2008 Year in Review

AARP Foundation programs seek to help older Americans build and protect their financial assets, and gain access to public benefits, if necessary, that will allow them to age with dignity and independence. Throughout the economic turbulence that marked 2008, the AARP Foundation dedicated every day to standing up for those who live on the knife’s edge of economic distress. We know all too well that a single life change—a costly illness, the loss of a job, a home foreclosure notice, the death of a spouse—can quickly threaten an individual’s financial stability.

We are proud to have helped a record number of people improve their quality of life—more than 5 million—through direct, one-on-one assistance to 3.1 million people and by providing information to help 2.2 million make sound decisions for themselves and their families.

These efforts were made possible, in part, by the charitable gifts from AARP members and other supporters, the commitment of more than 38,000 volunteers who gave generously of their time and talents, and the dedication of Foundation staff across the country.

We invite you to read the highlights of our 2008 achievements, along with more detailed information about our programs and donors.