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AARP Getting Satisfaction

WASHINGTON DC -- In a move to address rapidly changing demographics of America's senior citizens, AARP has announced an agreement with Rolling Stones singer-songwriter-guitar player Keith Richards to pen a regular advise column on "modern lifestyles."

"We are very excited with this initiative to help our organization develop a strong relationship with the aging Baby Boomer population," said AARP CEO William Novelli. "Mr. Richards brings a unique perspective and a certain expertise on the issue of longevity while living a quite active lifestyle, which we believe will be of great interest and value to our members."

During the baby boomer years of 1946-1964, 75.8 million Americans were born, fueling a 55-percent increase of 50-to-54-year-ods, the largest percentage growth between 1990 and 2000 of any five year age group according to the United States Census Bureau.

Richards is best known publicly for his drug habit, including arrests, trials and convictions for drug possession in 1967 and 1977. Richards and the Stones cultivated a decadent and counter-culture image during the 1960s and '70s, and Richards' frank admission that he used narcotics often made him a poster-boy for rebellious teens and adults looking to "tune in, turn on and drop out." In a famous 1981 Rolling Stone magazine interview, he expressed little regret about the heroin habit that almost destroyed his life and music career.

AARP is the nation's leading organization for people age 50 and older. Since its inception in 1958, AARP has reached out internationally, serving as a premier source of information and advocacy on issues affecting aging populations.

"I am extremely pleased at the opportunity presented by my new association with this important service organization," said Richards through a certified Sixties translator when reached for comment at his Connecticut home. "Arrgh, well, er, you know what they say, mate, after a nuclear holocaust and after the cockroaches are gone, I'll be the last man standing."

The Rolling Stones, founded in 1961 and called the "greatest rock and roll band in the world," has sold over 67,500,000 albums in the United States, including 42 gold, 27 platinum and 12 multi-platinum records.

Novelli made no announcement of subjects or topics for the upcoming Richards columns, which will be entitled "Booze, Pills and Powders."



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