The Addams-AARP Connection

Jane Addams, born 150 years ago on Sept. 6, 1860, may be best known as the founder of Hull House in Chicago — a so-called settlement house that provided educational and artistic opportunities for recent emigrants from Europe.

Addams was a role model for many young women who were inspired by both her work on behalf of the urban poor and her life as a modern, independent woman.  

Producer Deborah George has the story of one of these young women: Ethel Percy Andrus, who became the founder of AARP. Andrus listened to Addams' message of social change and applied it to bettering the lives of older Americans.

Listen to the audio player above.