The Public Policy Institute informs and stimulates public debate on the issues we face as we age. The Institute promotes development of sound, creative policies to address our common need for economic security, health care, and quality of life.

Surveys and Statistics houses national- and state-based research on the needs, concerns, and interests of AARP members and the 50+ population as a whole. The research records the attitudes of midlife and older adults on a wide range of issues, including Social Security, Medicare, prescription drugs, taxation, and consumer protection; anticipates and tracks emerging social trends, such as changing midlife divorce rates, evolving racial attitudes, and boomers’ civic involvement; and explores the forces that impact older Americans’ lives, including advocacy, economic security, and health care reform.

The Office of Academic Affairs provides a series of Occasional Papers on aging issues, resources to help faculty teach aging content, and recommendations of books on aging issues for public libraries.