The AARP National Convention in San Diego
Sept. 19, 2002 AARP event features fun for over 50 crowd
By TOM BLAKE
For The Register's South County Weekly Newspapers
Middle-aged singles often ask where they can go to be among people and get involved in activities. I tell them it depends on their interests.
For people age 50-plus there was a perfect example of where to go last week within driving range of Orange County.
AARP is a nonprofit organization with 35 million members. Any person age 50 or older can join for an amazingly low $12.50 per year.
AARP's national convention took place at the San Diego Convention Center last Thursday-Saturday. Over 10,000 people attended, a good share of them from southern California and many from Orange County.
It was a perfect place for singles.
Not necessarily because it was a place to meet other singles — although there were plenty of both sexes there and I personally witnessed some
couples hooking up — but as a place to enrich and enhance your life.
The AARP makes a strong effort to ensure attendees are comfortable, including providing conveniences for people with disabilities. Free roundtrip transportation is provided between major area hotels and the Convention Center.
The cost of attending the convention was $15. Orange County people who didn't want to stay overnight live close enough to drive down and back in the same day.
The lineup of speakers and educational programs was impressive. Walter Cronkite was the opening speaker. Others included
Willard Scott, David Horowitz, Suze Orman, Dr. Art Ulene, Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Newt Gingrich, James Carville and Edward James Olmos.
Anita Hill, Billy Baldwin, Erica Jong and Carl Bernstein were on a panel. And at night, Dana Carvey, Tony Bennett and Patti LaBelle entertained. It was an inspiring, informative and incredible three days.
I was honored to be among the speakers. My topic: "Dating after 50. How baby boomers can meet a mate."
My adrenaline was pumping as approximately 2,000 people filled the room. I estimate that 75 percent were women.
I talked and showed slides on 21 things singles need to know about dating after 50 — points such as get off the couch and out of the house, keep expectations realistic, get out with friends, and don't expect someone else to improve your life for you. Topics we cover in this column.
I noticed many people were taking notes and we shared lots of laughs. I was honored to introduce my 91-year-old mom to the audience.
After the speech, there were television interviews and a book signing.
Next year's AARP convention is in Chicago, Sept. 5-7. Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Ray Charles, Lou Gosset, Jr. and Dr. Bob Arnot are already booked.
For information, call (800) 883-2784 or access the Web at http://www.aarp.org/events.html. Plan ahead and you'll get some travel bargains. Tie it in with some sightseeing around the Midwest.
I'll be in Chicago, whether or not I'm invited to speak.
If you're over age 50 and haven't joined AARP, you're missing out on an incredible opportunity to meet new friends, volunteer and avail yourself to educational information that will enhance and enrich the second half of your life.
Contact AARP at the number or Web site listed above.
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