What is the description of the area association of retired persons AARP?

Founded in 1958 to address the healthcare needs of older Americans, AARP has grown into a powerful nonprofit organization that serves millions. While you might have seen the query, "What is the description of the area association of retired persons AARP?", it is important to clarify that the organization's official name is the American Association of Retired Persons.

Quick Summary

AARP is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization for people aged 50 and over that advocates for their interests and provides a wide array of information, services, and discounts through its extensive network.

Key Points

• Mission and History: AARP was founded in 1958 to help older Americans secure health insurance and has evolved into a leading advocate for people 50 and over.

• Name Clarification: While sometimes mistaken as the 'Area Association', AARP stands for the American Association of Retired Persons, reflecting its nationwide scope.

• Advocacy Power: As a major lobbying force, AARP fights for the interests of older Americans on issues like Social Security, Medicare, and prescription drug costs.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Members receive exclusive discounts on travel, insurance, health products, financial services, and more through AARP's partnerships.

• Community Outreach: The AARP Foundation and other programs provide free tax assistance, fraud protection, and support for low-income seniors.

• Not Just for Retirees: The organization's membership is open to anyone 18+, with its offerings and mission specifically focused on enhancing life for people as they age.

From the American Association to AARP

In 1958, a retired high school principal named Ethel Percy Andrus founded the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to address the pressing healthcare needs of older Americans. Her initial efforts were inspired by her previous work establishing the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA) in 1947. Seeing the struggle retirees faced in obtaining affordable health insurance, Dr. Andrus championed the idea of collective purchasing power to negotiate better rates for older citizens.

Her vision was rooted in the principle of "productive aging," believing that life after 50 was a time for dignity, purpose, and continued engagement. In 1999, the organization officially changed its name to simply "AARP," dropping the full title to reflect that many of its members were not yet retired. Today, AARP maintains its original non-profit and non-partisan status, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all people as they age.

A Clarification on the Name

If you arrived here searching for the "area association of retired persons AARP," it is a common misunderstanding. The correct name is the American Association of Retired Persons, or simply AARP. This distinction is crucial for understanding the scope of its work, which covers issues at the national and state levels across the United States.

A Powerful Advocate for Older Adults

One of AARP's most significant roles is its powerful and influential advocacy work. As a non-partisan organization with offices in every state, AARP lobbies for legislation that supports and protects older Americans. This involves working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to advance policies that benefit its members and the broader 50+ community.

Here are some of the key issues AARP consistently advocates for:

1. Protecting and Strengthening Social Security: AARP tirelessly advocates to ensure that Social Security benefits are secure for current and future generations, opposing measures that would weaken the program.
2. Improving Health Care and Medicare: The organization fights for policies that expand healthcare coverage, improve the stability of Medicare, and reduce out-of-pocket costs for older adults.
3. Lowering Prescription Drug Costs: AARP has been a leading force in pushing for legislation that allows Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, capping out-of-pocket costs for medications.
4. Empowering Family Caregivers: AARP's advocacy has resulted in significant wins for family caregivers, leading to national strategies and state laws that provide much-needed support.

Benefits, Discounts, and Resources

For its members, AARP provides a wealth of benefits and resources designed to help them live their best lives as they age. Membership includes a subscription to AARP The Magazine, exclusive access to online content, and a range of discounts from third-party providers.

• Travel Discounts: Members can find savings on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.
• Insurance Options: AARP offers various insurance plans through trusted providers, including Medicare Supplement plans, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and auto insurance from companies like The Hartford.
• Financial Products: From financial planning tools and advice to high-yield savings accounts and credit card options, AARP provides resources to help members manage their finances.
• Health and Wellness: Beyond insurance, members get access to discounts on prescriptions, vision exams, hearing aids, and fitness programs.
• Retail and Entertainment Savings: AARP offers discounts at various restaurants, retailers, movie theaters, and online stores.
• Work and Jobs: Career resources, job boards for age-friendly employers, and online workshops help older adults seeking to stay in the workforce or start a new career.

Community Programs and Charitable Foundation

Beyond member-specific benefits, AARP operates numerous community-focused programs and its charitable arm, the AARP Foundation, provides crucial support to vulnerable seniors.

1. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: A volunteer-run program that provides free tax preparation and counseling for low-to-moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to those 60 and older.
2. AARP Fraud Watch Network: This network provides free alerts, resources, and educational materials to help people of all ages spot and avoid scams and identity theft.
3. AARP Foundation: The Foundation focuses on addressing the core issues of poverty among older adults, including hunger, income instability, housing, and social isolation.

AARP vs. The Senior Citizens League

Feature	AARP	The Senior Citizens League (TSCL)
Focus	Broad range of issues affecting people 50+, including health, finances, travel, and community.	Primarily focused on the financial security of seniors, particularly cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security.
Membership	Open to anyone 18+, with benefits largely tailored to those 50+.	Non-profit organization advocating for seniors' financial security.
Benefits	Offers a wide variety of member benefits, discounts, and insurance products through third parties.	Less focused on consumer benefits and more on policy advocacy for financial issues.
Advocacy	Powerful, non-partisan lobbying force across many issues.	Advocates for legislation related to seniors' financial matters, such as Social Security and Medicare.
Scope	National organization with a broad mission to enhance life as people age.	More specialized focus on financial matters, complementing AARP's wider mission.

Conclusion

In summary, the American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP, is a multifaceted nonprofit organization with a mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. It operates as both a powerful advocacy group influencing policy on behalf of the 50+ population and a provider of valuable member services and resources, including discounts and information. By supporting its members' financial well-being, health, and social engagement, AARP remains a crucial resource for millions of older Americans.

To learn more about AARP's charitable work and the resources available to help vulnerable older adults, please visit the AARP Foundation website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does AARP stand for?

AARP stands for the American Association of Retired Persons. Although the official name was shortened to just the acronym, its original full name reveals its history and focus on the American 50+ demographic.

Who can join AARP?

While AARP focuses on the 50+ demographic, anyone aged 18 or older can join and access many of the organization's benefits. The core mission, however, is to serve the interests of older adults.

Is AARP a political organization?

AARP is a non-partisan organization. It does not endorse or contribute to political candidates or parties. Instead, it engages in advocacy and lobbying efforts for policies that benefit its members, regardless of political affiliation.

Does AARP only help retired persons?

No, AARP helps all people aged 50 and over, whether they are retired or still working. This is why the full name was shortened, as a significant portion of its members are still active in the workforce.

What kind of discounts can I get with AARP?

AARP offers a variety of discounts on travel, dining, and retail. These include savings on car rentals, hotels, restaurants like Denny's and Outback Steakhouse, and various shopping opportunities.

How does AARP advocate for older adults?

AARP advocates for seniors by lobbying at both federal and state levels. Its focus areas include protecting Medicare and Social Security, lowering prescription drug costs, and fighting against age discrimination.

How is the AARP Foundation different from AARP?

The AARP Foundation is a charitable affiliate of AARP. While AARP focuses on member services and advocacy, the Foundation works to provide resources to and reduce poverty for vulnerable older adults through programs like Tax-Aide and SNAP enrollment assistance.