BoomerGirl Diary

I got my AARP card a few weeks before my 50th birthday. I was not amused. Two-and-a-half years later, I'm fascinated by the paradigm shift happening in the AARP - and society, in general - with regards to what (and who) is considered "old."

This story in today's Baltimore Sun describes the hoopla surrounding the 50th anniversary of the AARP and their national expo which closes today in Washington, D.C. The event included speakers, exhibits and entertainment by a smattering of stars like Winona Judd, Sally Field and Martina Navratilova.

I would have loved to have snagged a press pass for the exhibit hall to browse the variety of products and services offered for the "new old people" - us. Here's an excerpt from the Sun's article:

They're selling vitality, engagement, beauty and, above all, youth.

Fantasy runs through the convention like a sweet, irresistible elixir. People gulp it up, having their pictures taken from behind the wheel of a candy-apple red sports car, caressing Fender guitars, collecting brochures for exotic vacations in Egypt, Morocco and Costa Rica.

One booth is handing out pith helmets.

A lot of the vendors - there are more than 450 - have tailored their slogans to fit the audience.

Verizon Wireless: "Retired but busy."

Quaker Oats: "Find out how to become living proof."

Ancestry.com, a Web site that allows you to build an online family tree, boasts, "Your grandkids were never impress by your records, until now."

Hmm, spending my retirement wearing a pith helmet? Not a bad idea....