AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals aged 50 and over. Its mission involves advocacy, information, and providing value to its members. This is achieved through political influence, member resources, and charitable work.
The Core Pillars of AARP's Purpose
AARP's work is guided by three principles: a collective voice, collective purpose, and collective purchasing power. This allows the organization to address issues affecting the aging population by advocating for policy changes, securing discounts, and promoting engagement.
Advocating for Social and Legislative Change
AARP is known for its nonpartisan advocacy at all levels of government. It has a significant lobbying presence to influence policy on critical issues.
Key advocacy areas include:
- Safeguarding Social Security and Medicare: AARP lobbies to strengthen these programs.
- Lowering Prescription Drug Costs: The organization campaigns for lower drug prices.
- Fighting Age Discrimination: AARP advocates for older workers' rights.
- Supporting Family Caregivers: AARP champions policies supporting caregivers.
- Consumer Fraud Protection: The Fraud Watch Network helps people avoid scams.
Providing Member Products and Services
AARP uses its collective purchasing power to offer various member benefits. Membership is open to anyone 18 or older, with many benefits for those 50+.
Some popular member benefits include:
- Insurance Options: Partnerships with providers offer health, auto, home, and life insurance.
- Travel Discounts: Members get discounts on hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.
- Retail and Restaurant Savings: Discounts are available at numerous locations.
- Financial Resources: Resources cover planning, investing, and retirement, with specialized products available.
- Magazines and Publications: Members receive AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.
Informational and Educational Resources
AARP provides information and guidance on topics relevant to its demographic.
Resources include:
- Health and Wellness: Content on brain health, fitness, and nutrition.
- Job and Career Support: Resources for older workers, including a job board and resume services.
- Online Learning: Programs like AARP Academy for skill expansion.
- Research and Policy Analysis: Reports on trends impacting the 50+ population.
Comparison of AARP and AARP Foundation
AARP and the AARP Foundation have distinct but related purposes.
| Feature | AARP | AARP Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Advocate for and empower Americans 50 and older. | Reduce poverty among older adults. |
| Focus | Membership-based organization for 38+ million members and the 50+ population. | Charity for vulnerable, low-income older adults, funded by donations. |
| Key Activities | Lobbying, publishing, member benefits, and resources. | Direct services like tax assistance, meal programs, and legal aid. |
| Funding | Member dues and revenue-generating activities. | Donations, grants, and fundraising. |
Conclusion: A Multi-faceted Approach
The main purpose of AARP is to be a comprehensive resource for Americans aged 50 and over. It achieves this through advocacy, member benefits, and educational resources. AARP aims to empower members to live their best lives as they age with dignity and security. Its work covers healthcare, finances, fraud prevention, and lifelong learning.
Keypoints
- Empowering Older Americans: The main purpose of AARP is to empower people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.
- Advocacy and Lobbying: AARP is a powerful, nonpartisan advocate on issues like Medicare, Social Security, prescription drug costs, and age discrimination.
- Member Benefits and Discounts: It uses its large membership to secure discounts on insurance, travel, restaurants, and other services for its members.
- Information and Resources: AARP provides educational content, research, and publications like AARP The Magazine to inform and engage the 50+ population.
- Is a Nonpartisan Organization: AARP is a nonpartisan entity that does not endorse candidates or contribute to political campaigns.
- Supports Vulnerable Seniors: The affiliated AARP Foundation focuses specifically on reducing poverty among vulnerable older adults through targeted programs and services.
- Open to Adults 18+: Despite its focus, AARP membership is actually open to anyone aged 18 or older, though some benefits are age-restricted.
FAQs
What does AARP stand for?
Although it was formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, the organization officially changed its name to simply AARP in 1999 to reflect that many of its members were still in the workforce.
Who can join AARP?
Membership in AARP is open to anyone 18 years or older. While the organization is primarily focused on people aged 50 and over, younger members can still access many of the discounts and benefits, with the exception of certain age-restricted insurance products.
How does AARP help protect Social Security and Medicare?
AARP advocates on behalf of older Americans by lobbying Congress and the President to safeguard the financial security of these programs. The organization works to protect and strengthen them for both current and future retirees.
Is AARP a partisan organization?
AARP is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that does not endorse political candidates or contribute to political campaigns. It works with leaders from all political parties to advance its mission.
What is the difference between AARP and the AARP Foundation?
AARP is a membership organization that advocates for people 50 and older and offers member benefits. The AARP Foundation is a separate charitable arm that focuses specifically on providing programs and solutions to reduce poverty among vulnerable older adults.
What kind of discounts can AARP members get?
Members can get discounts on a wide range of products and services, including travel (hotels, rental cars), insurance (auto, home, health), dining, entertainment, and technology through various partnerships.
How does AARP fight fraud?
AARP's Fraud Watch Network provides information, alerts, and educational resources to help people spot, report, and avoid scams and identity theft. It also lobbies for laws to hold criminals accountable for targeting older Americans.
