From Teachers to All Americans: The Founding Story
Before AARP, there was the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA), started in 1947 by retired California educator Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. Her motivation came from witnessing the financial difficulties of retired teachers living on small pensions, many of whom struggled to afford health insurance. Insurance companies at the time often considered older individuals uninsurable.
Andrus collaborated with insurance broker Leonard Davis to create a successful group health insurance plan for retired teachers. This program garnered interest from other retirees needing affordable healthcare. Recognizing this broader need, Andrus founded the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) in 1958 as a companion organization to the NRTA. AARP extended group insurance benefits and other services to all Americans aged 55 and older for a low annual fee.
Evolution of AARP's Mission and Membership
Over the decades, AARP significantly expanded its offerings beyond health insurance to include various benefits, services, and educational initiatives. It also grew into a powerful lobbying force for older Americans. However, as the nature of retirement changed, the term "retired" no longer accurately described a large segment of its members. Today, over 44% of AARP members are still employed.
To acknowledge this shift and move away from an outdated label, the organization officially became "AARP" in 1999, dropping the acronym. This change represented a broader effort to challenge stereotypes about aging and better reflect the diversity of its membership, including those still active in the workforce.
Comparison of AARP's Original Purpose and Modern Focus
| Feature | Original (1958) | Modern (Post-1999) |
|---|---|---|
| Name | American Association of Retired Persons | AARP (No longer an acronym) |
| Membership Eligibility | Primarily 55+ and focused on retirees | 18+ can join, though focus is 50+ |
| Core Focus | Securing affordable group health insurance for older adults | Providing diverse services, advocacy, and discounts |
| Advocacy Target | Initial focus on securing health insurance and pensions | Broad advocacy, including health, financial security, and age discrimination |
| Target Audience | Retired individuals and former teachers | All individuals aged 50 and older, retired or still working |
| Lobbying Power | Growing, but still nascent | One of the most powerful advocacy groups in the US |
| Flagship Magazine | Modern Maturity | AARP The Magazine |
Key Stages in AARP's History
- 1947: Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus founds the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA).
- 1958: Andrus establishes the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to offer benefits to seniors. The first issue of Modern Maturity magazine is published.
- 1965: AARP successfully lobbies for the passage of Medicare.
- 1984: AARP lowers the membership eligibility age from 55 to 50.
- 1999: The organization officially changes its name to AARP.
- 2015: AARP launches the "Disrupt Aging" initiative.
Evolving with the Times
AARP's history demonstrates its adaptability to the changing needs and lifestyles of older Americans. While initially driven by the need for health insurance, its mission is now much broader. AARP actively advocates on issues like Social Security, prescription drug costs, and age discrimination. The organization's commitment to empowering people to live with dignity and purpose remains constant. By dropping "retired" from its name, AARP has reinforced its identity as an organization for people actively engaged in life, regardless of employment status or specific age.
Conclusion
The history of what did AARP originally stand for highlights the organization's evolution. Beginning as the American Association of Retired Persons to meet the needs of uninsured retirees, it has become a modern entity known simply as AARP. The 1999 name change reflects an expanded mission and diverse membership. It acknowledges longer, more active lives and that retirement isn't uniform. By changing its name, AARP has successfully positioned itself as a relevant resource for all Americans 50 and over, while honoring Ethel Percy Andrus's legacy.
{Link: AARP website https://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/history/}
