AARP's Foundational Principles and Mission
Founded in 1958 by retired educator Ethel Percy Andrus, AARP began with a specific goal: to secure affordable health insurance for older Americans who were often deemed uninsurable. Over time, its mission expanded, but its core commitment to enhancing the quality of life for people as they age has remained constant. This mission is built on three pillars: information, advocacy, and service.
Today, AARP operates as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with a presence in every state, engaging with the over 100 million Americans who are 50 and older. The organization champions positive social change and delivers value through its extensive network, research, and policy influence.
The Three Pillars: Advocacy, Information, and Service
Understanding AARP's main focus requires looking at the three key areas through which it operates. These pillars guide all the organization's activities and initiatives, from lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. to local community support programs.
1. Fierce Advocacy for the 50+
One of the most powerful aspects of AARP is its role as a legislative advocate. The organization maintains a significant lobbying presence at both the federal and state levels, pushing for policies that benefit its members and the broader older American population.
Key Advocacy Areas:
- Health Security: Protecting and strengthening Medicare, advocating for affordable and accessible health care, and fighting to lower prescription drug costs. For instance, AARP was a key supporter of legislation allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices.
- Financial Stability: Safeguarding Social Security benefits, promoting retirement savings, and helping to protect older Americans from financial fraud.
- Fighting Age Discrimination: Championing the rights of older workers and combating age bias in the workplace and media through education, legal support, and employer pledge programs.
- Support for Caregivers: Advocating for policies that support the millions of family caregivers across the country, including initiatives for family leave and tax credits.
2. Providing Trustworthy Information
AARP serves as a trusted source of news, research, and information for its members. The organization produces high-circulation publications and a comprehensive website that covers a wide range of topics relevant to the 50+ demographic.
AARP's Information Channels:
- AARP The Magazine: The largest-circulation magazine in the nation, featuring articles on health, finance, lifestyle, and entertainment.
- AARP Bulletin: A monthly news source that keeps members informed on important issues and policy changes.
- Website and Multimedia: The aarp.org website offers extensive resources, tools, and multimedia content on topics from health and money to travel and personal fulfillment.
3. Delivering Valuable Services
In addition to advocacy and information, AARP provides a range of products, services, and discounts designed to enhance members' lives and help them save money. These benefits are managed through a for-profit subsidiary, AARP Services, Inc., which licenses the AARP brand to third-party providers.
Common Member Services and Discounts:
- Insurance: Access to a variety of insurance products, including health, life, auto, and homeowners insurance.
- Travel and Leisure: Discounts on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages.
- Financial Services: Offers on financial products like certificates of deposit (CDs) and other savings accounts.
- Everyday Savings: Discounts at restaurants, retail stores, and on technology.
AARP's Affiliates: The Broader Impact
To achieve its mission, AARP operates several affiliated organizations that focus on specific areas of need, particularly for more vulnerable older adults.
Comparison of Key AARP Affiliates
| Affiliate | Mission Focus | Example Programs |
|---|---|---|
| AARP Foundation | Reduces poverty among older adults through economic opportunity and social connectedness. | Offers free tax-aide, job training, and support for food and housing security. |
| AARP Services, Inc. | Manages the marketplace offerings of products and services that carry the AARP brand. | Oversees member benefits like discounts on insurance, travel, and health products. |
| Legal Counsel for the Elderly | Provides free legal services to Washington, D.C. seniors in need. | Handles legal advocacy and provides legal aid to protect the rights of seniors. |
Conclusion
While its name originally stood for the American Association of Retired Persons, the organization, now simply known as AARP, has evolved its focus to serve and empower the entire 50-plus demographic, whether they are retired or not. Its main focus is a powerful combination of advocacy, information, and services, all geared toward enabling older Americans to choose how they live as they age. By addressing critical issues like health security, financial stability, and age discrimination, AARP works to ensure its members—and all older adults—can live with dignity and purpose.
For more detailed information on AARP's public policies and stance on various issues, visit their policy page: https://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/policies/.
