AARP

What is AARP?

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for people aged 50 and older. Founded in 1958 by educator Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus as the American Association of Retired Persons, the organization officially rebranded to the acronym AARP in 1999 to reflect that many members continue to work past traditional retirement. Today it serves nearly 38 million members across every U.S. congressional district.

Mission and activities

AARP’s mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age. It pursues this mission through:

• Information, education, research, and community services delivered via local chapters and volunteers.
• Consumer programs focused on economic security, work and employment, health and independent living.
• Member benefits such as discounts, insurance and financial products, tax and fraud-prevention assistance, and learning resources.
• Publications, including the AARP Bulletin and Modern Maturity.
• Outreach programs addressing housing, social isolation, and food insecurity among older adults.
• Programs like AARP Driver Safety and mentorship/tutoring initiatives.

Structure and affiliates

AARP operates across a mix of nonprofit, charity, and for-profit entities:

• AARP (501(c)(4)): The primary organization, which may engage in lobbying.
• AARP Foundation (501(c)(3)): A public charity that helps economically or socially at-risk people over 50.
• AARP Services: A for-profit arm that develops and manages products and services.
• AARP Financial Services: Holds AARP real estate and other for-profit interests.
• AARP Insurance Plan: Administers group insurance plans.
• Legal Counsel for the Elderly: A nonprofit providing legal services in Washington, D.C.

Funding and scale

AARP generates revenue from membership fees, licensing royalties, advertising in its publications, program grants, and the sale of insurance and financial products. In 2023, AARP reported $1.85 billion in revenue, with membership fees representing a major source of income.

Advocacy and political role

AARP is a significant advocacy organization with a strong lobbying presence at federal and state levels. It lobbies on issues that affect people 50 and older, including Social Security, Medicare, prescription drug costs, health insurance access, workplace age discrimination, and tax policy. Although AARP is nonpartisan and does not contribute to political campaigns or endorse candidates, its policy positions and lobbying can influence public debate and legislation.

Criticisms and controversies

Common criticisms of AARP include:

• The organization’s lobbying power and influence in Washington and state capitals.
• Perceptions that some policy positions align more with progressive priorities (e.g., opposition to Social Security privatization, support for government-assistance programs).
• The complexity of operating both nonprofit and for-profit activities, which draws scrutiny over revenue sources and use of federal grants.

Frequently asked questions

• Who can join AARP? Adults 18 and older can become members, though AARP’s programs primarily focus on people age 50 and up. Some benefits (e.g., certain insurance plans) may be age-restricted.
• Does AARP endorse political candidates? No. AARP is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates or make campaign contributions. It does encourage voter engagement and lobbies on policy issues.
• What does the acronym AARP mean? Originally “American Association of Retired Persons,” the organization now officially uses the acronym AARP.

Bottom line

AARP is a large, multifaceted organization dedicated to the interests of older Americans. It combines membership benefits, education, charitable programs, and lobbying to promote economic security, health, and independence for people as they age. Its scale and influence make it a key player in policy debates affecting retirees and older adults.