The Core Mission: Empowering People 50+
Founded in 1958 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, AARP's mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age [1.2.3, 1.6.1]. This foundational goal translates into a multifaceted approach that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for everyone 50 and older. At its heart, the organization operates on the principles of collective purpose, voice, and purchasing power to enact positive social change [1.3.2]. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for the more than 100 million Americans over age 50 and their families [1.5.1, 1.6.2].
Three Pillars of AARP's Strategy
AARP's work can be understood through three primary pillars: advocacy, information, and service. These pillars work in concert to address the most critical issues facing older adults.
1. Powerful Advocacy
AARP is one of the most powerful lobbying groups in the United States, advocating at federal, state, and local levels [1.6.3]. Its advocacy priorities are shaped by direct input from its members and extensive research. Key areas of focus include:
- Financial Resilience: AARP fights to protect and strengthen Social Security, promote retirement savings plans, and combat age discrimination in the workplace [1.5.1, 1.5.4]. They have been instrumental in advocating for state-run "Work and Save" programs to expand access to retirement savings accounts [1.5.6].
- Health and Wellness: The organization works to ensure access to adequate, affordable health care. This includes protecting Medicare, fighting for lower prescription drug prices, and supporting family caregivers [1.5.1, 1.5.4]. AARP played a significant role in the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices and caps out-of-pocket costs for seniors [1.5.6].
- Livable Communities: AARP promotes the development of safe, accessible communities with affordable housing and transportation options that allow people to live independently as they age [1.5.1].
- Consumer Protection: The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource that helps people spot and avoid scams, which disproportionately target older Americans [1.5.4].
2. Trustworthy Information
To help people make informed decisions, AARP provides a wealth of information through various channels. It publishes AARP The Magazine, which has the largest circulation of any magazine in the world, and the AARP Bulletin [1.2.5, 1.6.2]. Its website, aarp.org, offers extensive resources on topics ranging from health and money to travel and technology. The organization also runs educational programs, workshops, and events on issues like preparing for retirement, using new technology, and safe driving [1.4.3, 1.4.4].
3. Valuable Services and Benefits
While AARP is a nonprofit, it licenses its brand to third-party providers to offer a wide array of products, services, and discounts to its members. The revenue from these royalties is used for AARP's general purposes [1.5.6]. These offerings are managed based on four key principles: affordability, quality, simplicity, and accessibility [1.2.4].
Popular benefits include:
- Discounts on travel, restaurants, and retail.
- Insurance products, including health (Medicare supplement, dental, vision), auto, and home insurance [1.4.6].
- Financial services and planning resources.
- Community programs like Tax-Aide, which offers free tax preparation assistance from IRS-certified volunteers [1.4.1].
AARP vs. Other Senior Organizations
While AARP is the largest organization for older Americans, others exist with different focuses. Below is a comparison with another well-known group, AMAC (Association of Mature American Citizens).
| Feature | AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) | AMAC (Association of Mature American Citizens) |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1958 | 2007 |
| Stated Philosophy | Nonpartisan | Conservative |
| Primary Focus | Advocacy on Social Security, Medicare, drug prices; providing member benefits and information. | Advocacy for free market solutions, fiscal responsibility, and less government spending. |
| Key Stances | Supported the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Inflation Reduction Act's drug pricing negotiations [1.5.6]. | Opposed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and advocates for its repeal. |
| Membership Age | Full membership for ages 50+ [1.2.3] | Full membership for ages 50+ |
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite its nonprofit status, AARP's business practices have drawn criticism. A primary concern involves its financial relationship with insurance companies, particularly UnitedHealthcare. Critics argue that the billions of dollars AARP earns from royalties for AARP-branded insurance products create a conflict of interest, potentially influencing its policy positions on healthcare reform [1.7.1, 1.7.5]. Some have characterized AARP as a marketing firm with a powerful lobbying arm, questioning whether it always prioritizes its members' best interests over its business interests [1.7.1]. Its support for certain legislation, like the Medicare Part D expansion in 2003 and the Affordable Care Act in 2009, led to protests and membership cancellations from those who disagreed with its stance [1.5.6, 1.7.3].
Conclusion: A Mission of Empowerment
The main goal of AARP is to enhance the quality of life for all people as they age. It strives to achieve this vision of a society where everyone can live with dignity and purpose by serving as a powerful advocate, a reliable source of information, and a provider of valuable services [1.3.1]. From its origins fighting for health insurance for retired teachers to its current role as a major force in national policy debates, AARP's central purpose remains focused on empowering older Americans to navigate the challenges and opportunities of longer lives. For more information, you can visit the official AARP website.
