AARP helps members achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams by:   

• Enhancing the quality of life for all people as they age
• Leading and advocating for positive social change
• Delivering trustworthy information
• Making available products, services and discounts tailored for people 50 and over

AARP believes strongly in the principles of collective purpose, collective voice and the collective power of the 50 and over population to change the market based on their needs. These principles guide our efforts.

Advocacy

AARP fights for 50 and over individuals and their families at the local, state and national levels. Last year, we won many battles on behalf of older Americans. They included:

• Ensuring Congress does not cut the Social Security benefits of 53 million Americans to reduce the deficit. 
• Helping persuade Congress to block a 25 percent pay cut that would have caused more doctors to stop treating the nearly 45 million Americans in Medicare. 
• Saving residential consumers approximately $1 billion in utility rate increases in 2010.  
• Improving drug coverage and lowering costs for 3.3 million seniors who fell into the Medicare Part D coverage gap. 
• Supporting government's efforts to crack down on Medicare fraud, which saved Medicare and taxpayers $4 billion in 2010.

This year at AARP, we are continuing our work to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare, to save you money on your utility bills and to improve your access to quality health care. Whether in the nation's capital, in statehouses across the country or in the courts, we're in your corner, fighting on the issues that matter to you and your family. To learn more about our advocacy, please visit our Advocacy section on AARP.org.

Trustworthy Information

People rely on AARP to help them make informed decisions about how to live their best lives. 

We keep people 50 and over in the know by making information available when and how they want it:

• AARP The Magazine, the award-winning magazine published six times a year to help members feel great, save money and have fun
• The AARP Bulletin, a newspaper published 10 times a year and updated daily online to deliver useful information behind key issues affecting members
• AARP Viva, a quarterly magazine with every article published in Spanish and English, plus companion radio and TV programs
• Prime Time radio programs
• Inside E Street, a syndicated public affairs TV program
• My Generation, a syndicated magazine-style TV show
• AARP.org, delivering up-to-date information, discounts, tools and all things AARP online
• AARP Books, publications covering topics relevant to members
• AARP Informational Publications, free of charge, about a wide variety of issues, such as money, Medicare and health

Member Products, Services and Discounts

AARP makes available high-quality products, services and discounts specifically catering to the unique needs and wants of our members and the entire 50 and over population.

With a focus on quality management and customer service, we hold companies that provide AARP-branded offerings to a high standard.

These offerings fall under four main categories:

• Health (including insurance plans and discounts on prescription drugs, fitness club memberships, eyewear and hearing aids)
• Financial (including credit cards, auto and home insurance, annuities and life insurance, and financial guidance)
• Travel (including savings on rental cars, vacation packages, tours, cruises, hotels and roadside assistance)
• Discounts (including retail stores, groceries, dining, cellphones, roadside assistance and entertainment)

Volunteerism

Helping others to help themselves has been at the core of AARP for more than 50 years. We connect people with a wide range of opportunities to make life better for others, such as Create the Good and AARP Foundation programs, such as AARP Tax-Aide.

Research

Through forward-looking research and practical solutions, AARP fosters debate to make a positive difference.

We stay at the forefront of aging-related subjects. We actively listen to our members and the general 50 and over population and inquire frequently about their wants and concerns. We conduct extensive research on the issues that make a difference in their lives.

The AARP Public Policy Institute publishes major reports on health and financial security trends affecting the 50 and over population.  Our Research group conducts surveys on consumer issues that are relevant to the 50+ market.