AARP's Vision: Dignity and Purpose
At its core, the AARP is driven by a vision of a society where all people live with dignity and purpose, fulfilling their goals and dreams. This overarching vision is translated into action through advocacy, information, and service to enhance the quality of life for Americans aged 50 and older. AARP operates on the principle of using its collective purpose, collective voice, and collective purchasing power to create positive social change. This foundational philosophy guides every aspect of the organization's work, from its public policy stances to the services it provides to its members.
The Four Policy Fundamentals of AARP
The specific beliefs and policy priorities of the AARP are outlined in its Policy Fundamentals, which provide the framework for its work. These fundamentals represent the organization's core commitments and are developed based on extensive input from members, volunteers, and experts.
Better Health
AARP believes that people should be empowered to live longer, healthier lives. This involves supporting a strong public health system and ensuring access to affordable, high-quality health care for everyone, regardless of age. Key areas of focus include:
- Access to Care: Advocating for access to affordable, quality health care and long-term services and supports.
- Prescription Drugs: Working to lower the cost of prescription drugs.
- Caregiving: Pushing for programs and policies that support and enable family caregivers.
- Cognitive Health: Prioritizing resources and research related to maintaining and improving cognitive health as people age.
- Strengthening Medicare: Actively campaigning to strengthen and improve Medicare for both current and future generations.
Financial Resilience
The organization is dedicated to ensuring economic security for people as they age. This belief is realized through advocating for stronger systems and protection for older Americans. Key elements of this belief include:
- Social Security: Supporting a strong Social Security system that can be counted on by all generations.
- Retirement Savings: Promoting opportunities for individuals to build savings throughout their lives.
- Workplace Protections: Fighting against age discrimination in employment and advocating for fair work opportunities.
Livable Communities
AARP believes that everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability, should have the opportunity to live a meaningful life in their community. The livable communities framework promotes design and policies that foster independence and engagement. This includes:
- Physical Independence: Creating environments that are easy to navigate for people with varying mobility levels.
- Affordable Housing: Advocating for affordable and appropriate housing options.
- Community Engagement: Promoting features that encourage social connection and participation.
- Mobility Options: Supporting diverse transportation options that cater to the needs of older adults.
Consumer and Individual Rights and Protections
As a champion of consumers, AARP insists that everyone be treated fairly in the marketplace and in their communities. This belief is upheld through several core principles:
- Fair Play: Insisting on straightforward business practices and protection against deceptive or abusive actions.
- Transparency: Ensuring consumers receive clear and accurate information about products and services.
- Redress: Protecting the consumer's right to legal recourse when wronged.
- Privacy: Safeguarding personal privacy and the right to reject intrusive marketing.
- Equitable Access: Advocating for all consumers to have access to basic, affordable, and safe goods and services.
The Role of Advocacy and Member Input
AARP's beliefs are not static; they are actively implemented through its powerful advocacy arm. The organization works at local, state, and national levels to push for policy changes that align with its fundamentals. The process of developing these policy recommendations is highly structured, involving a board of directors that oversees the process and integrates input from a diverse group of members and older Americans. This ensures that the organization's actions accurately reflect the concerns and priorities of its target demographic.
How AARP's Beliefs Guide its Marketplace Offerings
AARP's beliefs also extend to its endorsed products and services, which carry the AARP brand. The organization uses its collective power to negotiate with providers and identify offerings that are valuable to members. Products are selected based on four guiding principles:
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Affordability | Products offer competitive pricing and recognizable value. |
| Quality | Offerings consistently meet high standards of quality. |
| Simplicity | Benefits and regulations are easy for members to understand. |
| Accessibility | Products are widely available with broad acceptance policies. |
This careful curation ensures that the marketplace offerings are not just a business venture but an extension of the AARP's core beliefs in delivering value and enhancing the quality of life for its members.
Political Stance and Non-Partisanship
While AARP engages heavily in public policy, it is a nonpartisan organization. Its beliefs and policy positions are determined by what it sees as beneficial to its 50+ constituents, rather than by party lines. This non-partisan stance allows AARP to build coalitions and influence a broad spectrum of policymakers to achieve its goals. The organization's focus remains on the issues, such as health security and financial stability, that matter most to older Americans and their families.
For more detailed information on the AARP's policy positions, readers can consult the official AARP Policy Book.
Conclusion
The beliefs of the AARP are extensive and rooted in a mission to empower older Americans to age with dignity and purpose. By focusing on better health, financial resilience, livable communities, and consumer rights, AARP creates a comprehensive platform for advocacy and service. This framework allows the organization to address the diverse needs of the 50+ population through informed policy development and carefully vetted marketplace offerings, all while maintaining a nonpartisan approach to creating positive social change.
