From Sex to Social Security: AARP has a Story to Tell

Source: AARP Press Center | August 5, 2005

Jerry Florence
Group Executive Officer, Membership and Director of the AARP Foundation
The National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Atlanta, GA

Good morning. I'm Jerry Florence, AARP's Group Executive Officer of Membership and Director of the AARP Foundation.

Friends, I am the face of AARP. Don't be shy, go ahead and say it: "What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?"

AARP is changing - growing better and stronger - reflecting the face of all Americans, for everyone's benefit.

AARP has a story to tell.

It's the story of a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization, helping people maintain their dignity, respect and sense of purpose as they age.

It's the story of an organization creating an environment where people over 50 successfully pursue meaningful, dynamic lives.

It's the story of Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, AARP's extraordinary founder. Behind the spectacles of retirement, she envisioned the need for an organization like AARP.

And she didn't wait for someone else to make it happen. She got busy. And since that time, AARP has given voice to older Americans.

Today, AARP is an inclusive organization, reaching out to every cultural community across the nation.

We continue speaking out on issues important to seniors - like retirement Security, health and long-term care, and other quality of life concerns. This is what we have done for nearly 50 years.

So, don't be surprised that we're talking about sex and drugs. Don't be shocked that the older couple down the street is still "doing it." It's not 25 year-olds snapping up Viagra and Cialis [see-AL-iss] from the pharmacy shelves.

In the past five years, we've done two studies examining the attitudes of people 45 and over about sex and sexual activity.

Both show that less stress and better health would make people more satisfied with sex.

Both studies also showed that having a spouse or regular partner also made a difference in sexual satisfaction and outlook on life.

In our current study, respondents strongly agreed that too much emphasis is placed on sex in our culture today. They were equally emphatic that sex is not just for the young.

And about half surveyed view sex as important to their overall quality of life.

There's a story to tell.

We could also take a whole day talking about drugs - prescription drugs, that is. It's one of the biggest concerns facing older people.

We all know prescription medications are priced out of reach. Pharmaceutical companies know they're priced out of reach.

Meanwhile, seniors head north and south of the border by the busload - or into cyberspace - in search of low-cost prescription medications.

But does every 65 year-old know that Medicare finally has a prescription drug benefit to help them save money?

Do they know they need to enroll in the program during 'open season,' just like any other health insurance?

Do low-income Medicare beneficiaries know they may be eligible to receive help to pay for this new benefit? Not enough of them know.

They need to hear that part of the story right now.

We're not doing a bad job telling our story. But as journalists, your reach is even greater. So, I invite all of you to tell AARP's story.

Many of you cover Social Security and other retirement security concerns. Some of you already know where AARP stands on Social Security reform.

The answer is 'no,' to any form of private accounts created from Social Security's trust funds. But 'yes,' to finding an avenue to keep Social Security solvent for future generations.

This issue is not about taking sides, it's about doing what's best for everybody.

In the Black community, it's critical for people to know that Social Security is one of the best resources available.

In fact, without Social Security, the poverty rate would jump from 22 percent to more than 57 percent for older African Americans.

But Social Security is not just for retirees. It provides outstanding survivor benefits for the spouses and children of deceased workers.

It also provides excellent benefits for disabled workers and their families; and disabled adult children.

This is a story that needs to be told.

Every journalist registered for this conference received a copy of AARP's Reporters Source Book. It's the first distribution.

You need to know the information that AARP can provide. And we want you to know about all of the issues and activities we're involved in - nationally and on the state level.

You'll find that AARP is not just about hot-button issues. There's a page in the source book on economic opportunity. Older workers are poised to swell the ranks of the workforce in the near future.

With this in mind, AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 program, Senior Community Service Employment Program, and Workforce Initiative take on greater meaning.

There's a page on health and community-based care - because nursing homes are not the only option.

There's also a page on legal and consumer protection, because so often seniors are the victims of scams and fraud.

And even when it's not fraud - when changes to government programs will have a detrimental affect on seniors, we take a stand.

Last Friday, AARP Foundation litigation attorneys were instrumental in a major federal court decision for Tennessee Medicaid beneficiaries.

Nearly 100,000 beneficiaries slated for removal from the program will continue getting coverage. One million others will have additional protections.

Grandparents raising grandchildren also have a special place among our advocacy issues. This issue is not high-profile like Medicare and Social Security, but it's no less important. These grandparents stand in great need.

Through the AARP Grandparent Information Center, we provide them with guidance and resource information.

They need help navigating a complex, fractured system that's anything but user friendly. Their story needs to be told. Take a look at this video clip.

I told you about AARP's founder, Dr. Andrus. She's no longer with us, but her vision and mission remain.

Today, we cast a broader net - touching the lives of older people and their families. We want to touch even more.

All I've shared this morning provides a snapshot of AARP's Social Impact Agenda. It keeps us focused on economic security, health services, housing and mobility options, global aging and accessible information and resources for older Americans.

The Social Impact agenda ties directly to our member value plan. Remember, we're all about serving our members and influencing aging in America.

Achieving the goals of our Social Impact agenda brings value to our members. And what should they expect?

• Credible information from a trusted and valuable source
• High quality products, benefits and services, whether it's an insurance plan or a driver safety course.
• Positive social change from our advocacy efforts.
• They can also expect a relationship with their organization, through volunteering, chapter activities and other types of engagement.

Finally, they can expect us to shatter stereotype perceptions of aging.

Our job is to live up to our goals and meet our members' expectations. And again we look to you to help share what we're doing - to help tell our story.

Most of you are part of mainstream media. Others specifically reach out to the Black community through publications and programming.

Regardless of where you're positioned, we know that people are more likely to "tune in" - to respond to a source they can relate to. A source that looks and feels familiar. A source that is trustworthy.

For many older African Americans, you are that trusted source - directly through your work; and I imagine, through community outreach opportunities.

Please share AARP's work, programs and benefits as you come and go. Share our story.

Let people know we are here to make a difference in the lives of men and women over 50 and their families.

Friends, here's what I want you to leave with today.

First, make sure you have your copy of AARP's Reporters' Source Book - it should be with your registration materials.

Second, recognize that AARP can provide a wealth of information to support many of the topics you cover.

Third, understand that we know and value all of you. AARP is big and resourceful, but even through our state offices, we can't reach everyone.

So, while we have no formal partnership with the media, we consider you priceless partners. In your booklet are state and national office contacts and phone numbers. Let us hear from you.

You provide a unique opportunity for us to reach deeper into the Black Community.

Through magazines, newspapers, television, radio, the Internet, you reach people across the nation right where they live.

We're making strides in our outreach among Black and Hispanic seniors. We've created Black and Hispanic Initiatives focused on member development and outreach.

But it takes time and patience before we see growth. We are excited about this growth. And we hope you will help nurture our efforts by telling our story. Thank you.