What is AARP?
The American Association of Retired Persons, commonly known by its acronym AARP, is America’s premier organization for people aged fifty and over, providing member benefits, marketing services, and lobbying activities on their behalf.
Founded in 1958 by retired educator Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus as the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association with more than 38 million members.
Key points to remember
- AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers retirees to choose their lifestyle as they age.
- AARP offers membership benefits ranging from discounts, healthcare options, insurance products, travel-related services, education and learning resources.
- AARP has grown into a powerful organization, with more than 38 million active members and a strong lobbying presence in Washington and state capitals.
How AARP Works
AARP provides information, education, research, advocacy and community services through a nationwide network of local chapters and experienced volunteers. It focuses its work on consumer, economic security, labor, health, and independent living issues, and engages in legislative, judicial, and consumer advocacy activities in these areas.
AARP is considered a powerful lobbying group as well as a successful business, selling life and health insurance, earning $1.70 billion in 2019, which comes from a variety of activities, including advertising revenue from its publications. and royalties for licensing its name and logo.
However, membership fees represent the largest source of revenue . It is registered as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) , which means it is licensed to lobby. some of its other operations are for-profit.
AARP Affiliates
There are several organizations affiliated with AARP, and they include the following:
- The AARP Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization that helps people over the age of 50 who may be at economic and social risk. Within the foundation operates AARP Experience Corps., which encourages tutoring and mentoring of children, and AARP Institute, which holds its gift annuity funds.
- AARP Services develops and maintains new products and services and is for-profit.
- Legal Counsel for the Elderly is a nonprofit organization that provides legal services to older adults in Washington, D.C.
- AARP Financial Services owns AARP real estate and is for-profit.
- The AARP Insurance Plan administers certain AARP group insurance plans.
AARP also has many other initiatives, including promoting driver safety (AARP Driver Safety), producing television programs targeting seniors, and participating in sponsorships that support social causes, such as raising awareness and the fight against hunger in America.
AARP runs outreach programs that address housing issues and social isolation among seniors. AARP has also initiated and managed programs that advocate strengthening Social Security and Medicare .
AARP review
AARP is one of America’s most powerful lobbying groups, and because of its efforts, it often receives attention for exerting its influence in Washington, DC and state capitals. Its nonprofit operations also receive millions of dollars a year in federal grants. Some argue that his positions fall on the more liberal end of the political spectrum.