Social Security: Basic Data
June 2007—How does Social Security affect the incomes of age 65+ Americans? In this AARP Public Policy Institute Data Digest, Alison Shelton identifies recipients of Social Security benefits by beneficiary status, gender and ethnicity. The report tells how much beneficiaries receive, describes how Social Security is financed, and explains its financial status. (2 pages)

Ten Facts to Remember About Social Security
October 2002—Social Security is much more than a retirement investment plan - it provides family insurance. In this AARP Public Policy Institute Data Digest, Laurel Beedon and Alison Shelton describe the program, its financing and beneficiaries, and discuss how it protects vulnerable groups. (4 pages)

Retirement Security Survey Report: February 19, 2007
February 2007—Reflecting their concerns about retirement security issues, this January 2007 online AARP survey of 1,514 age 21+ Americans finds them open to a conversation about seeing that Social Security can meet its long-term financial obligations with a majority willing to at least consider four out of eight suggested reform options. (51 pages)

Mandatory Employer Pensions in Ireland, Germany, and the United Kingdom
January 2007—Features of the new mandatory (on employers) 401(k)-type pension plans in Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom are compared with American 401(k) plans in this AARP Public Policy Institute Issue Paper by Sophie Korczyk. The study includes lessons to be learned from the three countries’ experiences that are applicable to expanding U.S. pension coverage. (30 pages)

Boomer Wealth: Beware of the Median
September 2006—Reports suggesting that boomers have retirement savings of $50,000 or less underestimate the amounts that boomers have and are likely to have at retirement. In this AARP Public Policy Institute Data Digest, John Gist finds that the oldest boomers have significantly more than younger boomers, and those closest to retirement still have several more years to work and accumulate assets. (6 pages)

AARP CEO Sets Association Priorities that Promote Health and Long-term Financial Security
February 21, 2007—At an event today where he outlined the organization’s annual legislative and advocacy priorities, AARP CEO Bill Novelli called on Congress and the Administration to find common-sense solutions to meet the concerns of Americans who fear for their health and long-term financial security.

Statement by AARP CEO Bill Novelli in Reaction to the President’s 2008 Budget
February 5, 2007—While there is no doubt that the country has fiscal challenges, everyone must come to the table to talk about the solutions.

Statement by AARP on the 2007 Social Security COLA
October 18, 2006—The 2007 COLA of 3.3 percent will help current beneficiaries keep up with rising costs, especially in energy and health care, and is the only lifelong hedge against inflation for most Americans in retirement today

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