Q: What's so special about AARP products?

A: AARP's mission to create positive social change drives our oversight of the products, services, and discounts we make available through independent providers. Everything bearing the AARP brand has a special value or benefit for our members. We research the possibilities to determine what best suits our members' wants and needs, and let our presence in the marketplace stimulate a push for higher quality.

Q: I'd love to volunteer in my community, but I can't commit to a regular schedule. Any advice?

A: Members frequently tell us they want to give back on their own time and in their own way. To help you balance service and your busy schedule, AARP's new Office of Volunteer and Civic Engagement can help you find creative options for getting involved. Enter your zip code at createthegood.org/atm to learn about local opportunities. I found a couple of great projects near my home in Salisbury, Maryland: helping out in a food pantry and tutoring students. These were just two of hundreds of ideas. The site also has detailed, downloadable "how-to guides" on topics such as setting up a school-supplies drive.