Listening to Members

Input from AARP's diverse membership shapes everything we do as an organization. Feedback comes from surveys, public opinion polls, phone calls, emails, and letters to the editors of our publications, face-to-face conversations with volunteer leaders and staff, and more.

Members' views shape our decisions about everything from advocacy positions to volunteer opportunities to new online health tools.

How Public Policy Decisions Are Made

Developing public policy recommendations that service the interests of a group as diverse as 50 and over Americans is a formidable task. That's why the input that AARP gathers from members and others through surveys, polls, public forums and personal communications is so important.

After analyzing a wide range of options, AARP's National Policy Council, made up of volunteer policy experts from around the country, deliberates and forms specific public policy recommendations and shares them with the AARP Board of Directors. The board then sets the framework for AARP's public policy agenda.

AARP focuses on policies and issues that reflect our members' concerns and interests, including:

• Economic security
• Health care
• Access to affordable, quality long-term care
• Creating and maintaining livable communities
• Ensuring that our democracy works better for us all

We publish these policies every two years in The Policy Book: AARP Public Policies.  The 2009–2011 edition of the Policy Book is available on paper, CD-ROM and online. 

How AARP Chooses Products and Services

On behalf of AARP, AARP Services (ASI) strives to be an advocate in the marketplace for the 50 and over population. AARP Services encourages companies to consider the role they play in effecting positive social change by building or tailoring quality products and services that help those 50 and over live their lives to the fullest.

AARP and AARP Services regularly seek input from members and conducts research to identify which products and services would be of most value. AARP Services is responsible for looking into possible new offerings, perform quality control with regard to providers and monitor the satisfaction of members who use AARP-branded products and services.

Products, Services and Discounts benefits are managed with four key principles in mind:

• Affordability — AARP-branded products are not necessarily the least expensive, but they offer recognizable value at a competitive price thanks to responsible product design and efficient operations.
• Quality — Through AARP Services, AARP makes sure its branded products and services consistently meet high standards of quality for members.
• Simplicity — AARP-branded offerings deliver information about features, benefits and regulations that members can easily understand and take advantage of.
• Accessibility — AARP looks for products with the broadest geographic distribution, the most generous acceptance policies so they benefit as many 50 and over Americans as possible.

Health Products and Services

AARP brands products and services from industry-leading health and wellness companies to help members and their families live healthier, fulfilling lives and navigate the health care market. Examples include insurance plans, prescription drug discounts, fitness club memberships, eyewear and hearing aids.

Financial Products and Services

AARP Services works with innovative, service-oriented financial industry leaders to address top-of-mind issues for our members, including preparing for retirement, managing personal finances and protecting assets. AARP-branded financial offerings include credit cards, auto and home insurance, annuities and life insurance, and financial guidance.

Travel and Discounts

AARP members enjoy discounts on quality products and services that help manage the everyday challenges of running a home and maintaining a budget. Travel offers include savings on rental cars, vacation packages, tours, cruises, hotels and roadside assistance. We make available discounts across a wide range of other shopping categories, including retail stores, groceries, dining and entertainment.