What is the purpose of AARP? A Comprehensive Guide to its Mission and Role

Founded in 1958, AARP serves millions of Americans aged 50 and over, yet many people only associate it with discounts. For those wondering what is the purpose of AARP, the answer is far more complex and covers a broad range of advocacy, information, and community services designed to empower older adults.

Quick Summary

AARP is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to enhance the quality of life for all people as they age through powerful advocacy, providing valuable information, offering a wide array of member services and discounts, and promoting social change.

Key Points

• Advocacy: AARP is a powerful nonpartisan advocate on issues important to those aged 50 and over, including Social Security, Medicare, and fighting age discrimination and fraud.

• Member Benefits: Membership provides access to an extensive range of discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and other services through third-party partners.

• Information and Education: AARP provides valuable information and resources through its publications, website, and educational programs to help older adults navigate aging.

• Community Engagement: The organization fosters community engagement through volunteer opportunities and state offices, helping older adults stay active and connected.

• Charitable Foundation: The AARP Foundation is a separate charitable entity dedicated to helping vulnerable older adults with essential needs like food, housing, and income.

• Broad Eligibility: While focused on the 50+ population, AARP membership is open to anyone 18 or older, though some benefits may have age limitations.

A Powerful Voice for the 50+ Community

At its core, AARP is a formidable advocacy and lobbying group that champion causes important to its members and the broader 50+ population at the local, state, and national levels. AARP does not endorse political candidates but focuses on influencing policy to benefit older Americans. This collective voice is one of its most significant purposes, giving its members a platform to impact legislation that affects their daily lives and future security.

Key Advocacy Areas

• Health Care and Medicare: AARP consistently advocates for strengthening Medicare's financial stability, expanding coverage, and ensuring access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. Recent successes include pushing for the ability of Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices.
• Social Security: Protecting Social Security is a top priority, with AARP advocating to safeguard the program's future and combat potential benefit reductions. They also press for improvements to customer service within the Social Security Administration.
• Age Discrimination: The organization works to protect older workers' rights through advocacy, education, and legal support. This includes campaigning for legislation like the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act (POWADA).
• Consumer Fraud: The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides information and resources to help members and the public avoid scams, a service that is free for everyone.
• Family Caregiving: AARP advocates for policies and laws that support family caregivers, leading to a national strategy on caregiving and numerous state-level laws.

Member Benefits: Services and Savings

Beyond its powerful advocacy, AARP delivers tangible value directly to its members through a vast selection of benefits and discounts. These offerings are available through third-party providers who license the AARP brand, providing members access to carefully selected products and services across various categories.

Types of Member Benefits

• Insurance: Members can access a variety of insurance options, including health (Medicare Supplement and Advantage plans through UnitedHealthcare), dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance.
• Travel: Discounts are available on rental cars (Avis, Budget), hotels (Best Western, Choice Hotels), cruises, and vacation packages, helping retirees explore the world more affordably.
• Shopping & Dining: Members can save money on everyday expenses with discounts at restaurants, grocery stores, and various retail outlets.
• Work & Finances: AARP offers resources for financial planning, job searching, career development, and fraud prevention.

Educating and Empowering the Aging Population

Information is power, and AARP is a major provider of educational content to help members navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging. This purpose is fulfilled through publications, online resources, and workshops.

• Publications: AARP produces AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin, which provide lifestyle tips, news, and educational content to its millions of members.
• Online Resources: The AARP website is a hub for articles, guides, and tools on topics ranging from health and money to technology and family caregiving.
• Staying Sharp Program: This program, along with partnerships with brain health experts, provides resources and assessments to help individuals maintain their cognitive health as they age.

The Charitable Arm: AARP Foundation

Distinct from the parent organization, the AARP Foundation is a charitable affiliate with its own mission: to serve vulnerable people aged 50 and older. This arm focuses on creating and advancing effective solutions that help older adults secure essentials like nutritious food, affordable housing, and adequate income.

AARP Foundation Programs

1. Tax-Aide: Provides free tax preparation and filing services for low-to-moderate-income seniors through a network of IRS-certified volunteers.
2. Experience Corps: Connects older adults with volunteer opportunities to serve as tutors and mentors to elementary school students.
3. Benefits Access: Helps eligible older adults enroll in benefits programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicare Savings Programs.
4. Drive to End Hunger: Works to combat food insecurity among older Americans through grants and programs.

AARP and its Audience

Originally founded for retired educators, AARP has evolved to serve all Americans aged 50 and over. The organization has proactively adapted to the changing demographics and lifestyles of its audience, which is a key part of its ongoing purpose. As evidenced by its publications and digital content, it actively works to dispel negative stereotypes and redefine what it means to age. The ultimate goal is to empower older adults to have independence, choice, and control throughout their lives.

AARP vs. Other Senior Organizations

Feature	AARP	Other Organizations (e.g., AMAC)
Membership Age	Anyone 18+ can join; mission focuses on 50+	Varies; some focus on specific age ranges or demographics
Political Stance	Nonpartisan; focuses on issues, not candidates	Varies; some are explicitly partisan (e.g., AMAC is conservative)
Advocacy	Influential national lobbying on broad issues (Medicare, Social Security, fraud)	Varies; may have narrower or more ideologically driven focuses
Member Benefits	Extensive range of discounts, insurance, travel, and financial products	Varies; may offer a different selection of discounts and services
Charitable Arm	AARP Foundation aids vulnerable low-income seniors	Varies; may have a different charitable focus or none at all

Conclusion: A Multi-Faceted Purpose

Ultimately, what is the purpose of AARP? It is to serve as a comprehensive resource and advocate for the 50+ population. The organization's purpose extends far beyond simply offering discounts, encompassing powerful legislative advocacy, extensive member services, robust educational materials, and charitable outreach through its foundation. By providing a collective voice and collective purchasing power, AARP aims to enhance the dignity, purpose, and quality of life for all as they age. To learn more about their mission and advocacy efforts, visit the official AARP website at https://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does AARP stand for?

AARP originally stood for the American Association of Retired Persons. However, in 1999, the organization rebranded itself simply as AARP to reflect that a large portion of its members are not retired. AARP is now its official name, not an acronym.

Does AARP influence government policy?

Yes, AARP is a highly influential lobbying group that works to impact legislation at the local, state, and federal levels. It advocates on issues affecting the 50+ population, such as healthcare, financial security, and age discrimination.

How does AARP earn money if it's a nonprofit?

AARP generates revenue from membership dues, royalties from licensing its brand to third-party companies for products and services (like insurance), and advertising in its publications. This revenue supports its advocacy and charitable work.

Is AARP membership worth the cost?

For many, the value of an AARP membership, which can cost as little as $11 per year with a multi-year term, outweighs the price. The organization offers discounts that could save members hundreds of dollars annually, access to resources, and the benefit of its powerful advocacy.

Can I join AARP if I'm under 50?

Yes, anyone 18 or older can join AARP. Members under 50 receive access to hundreds of discounts and resources, though age-restricted benefits, such as certain insurance products, are not available to them.

Does AARP support specific political parties?

No, AARP is a nonpartisan organization. It does not endorse or contribute to political candidates or campaigns. Its advocacy is based on issues that affect older Americans, not party politics.

What is the difference between AARP and the AARP Foundation?

AARP is the parent organization that focuses on advocacy, information, and member benefits. The AARP Foundation is its affiliated charity, which focuses specifically on helping low-income older adults with essentials like housing and food.