AARP History
AARP Vision
"A society in which everyone ages with dignity and purpose and in which AARP helps people fulfill their goals and dreams."
AARP Mission
"AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service."
Introducing AARP
With over 39 million members, AARP is the
leading nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for
people age 50 and over in the United States.
The group is known for providing a host of services to this ever-growing segment of the population by:
- Informing members and the public on issues important to this age group
- Advocating on legislative, consumer and legal issues
- Promoting community service
- Offering a wide range of special products and services to members
Membership in AARP is open to any person age 50 or above. With 25 percent of the U.S. population in the 50+ category, nearly half of all people in this age bracket are AARP members. However, U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for membership; over 40,000 members live outside the United States. People also do not have to be retired to join. In fact, 44 percent of AARP members work part time or full time. For these reasons, AARP shortened its name in 1999 from the American Association of Retired Persons to just four letters: AARP. The median age of AARP members is 65, and slightly more than half of them are women.
History of the Organization
Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired high school principal, founded AARP in 1958. AARP evolved from the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA), which Dr. Andrus had established in 1947 to promote her philosophy of productive aging, and in response to the need of retired teachers for health insurance. At that time, private health insurance was virtually unavailable to older Americans; in fact, it was not until 1965 that the government enacted Medicare, which provides health benefits to persons over age 65. Dr. Andrus approached dozens of insurance companies until she found one willing to take the risk of insuring older persons. She then developed other benefits and programs, including a discount mail order pharmacy service. Over the years NRTA heard from thousands of others who wanted to know how they could obtain insurance and other NRTA benefits without being retired teachers. After ten years, Dr. Andrus realized the time had come to create a new organization open to all Americans. Today, NRTA is a division within AARP.
In 1963, Dr. Andrus established an international presence for AARP by founding the Association of Retired Persons International (ARPI), with offices in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Washington, D.C. While ARPI disbanded in 1969, AARP has continued to develop networks and form coalitions within the worldwide aging community, promoting the well-being of older persons internationally through advocacy, education and service.
Since its inception in 1958, AARP has grown and changed dramatically in response to societal changes, while remaining true to its founding principles:
- To promote independence, dignity and purpose for older persons
- To enhance the quality of life for older persons
- To encourage older people "To serve, not to be served"
Organizational Structure
To help achieve its mission of addressing the needs and interests of persons 50 and older, AARP is organized into a central headquarters, an office in every state, as well as the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, and over 2,500 local chapters.
AARP's national headquarters is located in Washington, D.C., allowing staff and volunteer leaders access to the federal government. National headquarters coordinates the activities of the field operations and state offices, and provides support to the chapters, which are separately incorporated groups that provide members with opportunities to come together to volunteer in their own communities.
The Association's state level presence creates and enhances volunteer and community service opportunities; identifies areas of AARP's legislative concern and advocates for positive change; and supports volunteers and staff as they work toward accomplishing the goals and objectives of the Association and its members.
AARP's Affiliated Entities
AARP has two affiliated groups:
The AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity, its mission is to build a society in which everyone ages with dignity and purpose. The Foundation leads positive social change to help people 50 and older, especially the most vulnerable, by delivering information, education and direct service to communities and families.
Specific AARP Foundation programs include:
- A work training program for low-income persons age 55 and over
- Free tax preparation and counseling for older Americans
- Improvement to legal hot lines through technical assistance and training
- Training and assistance for aging advocates in elder law and advocacy
- Support for housing counselors in their work with older homeowners seeking reverse mortgages
In addition, the Foundation supports AARP Foundation Litigation, a national group that focuses on major litigation benefiting older Americans.
AARP Services, Inc.
AARP Services, Inc. (ASI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of AARP. ASI manages a range of products and services made available to AARP members, provides marketing services to AARP and its member service providers, and manages the AARP Web site.
ASI is also responsible for developing new products and services that reflect the changing needs and interests of AARP members.
Among the programs ASI manages are the following:
- Medicare supplement
- Long-term health care
- Automobile, homeowners and life insurance
- member discounts and savings on prescription drugs, eye-health services and eyewear products
ASI also oversees discounts on hotels and motels, auto rental, airlines, cruise lines, vacation packages, entertainment products and consumer goods.
Financing AARP
Among the continual challenges facing organizations like AARP is the need to maintain financial stability and to have a steady, reliable income in the face of constant change and growth. For AARP, this income is derived from a number of sources. These include: membership dues; revenue from advertising in AARP's periodical publications; and additional funds from the royalty fees paid by the commercial companies that provide AARP-endorsed services for members, and from fees charged for certain member programs.
Each year as part of its annual report, AARP publishes a consolidated statement of the Association's finances for its members and the public to review.
Information and Education
Members of AARP receive bimonthly magazine. "AARP Magazine" launched in 2002, addresses the needs and concerns of the 50+ population, including the 76 million strong baby boom generation. The magazine covers a broad range of topics, including health, finance and leisure.
Members also receive the "AARP Bulletin," published 11 times a year, and packed with news and practical information. The "Bulletin" carries reports about national and state legislation and programs affecting older persons. An online version featuring daily news and analysis for people 50+ started in 2001.
"Segunda Juventud" is a quarterly Spanish-English newspaper targeting the booming Hispanic community age 50+. AARP produces the newspaper, and "La Opinión," the largest Spanish daily newspaper in the United States, contributes editorial content.
AARP Web site provides online information, services and tools to help people 50+ get the most out of life. AARP's Web site offers information on a broad range of topics, including AARP's public policies, answers to financial planning questions, guidance on health and wellness, tips for coping with difficult life transitions, as well as opportunities to contact elected government officials, and participate in discussion groups and online courses.
Publications on a variety of subjects such as health and fitness, financial and retirement planning, housing, and more are available free to both members and nonmembers. In addition to consumer education, AARP conducts and publishes research on aging issues and analyzes related national and state policies through its Public Policy Institute. It also researches issues from an international perspective and examines approaches developed by other countries to address the challenges of aging. The results of these studies are used to help draft the Association's public policy positions.
Another invaluable source of information on aging both within and outside of the Association is AARP's Research Information Center, the nation's leading library specializing in social gerontology, and its online database, AgeLine.
AARP also produces "Prime Time Radio," a weekly interview program focusing on the interests of people 40 and over, and "Mature Focus Radio," which offers daily brief discussions on topics of interest to older people. Other broadcast activities include radio features in English and Spanish, educational documentaries and TV video news releases.
AARP Advocacy Activities
One of AARP's goals is to educate and inform opinion leaders and the public at large about the realities and challenges facing an aging America. AARP's mission has always included representing the interests of members and all older Americans. Its advocacy activities help millions of individuals participate in the nation's legislative, judicial, and administrative processes. AARP represents a diverse population of rich and poor, healthy and frail, workers and retirees. Developing policy for such a diverse group is not easy, but advocacy for their needs and interests is a major reason why millions of people join AARP.
AARP's advocacy activities include monitoring issues affecting older Americans, taking public positions and expressing those views to state and national lawmakers and regulatory agencies. The Association also undertakes selective litigation in age discrimination, pension, health care, economic security and consumer cases.
AARP reviews existing data, conducts its own research and surveys members to gather information on their concerns and views. AARP's Board of Directors is tasked with discussing and balancing these perspectives. They hear from renowned experts, elected leaders, representatives of business and industry, critics and the National Legislative Council, a special advisory body made up of 25 volunteers. The Council makes recommendations to the Board of Directors, which then approves the federal, state and local policies. The policies are published in various forms, including "The Policy Book: AARP Public Policies," and they guide the advocacy efforts of AARP volunteers and staff throughout the year. AARP's top advocacy priorities include important issues such as health, financial security, independence and long-term care and consumer protection.
AARP lead volunteers often appear before the U.S. Congress to testify about a wide array of issues affecting people over 50. They keep daily watch on proposed federal legislation and work hard to keep legislators informed of AARP's views. AARP also participates in coalitions with other national groups to support or oppose specific legislation.
AARP attorneys identify cases whose outcome could have a significant impact on a broad segment of the older population and/or could set important precedents. AARP files amicus briefs and supports third party lawsuits to promote the interests of older persons.
At the state level, AARP trains volunteer members on how to deal with lawmakers and government officials on local issues. These volunteers work closely with state legislators in drafting and promoting legislation to benefit their state's older citizens. The AARP state offices alert members in their states about crucial legislation and help organize public events and letter and telephone campaigns to communicate members' views. AARP encourages all of its members to make lawmakers and policy makers aware of their individual views.
Although AARP is a nonpartisan organization and does not have a political action committee (PAC), endorse political candidates, or contribute money to political parties or candidates' campaigns - it does engage in voter education. In an effort to educate members and the public about issues of concern to older Americans and their families, AARP solicits and publicizes candidates' views on specific issues so voters can make more informed choices in elections. AARP volunteers in the various states arrange workshops to educate voters on important issues, and candidate forums where voters can question candidates about their positions.
At the international level, AARP works to raise awareness of aging issues through presentations at major international conferences, expert group meetings and sessions of the United Nations. It convenes and participates in issue caucuses, and collaborates with other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), U.N. member states and other specialized agencies to ensure that the concerns of older persons are heard. Through global outreach and exchange, AARP shares its knowledge and expertise and, in turn, learns from the experiences of other countries.
All of these advocacy activities contribute to AARP being perceived as a leading voice for older persons.
AARP Programs
AARP is creating a new integrated approach to achieve ambitious social change goals through the use of media, community outreach, community service, education and advocacy.
AARP Independent Living/Long-Term Care/End-of-Life Issue
AARP Independent Living/Long-Term Care/End-of-Life Issues is a large scale, multifaceted effort to improve the way people age by addressing prevention, empowerment, expanded options in services and care settings, and increased tools for financing care and support. The Physical Activity initiative works to increase the number of people making physical activity a daily part of their lives in order to reduce health care costs and prevent onset of disease. The Predatory Lending Campaign is aimed at reducing the incidence of fraud against older homeowners who are targeted by unscrupulous lenders.
In addition, AARP offers a variety of educational and community service programs for AARP members and older persons in general. Most of these programs are conducted by local volunteers who contribute their time and talents to help others improve their lives.
AARP Driver Safety Program
The AARP Driver Safety Program is an eight-hour classroom refresher course designed for drivers age 50 and older. It covers rules of the road, defensive driving tips and normal physical changes that accompany aging and ways to compensate for them. Many states offer automobile insurance discounts to those who successfully complete the course.
AARP Tax-Aide
AARP Tax-Aide is a free tax counseling and preparation service for all taxpayers with middle and low incomes, with special attention to those age 60 and older. Each year, from February 1 through April 15, trained and certified volunteers serve over 1.7 million taxpayers at 9,000 sites nationwide. This program is administered through the AARP Foundation.
AARP SCSEP
AARP SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program) is a work-training program for low-income persons age 55 and older. Those who qualify receive paid, temporary assignments where they develop the skills, experience and confidence to find a permanent, unsubsidized job. This program is also administered through the AARP Foundation.
Volunteering
Some people say that one secret of AARP's success is the thousands of members who volunteer their time, experience and enthusiasm on behalf of others, in keeping with the Association's motto: "To serve, not to be served." It is the Association's volunteer leaders who set policy, advocate and carry out community service programs at the national, regional, state, and local levels. While supported in these endeavors by the Association's paid staff, it is the members themselves who energize AARP's advocacy and activities.
AARP provides its volunteers with orientation, training and informational updates appropriate to their role and consistent with the vision, mission, and goals of the Association. Volunteer training and development opportunities address specific needs that help volunteers carry out AARP strategic priorities. Topic areas include building expertise on specific issues important to AARP members and their communities; leadership skills; organizing for effective community service; legislative, regulatory, and governmental advocacy and voter education; becoming an AARP media spokesperson; and delivering training and education to other volunteers, to name a few. AARP supports volunteer learning through self-study materials, volunteer and/or staff facilitated sessions, AARP publications, consultation, and increasingly through the use of the Internet. Our local and national training and development efforts enable volunteers to meet their responsibilities, better utilize their skills and expertise and reach their potential for service, while enjoying an opportunity for lifelong learning.
In the wake of the events of September 11, 2001, AARP initiated a call for a National Day of Service to honor those who were lost. Eight national organizations partnered with AARP to provide its members volunteer opportunities beyond AARP's existing programs. In addition, countless smaller organizations across the country offered hands-on opportunities for community service. The new annual campaign encourages members, as well as AARP staff and others, to renew and strengthen the American tradition of helping others through volunteering.
People volunteer for many reasons. Some people may want to learn a new skill; others want to make new friends or contribute their time and talents to improving the well-being of others or society in general. Many people enjoy a sense of accomplishment and making a difference in the lives of others through their volunteer activities. Research indicates that people who participate in their communities through activities like volunteering may lead healthier, happier, and longer lives. AARP encourages all citizens, including older persons, to consider volunteering in their communities.
Member Services and Discounts
From the beginning, AARP has responded to its members' needs through the provision of services created especially for them that might otherwise not exist or be conveniently available with comparable quality, service and value.
The first such service for AARP members was the Association's historic group health insurance plan. This was followed by the establishment of a mail-order pharmacy service and the subsequent development of additional services. Today, AARP members can also take advantage of:
- Automobile and homeowners insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term health care insurance
- extensive Travel discounts and programs
- Eye health services
- Investment program
- Credit card services
- Motoring plan
- Legal services network
While some member services, such as the insurance programs, are only available within the US, many of the goods and services offered are also available internationally.
AARP, through AARP Services, Inc. (ASI), strives to make available products and services that do not duplicate those already in existence, but instead fill the gaps left uncovered by commercial providers or to provide features that are specifically designed for the older consumer. Although the services AARP makes available to its members are generally provided by outside vendors, ASI continually monitors all aspects of each service's operation to make sure the provider is meeting the Association's stringent standards for quality and service. Members know that, in their dealings with any of the Association's selected service providers, ASI acts to see that complaints are adequately and quickly addressed.
Working with Other Organizations
AARP cooperates regularly with organizations that share similar concerns and goals. This takes many forms. AARP provides funds to cosponsor research, works with other associations to organize seminars and conferences, forms coalitions with other groups to advocate legislative action at local, state, and national levels, and also undertakes other nonlegislative advocacy activities.
International Outreach Programs
AARP has been active internationally since its founding, serving as a premier international source of information, exchange, and advocacy on issues affecting older persons worldwide. This is accomplished through global outreach and exchange, worldwide partnership and coalition building, expert knowledge and data source development, and international advocacy.
As part of its educational outreach, AARP's Global Aging Program assists in the continuing campaign to remove negative stereotypes about persons in countries where these exist; to get aging issues on the agenda of appropriate national and regional conferences and meetings; and to find ways to engage governments and the media in this effort. Global campaigns have emphasized human rights from the perspective of older persons, and the contributions of older volunteers.
With consultative status as a nongovernmental organization (NGO) at the UN Economic and Social Council, AARP is able to submit statements and make recommendations to ensure that the concerns of older persons are addressed in major initiatives and official documents. AARP was a founding member of GINA, a Geneva-based organization composed of representatives of the World Health Organization, the city of Geneva, NGOs, and other UN agencies with international activities related to aging. AARP works with many organizations, including AGE, the new European Union commission created to further dialogue and policy formation on an E.U.-wide basis.
AARP presents papers and conducts workshops at international conferences and meetings, collaborating with other organizations to provide technical assistance and share information about best practices. It offers seminars on AARP's expertise in grassroots advocacy and working with volunteers. It conducts and disseminates research on global aging issues and convenes and participates in policy forums with leaders in government, business, nonprofits, and others. Through participation in the international social and economic policy debates, AARP assists in developing a global response to the challenges of an aging population.
As the older population continues to increase in countries around the world, more and more governments, organizations, and individuals are seeking ways to enhance older persons' contributions to society. AARP welcomes inquiries and opportunities to exchange information with those who share these concerns.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people 50 and over. We provide information and resources; advocate on legislative, consumer and legal issues; assist members to serve their communities; and offer a wide range of unique benefits, special products and services for our members. These benefits include AARP Web site at http://www.aarp.org, the bimonthly "AARP Magazine," the monthly "AARP Bulletin" and "Segunda Juventud." Active in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP celebrates the attitude that age is just a number and life is what you make it.
