AARP: The American Association
AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, was founded in 1958 by retired teacher Ethel Percy Andrus. Her goal was to help older Americans find affordable health insurance and a sense of community, purpose, and dignity. Over the years, AARP has grown into a powerful nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy group in the United States, with a membership of millions.
To reflect the fact that not all members are retired, the organization officially changed its name to just "AARP" in 1999. AARP focuses on several key areas, including:
- Advocacy: AARP is a major lobbyist on Capitol Hill, influencing legislation related to Social Security, Medicare, and prescription drug costs.
- Benefits: Membership includes access to a wide array of discounts on travel, insurance products (like Medigap), and other services from partner companies.
- Information and Education: It publishes AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin, and provides resources on financial security, healthcare, and brain health.
Membership and Mission
AARP membership is open to anyone aged 18 and older, although the organization is dedicated to serving those 50 and older. While it began by targeting retirees, the organization now serves a broad demographic of Americans over 50, reflecting the diversity of its membership and the changing landscape of aging. Its mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age, promoting independence, choice, and control.
CARP: The Canadian Equivalent
CARP, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, is a national, nonprofit, and nonpartisan organization that advocates for Canadians as they age. Founded in 1985 in Toronto, CARP was inspired by AARP's success but has always been an independent entity. It is part of ZoomerMedia, which provides marketing and media services.
In Canada, where there is a different healthcare and social security system, CARP's focus is on promoting social change to bring financial security, equitable access to healthcare, and freedom from discrimination to its members. Key advocacy areas include:
- Healthcare: Issues such as long-term care improvements, home care, and timely access to specialists.
- Financial Security: Protection for retirement income and addressing financial issues specific to Canadians.
- Fighting Ageism: Similar to AARP, CARP works to combat age discrimination.
The Impact of Geography
One major difference between AARP and CARP is the national healthcare system. Canada's socialized medicine system means that CARP does not need to focus on providing or lobbying for private health insurance in the same way AARP does in the U.S.. This difference significantly shapes the advocacy priorities of each organization.
AARP vs. CARP: A Comparison
| Feature | AARP | CARP |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Country | United States | Canada |
| Full Name | Formerly American Association of Retired Persons | Canadian Association of Retired Persons |
| Year Founded | 1958 | 1985 |
| Membership Focus | Americans 50+ | Canadians as they age (no age restriction) |
| Health Advocacy | Primarily focused on Medicare and lowering prescription drug costs for a private system. | Concentrates on improving Canada's national healthcare system, such as home and long-term care. |
| Key Offerings | Discounts, publications, insurance products (via licensing). | Advocacy, education, discounts, and benefits, often tied to ZoomerMedia platforms. |
| Lobbying Power | Widely recognized as a powerful lobbying force in U.S. politics. | Influences federal and provincial policy in Canada. |
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Given the similar names, it's easy to assume AARP and CARP are the same organization or are officially affiliated. This is not the case. While CARP was modeled after AARP, it is an independent entity serving the needs of a different country with its own set of political and social challenges. The overlap is in their shared mission to serve and advocate for older populations, but the methods and specific issues they address are unique to their national contexts.
How to Determine Which Organization is Right for You
Choosing between AARP or CARP is straightforward and depends on your country of residence. If you are a resident of the United States, AARP is the organization that represents your interests. If you live in Canada, CARP is your national advocate. Individuals who have lived in both countries may have been members of both, but they serve distinct purposes based on national policy and consumer markets. Regardless of which you join, both associations offer substantial resources and advocate for the rights of aging adults in their respective countries. The key is to select the one that aligns with your citizenship and location.
Conclusion
While the similar acronyms might cause confusion, AARP and CARP are two distinct, independent organizations serving different nations. AARP is the prominent advocacy group for Americans aged 50+, lobbying on issues like Social Security and Medicare, and offering a wide array of member benefits. CARP, its Canadian equivalent, advocates for aging Canadians on matters concerning their national healthcare system and retirement security. Choosing between them simply depends on where you live. For those concerned about issues affecting older adults, understanding this fundamental geographic difference clarifies which organization is best suited to serve your needs.
