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What: Portland State University’s Institute of Aging presents “Activism and the Aging Network: Elders and Advocates Leading Positive Social Change,” with Tom Nelson and Jerry Cohen of AARP.

Tom Nelson, the chief operating officer of the national AARP, will discuss the overarching aim of AARP to promote dignity and choice for people 50+ as they age. He will highlight AARP's "Blueprint for Re-Imagining America,” and briefly share his career path in gerontology and how programs like those at PSU, PCC and Marylhurst are invaluable.

Jerry Cohen, state director of AARP Oregon, will provide local case examples of how AARP works to "move the needle” of political discourse in our state.

When: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 from 5–7 p.m.

Where: Parson’s Gallery, 2nd floor of the Urban Center (506 SW Mill St.).

Cost: Free and open to the public.

Contact: For more information or to RSVP, contact JDeMonnin@aarp.org.

Background: AARP has 38 million members, with nearly a half million in Oregon, making it one of the largest membership-based organizations in the U.S. and the state. AARP promotes positive social change through advocacy, innovation and education.

The Institute on Aging is located within the School of Community Health in the College of Urban and Public Affairs at Portland State University. The Institute’s primary functions are to design, carry out, and facilitate research related to issues, policies, and programs that affect the quality of life for elders and their families, and develop and implement training for persons interested in gerontology, geriatrics, and lifelong learning. For more information on the Institute of Aging please visit www.upa.pdx.edu/IOA/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#06-118)