Seniors and Celebrities Head to L.A. for AARP Expo Sept. 21-24

See Bennett, Burnett, Navratilova, Simmons

by: Rita Beamish | from: AARP Bulletin | September 1, 2011

Singer Tony Bennett will perform Sept. 24 at the Staples Center during the Life@50+.

Singer Tony Bennett will perform Sept. 24 during the Life@50+ event and expo, where activities range from helping chefs prepare meals at soup kitchens to instructions on new technology. — Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

En español | It's going to be "a ball of energy," predicts Richard Simmons, the ever-peppy 63-year-old fitness guru. Simmons can't wait to boogie with a few thousand of his favorite people — AARP members who attend Life@50+, AARP's National Event and Expo this month.

One of them is Anita McInnis from Bellflower, 62. She's excited at the chance to learn, meet and greet, and enjoy the swirl of activity. McInnis may not be as agile as some Simmons devotees, but she'll be up on her cane for the low-impact dance steps.

See also: Register to attend Life@50+.

When she heard about the world-class entertainment — from Lionel Richie to Patti Austin — and the opportunity to expand her knowledge on everything from technology to Social Security, McInnis knew she had to attend her first AARP national gathering.

McInnis also signed up to be a volunteer at Life@50+, which is Sept. 21 to 24 in Los Angeles. It is expected to draw 25,000.

Centered on the theme "When I Grow Up," Life@50+ will spotlight the many opportunities for reinvention and growth as people move past 50.

The epitome of cross-generational cool, Tony Bennett, will sing in a benefit concert. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the AARP Foundation's Drive to End Hunger among people 60 and older. Bennett said he was shocked when he learned of the scope of the problem.

"I, of course, wanted to get involved right away and do what I could to help raise awareness and generate support," Bennett told the AARP Bulletin.

Bennett, a multiple Grammy winner who has performed for 10 U.S. presidents and sold millions of albums, said he's thrilled to sing to an audience that gets his philosophy: Age shouldn't dictate your lifestyle.

Next: Film discussions, music classes, cooking sessions. >>