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Americans Share Next Chapters in Their Lives Through Essay Contest Sponsored by Borders and AARP

ANN ARBOR, Mich., July 2 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Submissions to the Borders/AARP "Your Next Chapter" essay contest are flowing in by the hundreds from across the country. Since the contest launch May 29, people age 50+ have submitted creative and inspirational essays that address the question "What are you going to do with the rest of your life?" Borders and AARP launched the essay contest in conjunction with a long-term agreement to provide unique benefits and discounts to AARP's 39 million members — and to encourage Americans to put pen to paper and share their plans and dreams with others. The deadline for entries is July 14.

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"The essays reflect the passion and enthusiasm that our members have in pursuing their dreams long after 50. We are pleased that so many people are willing to share their hopes, dreams and passions," said John Wider, executive vice president of AARP Services.

While each essay mirrors the unique voice and point of view of the writer, the essays reflect several common themes that underscore how people 50+ want to spend the next chapter of their lives. The top 10 themes emerging in the contest include:

- Engaging in volunteer work and helping others; - spending quality time with friends and family, especially grandchildren; - fishing; - simplifying their lives; - pursuing education opportunities; - hobbies; - traveling; - starting over after the death of a loved one; - fulfilling life-long dreams; and - getting a second chance after beating an illness.

Many of the essays are inspirational and touching as the following excerpts from select writings illustrate.

- "During my teen years I had little guidance and was lucky that I never participated in any real trouble, but as I grew older I observed many teens doing what I did and beyond. Now ... I try to talk to ... problem teens, but do not ... have the credentials to hold their attention. So, last year I decided to get some credentials ... and I started bible classes and have about six weeks left before I get my credentials (to become a reverend). Then, hopefully I can ... help some of these teens pass go without having to go to jail first!"

- "(After) I was in the hospitality industry almost 30 years ... I realized that I had accomplished all the goals I set for myself when graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1979. Three-and-one-half years ago ... I embarked on a course of instruction ... at the Wine and Spirits Education Trust in London, England ... and I am ... close to earning a Diploma, the stepping stone (to) a Master of Wine Program. Through this training ... I (started writing) a bi-monthly wine column for a group of Atlanta lifestyle magazines. I met a gentleman who is interested in developing a winery/resort/lifestyle/eco-tourist destination ... in West Africa ... and is impressed with my qualifications. There is every possibility I'll be winging it to Africa ... to be involved in a major wine-centered tourist development!"

- "Having lived for 66 years (you) have time to reflect on the past. Beware of too much reflection; you will forget to look ahead. There is no race to the finish line here ... (just) quiet contemplation and a satisfaction with all the adventures that remain. Simple things like having a cup of coffee on the porch ..., walking around the garden ..., having joy at watching the birds at the feeder and the bird bath. I am in love with life and savor each moment. I am satisfied."

"There is a strong synergy between Borders and AARP," said Borders Group Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing Rob Gruen. "Both of us are focused on helping people get what they want out of life through sharing of information, knowledge, ideas, and inspiration. By teaming with AARP, the most respected and trusted organization for people over 50, Borders is serving as a resource in our communities and connecting people with ideas, which is what we are all about."

The "Your Next Chapter" essay contest runs until July 14. To enter, U.S. residents age 50 and over simply write a 350-word (or less) essay describing - - with attention to creativity and originality, inspirational quality, and appropriateness to the topic — how they want to spend the next chapter of their lives. Essays can be submitted online at www.yournextchaptercontest.com by simply clicking the "upload it here" link, and following the posted instructions. Participants can also submit their entries by mail to Borders/AARP "Your Next Chapter" Contest Entries, P.O. Box 5529, Blair, NE 68009-5529. All entries must be received by July 14 to be eligible.

A panel of judges will select one grand prize winner who will receive a $5,000 prize package that includes a lifetime AARP membership as well as a trip for two to Washington, D.C. in September to attend AARP's "Life at 50+" national event, which includes concerts and shows as well as a vast array of seminars, informational booths and celebrity appearances. In addition, through Borders, the grand prize winner will receive a $250 Borders gift card, a portable Reader Digital Book from Sony, and a Borders Personal Publishing Premium package from Lulu.com. The grand prize winner and his/her essay will be featured on the AARP and Borders Web sites, and the winner will participate in an exciting publicity effort to share their essay and help inspire others. In addition to the grand prize winner, AARP and Borders will award five first place winners with a five-year AARP membership, a $100 Borders gift card, and a Borders Personal Publishing Standard package from Lulu.com. The essays of first place winners will also be posted on the AARP and Borders Web sites.

Under the Borders/AARP agreement, Borders is prominently displaying in its superstores free AARP literature on health, financial security, travel, and other issues important to personal growth and quality of life for those over 50. In addition, Borders is also providing AARP members with a 10% discount off the list price of paperback books and a 35% discount off the list price of AARP-published book titles when they show their AARP Membership Card in-store or purchase on www.borders.com/aarp . Borders will also host, often in conjunction with an AARP state office, free in-store events designed to provide people over 50 with information and insights on a variety of relevant topics.

About Borders Group, Inc.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP), is a leading retailer of books, music and movies with more than 28,000 employees. Through its subsidiaries, the company operates more than 1,100 stores primarily under the Borders(R) and Waldenbooks(R) brand names and recently launched Borders.com for online shopping. For more information, visit www.borders.com/aboutus .

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, AARP.org . AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

About AARP Services Inc.

AARP Services, founded in 1999, is a wholly owned subsidiary of AARP. AARP Services manages the wide range of products and services that are offered as benefits to AARP's 39+ million members. The offers span health products, travel and leisure products, and life event services. Specific products include Medicare supplemental insurance; member discounts on rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and lodging; special offers on technology and gifts; pharmacy services; legal services; and long-term care insurance. AARP Services founded AARP Financial Incorporated, a subsidiary that manages financial products that carry the AARP name, including AARP Funds. AARP Services develops new products, manages and markets products and services, and creates and maintains sponsorship and other relationships.

SOURCE Borders Group, Inc.

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