In 1958, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus had a vision—to give voice to the vast number of older Americans who got little notice. Today, Dr. Andrus' vision is an organization that touches the lives of 40 million members. Throughout this month, AARP hosts a series of events to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. We offer highlights from a few of those events.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Foods for Healthy Living
Food may be the best medicine for a healthy life, according to nutrition expert Joy Bauer. who says select foods can actually improve a number of conditions that bedevil men and women as they age—from arthritis pain to memory loss and mood swings. Speaking at the AARP Life@50+/National Event and Expo Friday, Bauer, the author of Joy Bauer’s Food Cures, said it’s always better to get nutrients through healthy foods rather than supplements.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

AARP CEO Bill Novelli hosts separate, live sessions via satellite with Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain at the AARP Life@50+ National Event. Watch as each senator discusses how to tackle the health care and financial security challenges facing the nation.

• Watch Sen. Obama's webcast
   

• Watch Sen. McCain's webcast

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

AARP Celebrates Member No. 40 Million
David Squires, a journalist from Hampton, Va., was welcomed today as AARP’s 40 millionth member. He accepted his lifetime membership before thousands of members gathered in Washington for AARP’s celebration of its 50th anniversary.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

AARP Staff & Volunteer Summit
Featuring Fareed Zakaria, editor of Newsweek International and author of The Post-American World, on the global future; Joseph F. Coughlin, founder and director of the MIT AgeLab, on "the sleeping giant of politics;" Bill Novelli and other key AARP leaders on AARP's future; and Peter Orszag, Mike McCurry, David Walker and Linda E. Tarplin on politics and policy in the 21st century.

(Obama photo by Joe Radele/Getty Images; McCain photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)