Bandana Shrestha

What are the key issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elders, teens and inbetweens today? What are the similarities and differences in experiences across generations? Join AARP Oregon and community partners on October 20 for LGBT Seniors, Teens, & Inbetweens: All-Ages LGBT Community Conversation in Eugene.

According to research most of us will need some form of assistance to maintain our desired quality of life, independence and dignity as we age. Dealing with declining health, loss of ability and accepting help from loved ones or paid caregivers is hard enough, for those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, aging and receiving care has its unique challenges and complications.

Older adults are one of our city's richest resources. If we can ensure that they can participate fully in the life of the community for as long as possible, our entire community will benefit. But what does “age-friendly” really mean? How can we improve our city’s physical and social environments to allow residents to remain healthy, independent, and autonomous long into their old age?

AARP Oregon will recognize best decorated bikes at the July 28 th North Portland Sunday Parkways. You can submit your bike for consideration on-site at Peninsula Park between 11am and 3pm. You must provide a valid email address for notification. Submissions can also be made via twitter using #bestbikepdx @aarpor.

Over the past year, we here at the AARP Oregon state office have been contacted several times by AARP members and our own family and friends living in other parts so the country with requests for information about relocating to Oregon. When they hear about people coming to Oregon, native Oregonians often jest and quote a sign that Governor Tom McCall supposedly ordered to be put up at all major state borders, “Welcome to Oregon, enjoy your visit.” But it seems the word has gotten out! Oregon is beautiful and a wonderful to place to live. And based on the requests we have received people from a variety of places seem to be considering moving here.

Portland is known nationally as a great example of a livable urban environment. Ranked the most livable small city in the country by Money Magazine, Portland prides itself for its great public transportation system, local parks, connected neighborhoods with pedestrian-friendly shop-lined streets, and a thriving local arts culture. Today, as a member of the WHO Global and AARP Age-Friendly Livable Networks, Portland is making greater headway as a place to live, work and play for people of ALL ages and abilities.

AARP Oregon is excited to be part of New Approaches: The Healthy Aging Conference for Boomers. New Approaches is the second annual educational conference designed for to baby boomers in celebration of Older Americans Month. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity.

AARP Oregon is excited to be a sponsor of this year’s Portland Sunday Parkways. As part of our sponsorship, we are looking to recruit and engage AARP members and non-members alike as volunteers to help us at each of the five Parkways events. Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles, including:

November if National Caregiver Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about the important role family caregivers play in providing care for chronically ill, disabled or aged family members or friends and making sure that they have the support and recognition for the invaluable work they do every day of the year.

The difference between breaking and keeping those New Year’s resolutions can be as simple as a pair of walking shoes. After driving, walking is the most popular means of travel in the United States. It’s easy, cheap and gentle on the body and environment. Doctors recommend adults engage in physical exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five or more times a week, to maintain and improve health.