Contrary to recent media reports, AARP has not changed its position on Social Security. We continue to be deeply committed to strengthening it for our children and grandchildren while protecting current beneficiaries.

See also: Social Security: Fears vs. facts

Let's be clear: Social Security has nothing to do with the debate over reducing the deficit or raising the debt ceiling. It does, however, face a long-term solvency problem that must be solved in order to protect current and future beneficiaries. Those are separate issues and should be dealt with as such. Social Security is not in crisis. It has not caused a crisis. Let's not let it become a crisis.

Social Security is without question the country's most important and successful retirement program. It is the foundation of financial security for all of us. Social Security is strong and can pay Americans the benefits they've earned for the next 25 years without making any changes. But we want to make sure that people 75 years from now will still enjoy the peace of mind Social Security provides today. We will lead the fight toward that goal.

Our objective must be making retirement more secure, not hitting arbitrary budget targets. Retirement security has been undermined by the recession, the erosion of defined benefit pensions, rising health care costs and a decline in home values. That makes Social Security's guaranteed benefits more essential than ever.

At AARP, we are prepared to lead a national discussion on strengthening Social Security for 21st-century beneficiaries. We believe reform should be guided by some basic principles:

Social Security should continue to be a lifetime family protection program for all workers that can compensate for lost wages in the event of disability, death or retirement.

Any changes to Social Security should be discussed as part of a broader conversation about how to help Americans prepare for a secure retirement.

— Source: Social Security Administration