Alzheimer's & Mental Fitness: How Learning a Second Language Can Make a Difference

Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Sponsored by: Rosetta Stone

• Sharon Begley, Author

New scientific evidence shows that speaking more than one language not only sharpens the mind, it can prevent the onset of Alzheimer's by an average of 4.7 years. These findings and other research on how bilingualism can keep our brains young will be presented by Sharon Begley, former chief science writer of Newsweek magazine and author of three popular books on brain science. Begley will unveil her groundbreaking white paper summarizing what scientists are saying about the benefits of language learning and how those age 50 and over can benefit now. Attendees are eligible to win free Rosetta Stone language learning software.

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Grannies on Safari

Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• Regina Fraser, Granny on Safari
• Pat Johnson, Granny on Safari

The co-hosts of the popular PBS-TV series, Grannies on Safari®, will describe how they reinvented themselves in their 60s by hosting their own travel show. AARP is the exclusive sponsor of the show, now in its third season. Chicagoans Regina Fraser and Pat Johnson will inspire attendees to discover their own "what's next?" by sharing videos, photos and stories of their worldwide travels. The Grannies were recently on safari in South Africa, joined by two AARP members who had won the opportunity to travel with them at AARP's 2010 Life@50+ event in Orlando. Pat and Regina will also discuss their visit to Egypt, including tips on how to survive a revolution.

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Home for a Lifetime: New Research and Tips to Make Your Home Beautiful, Convenient and Safe

Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Sponsored by: The Hartford

• Stephanie Chappell, MS, MBA, The Hartford Advance 50 Team
• Beth Tracton-Bishop, Ph.D., The Hartford Advance 50 Team

Practical ideas and research findings about housing design and residential decisions will be explored by two members of The Hartford Advance 50 Team – a nationally recognized team of gerontologists who develop practical publications and tips to support individuals' decisions about safety, mobility and independence. Beth Tracton-Bishop and Stephanie Chappell will share the latest research on making housing decisions, and share how to enhance the match between your lifestyle and your home. They will also discuss what to consider in planning for your future residential needs, and identify key design ideas and smart products to make life easier.

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Identity Theft: An In-Depth Look at Protecting Your Personal Data

Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Sponsored by: ProtectMyID

• Ken Chaplin, Senior Vice President of Marketing Experian Consumer Direct

Identity thieves are out there looking for personal, medical and financial information to steal. Learn how to protect yours during an in-depth, educational session presented by ProtectMyID™, an Experian® company. Identity theft occurs every four seconds in the United States, according to figures from the Federal Trade Commission. Join us and walk away with identity theft protection and resolution tips. For the past 11 years, the FTC has received more complaints about identity theft than any other crime. Learn how to protect yourself and all the assets you've built.

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Intimacy Innovation: Sensible and Sensual Suggestions for Enhancing Your Relationship

Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

• Pepper Schwartz, author and AARP's Love & Relationship Ambassador

Our relationships are precious to us but they will not flourish without lifelong maintenance and enhancement. This lecture will show you how innovative (but not weird!) use of your five senses will create additional emotional and sexual pleasure for you and your partner. These suggestions are simple but can have a profound impact on any intimate relationship. The lecture will have some interactive components but, we promise, it won't be embarrassing!

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Learn Ways Latinos Can Secure Their Financial Future

Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Please note: This session will be presented in Spanish.

• Anna Cabral, AARP Family Finance Ambassador and Former U.S. Treasurer (2004-2009)
• Mayte Prida
• Andres Castillo

Americans from all walks of life are struggling with their financial security, but there are some key differences that exist in savings behavior and outcomes for Hispanic families. To tackle these issues, popular television personality Mayte Prida will host a session with former U.S. Treasurer and AARP Ambassador Anna Cabral and AARP Education & Outreach representative Andrés Castillo. Together they will provide practical information and valuable tips to make sure you're on the path to financial security. During the session you will also see real-life stories from the AARP Viva program "Rostros de la Crisis," in which Latinos share how the economic recession affected their lives and how they were able to overcome the challenges.

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Navigating the Online Travel Realm

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by: AARP Credit Cards from Chase

• Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor and AARP Travel Ambassador

Confused by the ever-evolving world of online travel planning? Find out when the Internet can be your friend and when it's the enemy from Peter Greenberg, America's most respected travel-news journalist. He will explain how cutting-edge online tools can help you save time and money, and warn you about pitfalls and common travel scams. As AARP's Travel Ambassador, Peter is a personable, enthusiastic insider who looks forward to helping you get the most value when using online services.

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Plasticity and the Aging Brain

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by: Foremost Insurance Group

• Adam Gazzaley, M.D., Director of the Neuroscience Imaging Center, University of California, San Francisco

Human brains are capable of a remarkable degree of "plasticity," because brains change structurally and functionally in response to our experiences and interactions with the environment. This occurs not only during critical periods of childhood, but also well into our senior years. Dr. Adam Gazzaley, a noted neuroscientist, will present a broad perspective on brain plasticity and aging. His presentation will conclude with a discussion about the hotly debated topic of the role brain exercises play in improving cognition among older adults.

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Repacking Your Bags... Reimagining Life & Work

Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• Richard Leider, author and founder of The Inventure Group, a Minneapolis-based coaching and consulting firm

Every decade of our lives brings new challenges, goals, pleasures and possibilities. We anticipate transitions. We deal with unexpected life changes. What do these things have in common? They call for us to take a long, hard look at the baggage we are carrying, and why, then pack and repack accordingly. Based on Richard Leider's international bestseller, REPACKING YOUR BAGS: Lighten Your Load for the Rest of Your Life, this interactive presentation will help you explore what makes you happy and how to best prepare for the journeys ahead.

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Sex, Love and Intimacy: How Healthy Relationships Lead to a Healthy Society

Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• Harville Hendrix, Clinical Pastoral Counselor
• Lilian Borges, Licensed Professional Counselor
• Marion Solomon, Director of Training, Lifespan Learning Institute

It's long been known that love is the path to personal happiness. Only recently has science established that love can be important to living a long and healthy life. Even more astonishing, healthy, intimate relationships contribute to the overall wellbeing of society. In this session, a panel of world class relationship experts will discuss proven ways to deepen your personal relationships and thus help foster an environment in which to relish your love.

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Still Sweatin' After All These Years!

Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Sponsored by: Fixodent

• Richard Simmons

Richard Simmons' presentation promises to include music, audience participation and inspiration. As a leader in the fitness movement for over 35 years, Richard's message has been consistent: Watch your portions, move your body and have a good attitude. These are the rules he lives by, and Richard encourages others to do the same. At 63, he is proud to be appearing at AARP's National Event & Expo once again.

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The Doctor in the Mirror

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Sponsored by: UnitedHealth Group

• Reed V. Tuckson, M.D., FACP, Executive Vice President and chief of Medical Affairs, UnitedHealth Group

Dr. Tuckson will deliver a new and enhanced version of his popular presentation that reminds each of us that we can, and must, take control over our health. This session will provide practical tips and tools to empower you to make personally appropriate health and wellness choices, and more effectively interact with the medical care delivery system. Learn about practical steps that each of us can, and should, take to achieve optimal health for ourselves and our families.

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Turning Cultural Assets Into Financial Assets: How Innovative Savings and Investment Models From Multicultural Communities Can Help You Live Your Best Life

Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

• Carlton Langley
• Donna V.S. Ortega
• Jose Quinonez

Whether it's a Hispanic tanda in Southern California, a West African susu, a Cambodian tontine, or a rotating savings and credit association, social groups pool their funds regularly to provide capital to help individuals reach their goals. Join us for a discussion and demonstration of how these innovative models help people stretch their funds, even with limited amounts of money. Share a story of how your culture or community has supported your financial security. We hope you leave inspired and informed about ways in which incorporating a social savings approach in your own financial portfolio can help you achieve your dreams.

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Turning Passions into a Career on YouTube

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by YouTube

• Austin Lau
• Mark Crilley
• Betty Givan
• Adam Sohn (Moderator)
  

YouTube is a great place to appreciate family videos, independent films and funny moments. But for thousands of Americans, YouTube has a greater significance — it’s their job. In this session, two successful YouTube Partners will talk about the experience of turning their passion for art and cooking into some of the most popular channels on YouTube, allowing them to share their talents with the world and receive a paycheck from YouTube in the process.

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Wellness Works — Do It! — How to Feel Younger as You Get Older

Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• Phil Hagen, M.D., Medical Director, Mayo Clinic EmbodyHealth Programs
  

Join us for this engaging session with Dr. Phil Hagen and learn how you too can feel younger as you get older!

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What Color Is Your Parachute? A New Challenge and A New Solution

Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

• Dick Bolles, best-selling author and career-development expert

Dick Bolles, author of the legendary book What Color Is Your Parachute?  A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers, will reveal why job-hunting is turning into a survival skill as we shrink government's budget, the five things you can do to find the life you want and survive in this tough economy.

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When I Grow Up I Want to Be a *+#@*$%!

Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Location: LACC Room 151

• Sandra Cisneros, author, The House on Mango Street

The Navajo say that childhood ends at 50. But noted author and poet Sandra Cisneros believes 50 is the time when women turn into ##**@@!!!, a pinwheel of whirring light scattering sparks. By this, Sandra means an age at which a woman comes into her own power. She notes, "Any woman who pleases herself is called a #*%@#!!! or worse, but I think this is a compliment, don't you?" Join Sandra for a thought-provoking presentation about women as they transition from years of worrying what others might think, to viva-cide (the opposite of suicide): living their own lives.