AARP's Evolving Mission and Core Principles
At its heart, AARP is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that serves individuals aged 50 and older. Its core mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age, and to foster a society in which all people can live with dignity and purpose. This is achieved through a multi-pronged approach based on the principles of collective purpose, collective voice, and collective purchasing power.
Since its founding, AARP has evolved from a small organization focused on a specific demographic (retired teachers) to a powerful force representing a diverse membership of nearly 38 million people. While advocacy remains a key component, AARP's offerings have expanded to address a wider range of needs and concerns for the aging population.
The Three Pillars of AARP's Purpose
The main purpose of AARP can be broken down into three primary functions: advocacy, information, and service. These pillars work together to provide comprehensive support for the 50+ community.
1. Advocacy and Social Change AARP is a vocal and powerful advocate for older Americans at both the state and national levels, lobbying policymakers on issues that directly impact the 50+ population. This involves working with government officials to influence legislation and protect programs vital to seniors' well-being. Some of AARP's key advocacy focuses include:
- Safeguarding Social Security: AARP works to ensure the long-term financial security of Social Security benefits for current and future retirees.
- Improving Healthcare: Efforts include protecting Medicare, making health care more accessible and affordable, and lowering prescription drug costs.
- Fighting Age Discrimination: The organization is committed to protecting the rights of older workers through advocacy, education, and legal support.
- Empowering Family Caregivers: AARP advocates for policies and laws that support the nation's millions of family caregivers.
- Combating Fraud: The Fraud Watch Network arms individuals with information to avoid scams and works to hold criminals accountable.
2. Providing Information and Resources AARP delivers trustworthy information to empower people to make informed decisions as they age. This is primarily done through its publications and digital platforms.
- AARP The Magazine: With the largest circulation of any magazine in the U.S., it provides articles on health, finance, and lifestyle issues.
- AARP Bulletin: A monthly news source for people 50+ covering important topics and updates.
- Online Resources: The AARP website offers a wealth of online tools, articles, and guides on topics ranging from retirement planning and managing finances to healthy living and technology.
3. Delivering Member Services AARP leverages the collective purchasing power of its large membership to secure a wide array of products, services, and discounts. These member-exclusive benefits offer tangible value and help individuals save money on everyday expenses.
Here are some of the popular services offered through third-party providers:
- Insurance: Access to AARP-endorsed insurance products for vehicles, homes, life, and health, including Medicare plans.
- Travel: Discounts on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.
- Dining and Entertainment: Savings at a variety of national and local restaurants and discounts on movie tickets and other entertainment.
- Financial Services: Access to banking and investment products, as well as fraud prevention services and tax assistance.
AARP's Main Purpose: Advocacy vs. Member Benefits
To understand the true core of AARP, it's helpful to compare its advocacy role with its member benefit offerings. While both are central to its function, they serve different, yet complementary, purposes.
| Feature | Advocacy and Social Change | Member Benefits and Services |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | To influence public policy and legislation to improve the lives of all Americans aged 50+ | To provide direct, tangible value to members through discounts and curated products/services |
| Key Functions | Lobbying government, researching policies, fighting age discrimination, protecting Social Security and Medicare | Offering discounts on travel, insurance, dining; providing information via publications and online tools |
| Target Audience | All older Americans and their families, regardless of membership status | AARP members specifically, although some resources are available to the public |
| Strategic Focus | Long-term, systemic change that addresses root issues facing seniors on a broad scale | Immediate, practical savings and resources that enhance individual members' financial security and lifestyle |
A Concluding Perspective on AARP's Main Purpose
Ultimately, the main purpose of AARP is not a single, isolated goal but a powerful combination of proactive advocacy and responsive member services. The organization uses its considerable influence and resources to fight for the rights and interests of the 50+ population at the legislative level, creating a better environment for older Americans nationwide. At the same time, it provides direct, day-to-day value to its members through a vast network of discounts and informational resources. This dual strategy allows AARP to address both the systemic challenges of aging and the individual needs of its members, fulfilling its mission to empower people to live their best lives as they age.
To learn more about AARP's mission and programs, you can visit their official website at www.aarp.org.
