25,000 Expected at Retired Persons’ Convention

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Ann Landers, Louis Rukeyser, Eric Sevareid and Carl Sagan are among the speakers scheduled to appear at the American Assn. of Retired Persons biennial convention Tuesday through Thursday at the Anaheim Convention Center.

More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the free three-day convention sponsored by AARP, a 22-million-member national association dedicated “to helping older Americans achieve lives of dignity, purpose and independence.”

The convention will include more than 40 concurrent sessions, with experts on a wide range of subjects, including health care, legislation-public affairs, finances, life-style issues and aging.

Dialogue on Sexuality

Also featured will be a variety of exhibits, as well as a hands-on technology center featuring the latest in computerized telephones, automatic teller machines, gas pumps, personal computers and other “high-tech gadgetry.”

Among the speakers on Tuesday are psychologist Westheimer, who will conduct an open dialogue on sexuality; psychologist Dr. Joyce Brothers, who will explain how to “Develop a Healthy Life Style” by learning to cope with the changes that occur naturally as one grows older, and civil rights leader Vernon Jordan Jr., who will outline what he believes the nation’s cities must do to meet the needs of older citizens, particularly minorities.

On Wednesday, the speakers will include astronomer Sagan, creator of the popular television series and book “Cosmos,” who will describe how technology is changing lives in his talk “The Human Future”; Sen. Alan Cranston (D-Calif.) and Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt, who will discuss national health-care policy, and columnist and television host Rukeyser who will discuss “What’s Ahead for the Economy.”

On Thursday, the speakers will include syndicated columnist Landers, who will explore human relationships of mature families in a session titled “Ask Ann Landers”; Dr. Art Ulene, health expert on NBC’s “Today” show, who will provide tips on staying healthy; television commentator Sevareid, who will share his perspective on the political landscape in “A View From the Front,” and Richard Bolles, author of “What Color Is Your Parachute,” who will speak on career changes for people in mid-life and older.