About AARP International

 | March 20, 2006

Line Vreven, Director, AARP International

The whole world is aging.

This is a fact that nations are beginning to understand as they seek out ways to keep older citizens socially and economically integrated and economically independent. However, it is nothing new to AARP.

Since its inception in 1958, AARP, a 37 million member non-governmental association, has served as a respected source of information and advocacy on issues affecting aging populations worldwide. We identify aging as a positive achievement and an opportunity to change for the better the way we work, contribute socially, and enjoy life. We also recognize the 50+ population as a productive and intellectual resource that is making major contributions to economies and societies around the world.

AARP International aims to help people live longer, healthier, more financially secure and productive lives by identifying the best ideas and practices on key policy issues. We convene international opinion leaders and policy makers to share their expertise and develop research on health and long-term care, livable communities, older workers and retirement income.

AARP International fosters this global collaboration and, in the end, acts as a partner and catalyst to governments and decision-makers in all sectors to help address and favorably shape the social and economic implications of aging worldwide.

Sharing Solutions that Work in Health and Long-Term Care

Preventative health care, lifestyle changes, and innovations have given society a “longevity bonus” that is a great success story of the last century as people across the globe live longer and healthier lives. However, making adequate and affordable heath care available to the next generation is the next great challenge.

We know that health care costs will continue to increase. That is why AARP International is working with academics, businesses, consumers, governments and non-governmental organizations to assure affordable health care and prescription drugs.

One way to achieve affordability and improve quality is through technology. In 2006, we sponsored a day-long conference, as well as original research on health information technology, the use of electronic health records, and how different countries around the world are implementing systems that promise to deliver quality care and reduce costs.

Our commitment to health care extends to long-term care where we are working to ensuring choice, dignity, affordability and access to quality services. We are looking abroad to learn from countries with model long-term care systems such as Australia, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands to find answers and have sponsored conferences and research on recruiting and retaining a quality workforce.

Ensuring Adequate Income in Older Age

Longer healthier lives are having an impact on retirement throughout the world. AARP International believes that all social partners must find common cause in strengthening public pensions, encouraging private savings and pensions, and providing opportunities for continued employment.

AARP International co-hosted a dialogue in 2005 between the United States and United Kingdom, which convened the leading stakeholders and voices on pension issues from both countries on their respective debates in pensions and Social Security reforms.

We also conducted a ground-breaking poll of opinion leaders across the G7 on their attitudes towards retirement issues and found that most believe their nations are not prepared. This is one reason that societies must give opportunities to older people who want to or must work. We believe that this will help sustain economies and produce a more productive and engaged workforce.

Through the AARP Foundation, AARP International is playing an active role in consulting the EU, Member States, and non-governmental organizations on drafting and implementing anti-age discrimination legislation in accordance with the Employment Directive.

The Resource in AARP International

AARP International has developed relationships with a number of international governing bodies such as the United Nations, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the World Economic Forum, the European Commission and the International Social Security Association, to help bring the dialogue on global aging a cohesive voice among nations. These partnerships have been extended to media and business entities.

Our goals are furthered by fact-finding missions taken by AARP Chief Executive Officer, Bill Novelli, to Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, the UK and Belgium where he has met with high-level opinion leaders to discuss issues relating to the aging population and foster global collaboration.

We continue our discussions through the monthly Idea Exchange series where executives meet with notable experts on a variety of aging related issues, as well as our annual Reinventing Retirement conference which seeks to find understanding and solutions for difficult issues in aging societies.

Contact Information

AARP International
601 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20049
USA
Tel: +1 202 434 2402
Fax: +1 202 434 2454
Email: mailto:intlaffairs@aarp.org