AARP's Core Advocacy and Policy Work
At its heart, AARP's mission is to empower people to choose how they live and age, and its advocacy is the primary way it achieves this. AARP has a robust presence at national, state, and local levels, lobbying for policies that support its over-50 membership and their families. A look at their recent actions reveals a powerful, multi-faceted strategy.
Strengthening Healthcare and Reducing Costs
One of AARP's longest-standing battles is for adequate, affordable healthcare. In 2025, efforts are focused on several fronts:
- Prescription Drug Affordability: AARP continues its fight against rising drug prices, building on recent wins that enabled Medicare to negotiate some drug costs. State-level initiatives are a major focus, such as AARP Virginia's push for a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.
- Protecting and Improving Medicare: As the 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment period approaches, AARP is an important resource, providing guidance on how to evaluate different plan options and advocating for strengthening Medicare's financial stability. The organization also advocates for quality care in facilities like nursing homes.
- Advocating for Family Caregivers: Recognizing the strain on America’s 63 million caregivers, AARP is actively working to expand support. This includes pushing for a federal tax credit, advocating for extended family leave policies, and supporting caregiver-training programs. Medicare was recently approved to allow payments for health professionals who train family caregivers.
Ensuring Financial Security
AARP's work extends to the financial well-being of older Americans, recognizing that financial security is fundamental to a dignified retirement.
- Safeguarding Social Security: AARP works tirelessly to protect Social Security, one of the most vital issues for its members. This advocacy is aimed at ensuring the program's long-term financial security for current and future generations.
- Fighting Fraud and Scams: Through its resources and advocacy, AARP works to protect older adults from the constant threat of scams. Recent state-level efforts include pushing for guardrails on crypto ATMs, which criminals often use to target seniors.
- Multigenerational Workforce Support: AARP hosted an Employer Summit in 2025 focused on strategies for managing a multigenerational workforce, emphasizing the value and contribution of older workers.
Fostering Livable Communities and Innovation
Beyond policy, AARP works to create real, tangible change in communities where people live.
The AARP Community Challenge
Since 2017, AARP has invested millions of dollars through its Community Challenge grant program to fund quick-action projects that make communities more livable for people of all ages. The 2025 Community Challenge included:
- Funding for Livable Projects: Committing millions to support nearly 400 projects nationwide, with a notable focus on rural areas.
- Focus on Rural Communities: Investing significantly in rural projects to improve public places, transportation, and digital access.
- Enhancing Connectivity: Expanding high-speed internet (broadband) access and adoption, especially for older adults.
- Improving Public Spaces: Funding projects to create more vibrant open spaces, parks, and other amenities.
- Pedestrian Safety: Supporting initiatives that create safer streets and sidewalks.
The AgeTech Collaborative
Recognizing the role of technology in healthy aging, AARP nurtures startups creating innovative products and services for older adults through its AgeTech Collaborative. This initiative helps bring new ideas to market that make aging easier, from health and wellness devices to platforms that secure important documents.
Comparison of State-Level Priorities (2025)
AARP's state offices prioritize legislation tailored to local needs. Below is a comparison of some 2025 state legislative goals, showcasing the regional variations in AARP's advocacy.
| Issue | Washington State | Virginia State | Maine State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory Care | Established standards for certified memory care facilities, including staffing levels and training. | Addressed nursing home quality of care issues through legislative advocacy. | Broadened eligibility for respite care programs to make them more affordable for families. |
| Housing | Included provisions to increase affordable housing supply via transit-oriented development. | Focused on increasing accessibility and affordability of long-term services and supports (LTSS). | Addressed rising energy costs and the burden of renewable energy transition on residents. |
| Finances | Focused on consumer protection, including setting guardrails for crypto ATMs. | Aimed to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. | Focused on finding financial support for family caregivers. |
The Aging Well in America Initiative
As part of this initiative, AARP is actively working towards the development and implementation of a U.S. National Plan on Aging. AARP's vision for this plan centers on four key goals:
- Promoting healthy living and access to affordable, high-quality health care.
- Supporting family caregivers and providing affordable, high-quality long-term care.
- Creating financial security opportunities.
- Fostering age-friendly, livable communities where people can age in place.
Conclusion
AARP is currently working on a broad range of issues that directly impact the lives of people over 50. From high-level national advocacy on programs like Social Security and Medicare to local community-building grants and financial security initiatives, the organization addresses the multi-faceted needs of an aging population. By combining public policy reform with on-the-ground action and innovative technology, AARP continues its mission of helping older adults live their best lives.
For more information on AARP's policy initiatives, you can visit their official policy webpage at AARP Policy.
