What Is AARP?

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is the largest and most influential organization in the United States, representing the interests of adults aged 50 and over.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) was established in 1958 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired schoolteacher, as a nonprofit, non-partisan organization with over 38 million members.

How AARP Works

Through its network of local chapters and knowledgeable volunteers, AARP offers a broad range of resources for older Americans. It lobbies for changes in law and stands up for consumers’ rights in economic security, employment, health, and autonomy.

In addition to being a thriving corporation that offers insurance, investments, and other financial and non-financial services, AARP is well recognized as an influential lobbying organization. Modern Maturity magazine and the monthly AARP Bulletin are both products of this company’s publishing arm. In 2019, AARP earned $1.70 billion from various sources, such as magazine and website advertising and trademark licensing fees.
Membership fees, however, are the primary income driver. Lobbying is legal due to the organization’s status as a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt group with the IRS. Some of its activities are for profit, while others are public charities organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

AARP Affiliates

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is linked with several other organizations.

• The AARP Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides aid to anyone over 50 in need. The AARP Experience Corps., which promotes tutoring and mentoring of youngsters, and the AARP Institute, which maintains its gift annuity assets, are both operated by the foundation.
• For-profit, AARP Services creates and oversees innovative offerings for its members.
• In Washington, D.C., elders may turn to Legal Counsel for the Elderly, a nonprofit organization that offers legal representation.
• AARP’s real estate is owned by AARP Financial Services, a for-profit company.
• Some AARP group insurance programs are handled through the AARP Insurance Plan.

AARP also produces television shows aimed at seniors, raises money for social issues, including the battle against hunger in the United States, and promotes driving safety via its AARP Driving Safety program.

AARP oversees outreach initiatives that help elders with housing and loneliness. The AARP has spearheaded and overseen initiatives to improve entitlement systems like Medicare and Social Security.

Criticism of the AARP

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is often in the news for its attempts to influence policy in Washington, D.C., and state capitals. It also receives millions of dollars annually in government funds for its nonprofit activities. According to some, its views are on the liberal end of the political spectrum.

SUMMARY

• The mission of the nonprofit, non-political AARP is to provide retired individuals the freedom to choose their ideal lifestyle.
• The savings, healthcare alternatives, insurance products, travel services, educational opportunities, and learning tools available to AARP members are only the tip of the iceberg.
• AARP has developed into a formidable organization with over 38 million members and a strong lobbying presence in Washington and state capitals.