog post lead of the day with this contest in the Anchorage Daily News calling for the most creative uses of romance words like “schmoopy” in a poem. Enjoy this one from Vicki Baker in from today’s paper!

OK, so your blogger has no plans for Valentine’s Day. So sad.

If anyone wants to take me out for a last minute date, please peruse the 2008 Movies for Grownups winners for ideas. I know I’m a bit of a nerd, but I might pass on Atonement for Paris, je t'aime, a collection of love stories set in Paris by Gena Rowlands.

(Maybe that’s why I don’t have a date… I should have said I wanted to see American Gangster or In the Shadow of the Moon. Men just love crime and space.)

Whether you heart or hate Valentine’s Day, here are a few things to get you in the mood:

· Tips on teaching your man to be a better kisser!

· Check out this article on revving up your relationship if your desire has been shifted into neutral and find out if there will ever be a PINK VIAGRA…

· Get tips on internet dating and try out our Interactive Personal Ad Maker.

· Did AARP’s Music Blogger Get the Top 10 Love Songs of All Time Right? Weigh in on your choices here.

· Read more about Hollywood bad boy and Bucket List star Jack Nicholson’s latest thoughts on love from the AARP The Magazine cover story: “I’d do everything to a woman of AARP age, and have. In fact, every year I like to cover a very broad spectrum.”

· Learn the secrets of 50-year marriages.

Leave us a comment here and tell us how you’re feeling today.

Variety’s talking about it, so we should too. AARP The Magazine held their 7th Annual Movies for Grownups Awards this week, taking home the coveted La Chaise d'Or (the Golden Chair), a trophy in the shape of a vintage theater chair. The awards honors those in the 50+ crowd that are continuing to engage grownup audiences challenging topics, thoughtful new approaches and sterling work by actors, actresses, directors and writers age 50+, all at the top of their game.

John Cleese and Dana Delany were the hosts for the evening and in true John Cleese form he made a joke out of Dana Delany being a last minute substitute for Jamie Lee Curtis who was sick with the flu. Winner Ruby Dee won for Best Supporting Actress over 50 for her performance in American Gangster. After a standing ovation, she had this to say, "I'm so happy this organization exists and this magazine exists. I'm so happy to join the ranks of folks who are no longer retired. I'm trying to form this army of the elders. Get motorized wheel-chairs and medications and hit the world, go up and down Congress, on the internet-worldwide seniors on the march. We'll make a difference. We're gonna put on our gloves and get going. Retirement...ha...what's that?"

Hal Holbrook accepted the Lifetime Achievement award from his wife, Dixie Carter (who presented him with the award) read a heartfelt letter written by his colleague, Robert Redford. Robert said that Hal has integrity, stamina, intelligence, humor and talent - all characteristics that make him "uniquely American." In his acceptance speech Hal said receiving the award was one of the "most awesome moments" of his life.

This morning Good Morning America highlighted the winners of AARP The Magazine’s 2008 Faces of 50+ Real People Model Search, showing men and women who show that beauty and style don’t expire as you age. Check out the beautiful winners here or in your mailbox in the March/April issue of AARP The Magazine.

How did they get chosen? After combing through over 14,000 applicants from online submissions and entries gathered at the 2nd annual AARP The Magazine Road Show, AARP The Magazine selected eight “faces” and left it up to America to choose the final two “Reader’s Choice” winners. Contestants entered the model search by having their pictures taken at the AARP The Magazine Road Show stops or by submitting their photos. The magazine’s editors then hand-selected eight of the winning models in age groups 50-59, 60-69, and 70+, in addition to 16 Reader’s Choice finalists, which were selected after over 10,000 votes were cast online.

Winners include Thadette Nelson(left), and Carol Defore (right).

Defamer’s on it, so is Showbiz Tonight. Here are some highlights from an interview with Jack Nicholson in the upcoming AARP Magazine…

On falling in love again: “I can’t hit on a girl in public like I used to. I never thought words like undignified would come into my own reflections on myself, but I can’t do it anymore…I feel uncomfortable. I don’t think anybody cares what I do in these areas, but it feels a little bit off to me.”

On Sex at Age 50+:“I’m trying to not eliminate sexuality from over-50 literature. People don’t want to know that Dad or Grandma is over there kootching it up a little bit. These things should be put in balance.”

“Viagra. My initial feeling about it was that this could save marriage. Obviously Till death do us part is in there because someone knew you don’t go through any relationship exactly the same way every day, day after day.”

Check out the full interview online January 24th.

It’s January, at least two more months of winter. What’s the best way to pass the time? Movie watching of course! Check out AARP’s Movies for Grownups, a guide to some of the best movies of the year, with some interesting categories. The big winners were The Savages with Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman for Best Movie for Grownups; Chris Cooper won Best Actor 50 and Over honors for his under-the-radar performance as a CIA spy in Breach; Julie Christie was named Best Actress 50 and Over for her spellbinding turn as an Alzheimer’s stricken woman in Away From Her; and Tony Gilroy was honored as best director for his complex tale of corporate greed, stricken consciences and murder, Michael Clayton.

Check out the entire list, but here's some of the more unusual highlights include:

Best Movie for Grownups Who Refuse to Grow Up: Enchanted: This story of an animated princess stuck in real-life New York city is both cute and cutting edge.

Best Intergenerational Movie: The Namesake: In this cultural portrait, two parents from India raise their children in the suburbs of New York and find that their traditions clash with the U.S. culture. Both sides eventually awaken to a comforting understanding: where we’re from, and where we live, are always trumped by who we are.

Last night, AARP was lucky enough to sponsor a reception and movie screening of The Bucket List starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson to benefit Plan!t Now formally known as The Grenada Relief Fund. Check out some fun video from the event.

In case you didn’t know, Plan!t Now is a charity that Freeman works closely with. It is working in the US and other countries’ coastal regions as well as the people of the Caribbean islands to provide companies, groups and individuals in these areas with unique information that will assist them in protecting their homes and businesses, and upgrading for the sake of preparedness before severe storms and hurricanes hit.

I mentioned Martina last week, but today there is a great column by LZ Granderson over at ESPN about her and her new relationship with AARP. Check it out. My favorite line is a reminder that growing old has nothing to do with age anymore. Ain’t that the truth!

As promised, some video from AARP The Magazine’s Inspire Awards. No picking favorites here, but a sampling of the winners below. See them all by clicking here.

AARP has a new health and fitness ambassador, someone with exceptional expertise when it comes to leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Guess who it is. Here’s a hint – just six weeks before she turned 50, she won the mixed doubles at the US Open.

Give up? It’s tennis great Martina Navratilova! Martina will be engaging with our members throughout the year, talking to them about what she knows best – how to lead a healthy and active life. I hear there is more to come in the coming year, so stayed tuned.

AARP has a new health and fitness ambassador, someone with exceptional expertise when it comes to leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Guess who it is. Here’s a hint – just six weeks before she turned 50, she won the mixed doubles at the US Open.

Give up? It’s tennis great Martina Navratilova! Martina will be engaging with our members throughout the year, talking to them about what she knows best – how to lead a healthy and active life. I hear there is more to come in the coming year, so stayed tuned.

The word is out… AARP The Magazine has announced their 2008 Inspire Awards, which pay tribute to 10 extraordinary people whose contributions inspire others to action through their innovative thinking, passion and perseverance.

Lotsa big names being honored this year, including Caroline Kennedy (Community Service Advocate), Gary Sinise (Fundraiser for Operation Iraqi Children), Gladys Knight (Champion for Diabetes Research), Barbara Morgan (Courageous Educator), Liviu Librescu (Virginia Tech Hero), Helen Thomas (Trailblazing Journalist), Cynthia Kenyon (Pioneer in Longevity Research), Ed Boyer (Founder of Air Transportation Aid), Roslyn Hill (Leader of Neighborhood Revitalization), and Pete Garcia (Affordable Housing Advocate).

Full details here. There’s a big fancy lunch on Monday in New York at the New York Public Library, we’ll be sure to get some pictures for you all to enjoy!

AARP is cooler than you think. Today they are announcing a new public service announcement campaign featuring Ben Affleck, Garth Brooks, Dakota Fanning, Morgan Freeman, Eva Mendes, Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Piven and Reese Witherspoon highlighting the need for affordable, quality health care and financial security for all Americans.

This also brings two new groups under the Divided We Fail umbrella, the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) and the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF). Directed by actor and director Tony Goldwyn -- grandson of legendary producer and EIF Founder Samuel Goldwyn -- with music composed by Philip Glass, the PSA urges everyone to let their voice be heard on the need for affordable, quality health care and peace of mind about financial security.

Politics aside, Paul Krugman highlights a fascinating report on his blog about happiness and age. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, “Happiness among American men and women reaches its estimated minimum at approximately ages 49 and 45 respectively.”

Guess there’s only one direction to go.

Late last week, TMZ caught this great video of a Tony Bennett signing autographs after an appearance on Regis and Kelly. And guess what the big fan stuck in Tony’s face to get the signature?

The AARP Magazine, of course. Link here.

If you’re already feeling guilty about not doing your exercise this morning, be sure to check out this great AP story about the 59-year old college football player. It will only make you feel worse. Mike Flynt, at nearly 60, is starting on Saturday as his team, the Sul State Lobos, battle Howard Payne. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on Flynt’s progress.

Today, the oldest man in the world turns 112. It should be noted, the world’s oldest person is a woman. And she’s 114.

Mr. Tanabe’s longevity is attributed to not drinking or smoking, and this AP story notes, to guzzling milk.

Who knew?

A study out today shows 70 percent of baby boomers bought music last year and account for one in three CDs purchased last year. Study was done by the NPD group for AARP and the National Association of Record Merchandisers.

Also, one and four boomers are buying online. With 76 million of them (boomers), it’s a good thing we don’t have to worry about Tony Bennett or Aretha Franklin being out of stock. Whew.

According to a report from the Today Show on Saturday, women are forgoing the dye jobs and going au natural. Even better, NBC is encouraging it. “Embrace your age. Own it. Be 50 and be proud to be your age.”

I say: We’ve come a long way, baby.

Click here for video and here for the opportunity to submit your pics.

Looks like the Walshes enjoyed themselves. Thanks Laurie and Brian!

Today's daytime events ended with the 2011 Council, named for the first year that the baby boomers turn 65. This year, Morgan Fairchild, Thomas Oliphant, Robert Reich, David Walker, and AARP's Hugh Delahanty and John Rother talked about lifetime health and financial security.

An interesting observation from today's discussion and follow up questions: No matter how old, no matter your financial circumstances, people are concerned about these issues and not only worry about themselves, they worry about their children and if it is possible for them to enjoy their lives as they age.

I was talking to Tom Oliphant backstage before the event and he commented to me that he had kids in their 30's and because of this he was concerned about our financial future as a nation. This was another sentiment that was clear as the 90 minute discussion unfolded.

Some pictures below. Bottom line, people care about these issues. Now it is time for action by those who can do something about them.

I didn't get up at the crack of dawn like the first person in line for today's closing ceremonies (she was there at 6 am), but I did manage to catch Richard Simmons working out with a packed room of AARP members at 7:30. Spotted a line of close to a hundred enthusiastic fans waiting for a photo with the fitness guru and the volunteer manning the door was doing the workout while greeting guests.

After the workout, caught Whoopi Goldberg and Maya Angelou in what Angelou called a "Love Conversation" for the closing session. They talked about cooking, driving, and lotsa other fun stuff. Turns out Angelou bought herself a Rolls Royce for her 79th birthday and also got two pretty men to drive it. Not bad.

The hottest ticket in Boston today? Joan and Melissa Rivers. They were hysterical and so was the overflow crowd that couldn't fit into the 3400 seats in the venue. The mob was soon subdued, however, by screens everywhere carrying the Joan and Melissa show.

When asked for advice on turning 50, Joan Rivers deadpanned, "Never tell a man that... but 50 IS the new 40!"

I wandered around the massive convention floor late yesterday and early today. With nearly 500 exhibitions, there’s a lot to see.

Some my favorites so far:

Nintendo. How cool is it that I get to play Wii in the middle of a workday? We even got to try some yoga and do some aerobics (even after LL worked us to the bone) on the virtual balance board. Much more fun than the gym.

It’s a good thing I worked out, since my next stop was the M.I.T. Media Lab’s personal R2D2. I had to tell R2 what I ate, how much I exercised. His advice, “Keep it up.”

This morning, I joined hundreds of AARP members for a morning workout with
musician, actor, author and super fit LL Cool J.

He rocked the bodies of our members and staff alike, providing words of fitness
inspiration for anyone between 18 and 80. LL’s words of wisdom, “Dreams don’t
have deadlines”.

He's here to get us moving a little more and highlight his new book, LL
Cool J's Platinum Workout: Sculpt Your Best Body Ever with Hollywood's Fittest
Star.

Check out the pics below. As you can see, he may be Hollywood's fittest star. Also, see at this morning's workout, make-up artist Bobbi Brown.

An entertaining Q and A from Brian Dennehey this afternoon in Boston with AARP the Magazine's Steve Slon. Some photos below; my favorite comment from Dennehey was, "AARP, I qualify."

Life@50+ kicked off this morning with a bang. Balloons filled the ballroom as 11,000 AARP members and staff greeted AARP Board President Erik Olsen, Board Chair Joanne Disch, and CEO Bill Novelli.

Novelli spoke about Divided We Fail, AARP's effort with the Business Roundtable and SEIU to get actions and answers from our elected leaders. He talked about the goal of lifetime financial security for all Americans, as well as how we can sign the pledge, which you can do here.

Then, Brian Williams introduced Kirk and Michael Douglas, the dynamic Hollywood father-son team. They talked about religion, life, their personal family history and the power of the father-son relationship. The quote of the day from 91-year old Kirk Douglas,"I don't know if I am too young or too old to be a member of AARP." AARP CCO, Tom Nelson responded, "You're just right."

Here are some pictures:

Also, a spy reports that Catherine Zeta Jones is here with Michael. And she looks amazing!