AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that focuses on advocating for the needs and interests of Americans aged 50 and older. Founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired educator, its mission is to enhance the quality of life for all as they age. While most commonly associated with retirees, AARP's services and advocacy efforts affect a broad demographic, including those still in the workforce. Understanding the core truths about this organization is key to separating fact from the many common myths surrounding its purpose and operations.
The Truth About AARP's Mission and Purpose
At its core, a true statement about AARP is that its primary function is advocacy for the 50+ population. The organization leverages its large membership base to influence public policy at the national, state, and local levels.
Core Advocacy Areas
- Health Security: AARP consistently lobbies for adequate and affordable healthcare, including lowering prescription drug costs and protecting Medicare benefits.
- Financial Stability: This includes efforts to strengthen and protect Social Security, promote retirement savings, and combat consumer fraud.
- Age Discrimination: AARP actively works to fight age discrimination in the workplace through legislation and partnerships with companies.
- Livable Communities: The organization advocates for housing affordability, supportive community features, and other initiatives to help older adults age in place.
This advocacy work is a crucial part of its identity, distinguishing it from purely commercial or social organizations. AARP does not endorse or contribute to political candidates or parties, focusing solely on the issues that impact its members and the wider 50+ community.
Unpacking AARP's Membership and Benefits
Many people misunderstand who can join AARP and the nature of the benefits provided. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be retired or over 50 to become a member.
Who Can Join and What You Get
- Open Membership: Anyone aged 18 or older can join AARP.
- Age-Restricted Benefits: While anyone can join, certain benefits, particularly insurance products like auto or health, are restricted to members who are 50 or older due to legal and contractual limitations.
- Comprehensive Offerings: Membership provides access to hundreds of discounts on travel, dining, and shopping, along with valuable resources on finances, health, and career development.
In addition to discounts, members receive subscriptions to AARP's highly circulated publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin, providing news and information relevant to their lives.
Comparison of AARP and Related Services
To better understand what AARP offers, it's helpful to compare its role to other organizations and commercial services that target a similar demographic.
| Feature | AARP Membership | AARP Branded Products (e.g., insurance) | Commercial Insurance Providers | Commercial Travel/Discount Services (e.g., AAA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organizational Status | Nonprofit, Nonpartisan | Commercial product offered via licensed partnership | For-profit entity | For-profit or nonprofit, depending on the service |
| Primary Goal | Advocacy and Member Benefits | Generating royalties and revenue for AARP | Generating profit from insurance sales | Providing discounts and services for a fee |
| Membership Age | Open to 18+ | Generally restricted to 50+ | Varies by provider and product | Varies by organization |
| Cost | Low annual fee (e.g., $16) | Varies significantly based on the specific product | Varies widely based on coverage and provider | Varies by membership level |
| Advocacy | Core function of the organization | None | None | Generally not a core function, may have separate initiatives |
The Financial Truth: How AARP Makes Money
Another common misconception is that AARP is solely funded by its membership fees. While dues are a significant source of revenue, the organization also relies heavily on royalties from licensing its name and logo. This is particularly true for its relationship with insurance products.
Revenue Streams
- Membership Dues: This is a major funding source, but not the only one.
- Royalties: AARP earns substantial revenue by licensing its brand name to third-party companies, especially insurance providers like UnitedHealthcare for Medicare supplement plans and The Hartford for auto insurance.
- Advertisements: Revenue is also generated from advertisements in its publications and on its platforms.
- Grants and Donations: AARP and its affiliates, like the AARP Foundation, receive federal grants and charitable donations to support their work.
This business model allows AARP to fund its extensive advocacy efforts and member programs while offering competitive branded products through trusted partners. While this structure has drawn some criticism, it’s a transparent and fundamental aspect of how the organization operates.
Conclusion
The true statement about AARP is that it is a powerful, multifaceted organization that champions the needs of Americans aged 50 and over. Operating as a nonprofit and nonpartisan group, it uses its considerable influence for advocacy on critical issues like healthcare, financial security, and age discrimination. Beyond its core advocacy, it provides a wide array of member benefits, from discounts to valuable resources, to anyone 18 or older. By dispelling the myths about its membership age, nonpartisan stance, and diversified funding model, one can gain a clearer picture of AARP's purpose and impact. The organization's motto, “To serve, not to be served,” reflects its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and the broader society.
[Authoritative Outbound Link] For a deeper dive into AARP's policy positions and advocacy efforts, visit their official government advocacy page. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/government/
