AARP Facts
F ounded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired educator from California, AARP
is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50 and
over improve the quality of their lives as they age. AARP has grown to over 39 million
members and has offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and
the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the nation’s largest membership organization for people
50+, AARP is leading a revolution in the way people view and live life after 50.
AARP is governed by a 21-member volunteer Board of Directors.
Who We Are companies make available quality products
AARP’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and services to enhance the quality of life for
for all as we age, leading positive social change people over 50. AARP Services is where AARP’s
and delivering value to members through infor- mission meets the marketplace.
mation, advocacy and service. 2008 marks ARP Financial, Inc., a wholly owned subsid-
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AARP’s 50th anniversary. We believe strongly in iary of AARP Services, is the investment advisor
the principles of collective purpose, collective and administrator for AARP Funds, provides
voice, and collective purchasing power, and financial advice and education, and manages
these principles guide all organization efforts. AARP-endorsed financial and insurance prod-
AARP works tirelessly to fulfill its vision: a society ucts. AARP Financial makes available simple
in which everyone ages with dignity and pur- and easy to understand financial products to
pose, and in which AARP helps people fulfill their meet the needs of Americans age 50+.
goals and dreams. ARP Global Network is an alliance of like-
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While comprised of different legal entities, AARP minded, nonpartisan, national organizations
speaks with one voice—all united by a common working to meet the needs of older adults
motto: “To serve, not to be served.” around the world. AARP Global Network mem-
bers have access to knowledge, technology
he AARP Foundation is the philanthropic
T and other insights to help advance their social
arm of AARP. It is a catalyst for social change missions while striving to enhance the breadth
and a champion for people 50+, particularly and quality of products and services available
those facing significant challenges in meeting to their members.
their basic needs. Low-income people, women
and minorities are primary audiences for RTA: AARP’s Educator Community (formerly
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Foundation programs and services. known as the National Retired Teachers
Association) is a division of AARP composed
ARP Services, Inc., is a wholly owned taxable
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subsidiary of AARP, and manages the relation- dedicated to educational opportunities,
ship with AARP-endorsed providers. These advocacy, and service.
AARP 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20049 www.aarp.org
What We Do Products and Services—We lead the way in
Advocacy—We stand up for our members and the marketplace by being a force in influencing
society as a strong nonpartisan advocate for companies to offer new and better choices for
social change. We work on the issues that are our members. These include health and finan-
important to 50+ Americans, including: cial products, travel and leisure products, and
romoting adequate, affordable health care,
P life event services. Specific products include
including prescription drugs and long-term health insurance; automobile and homeowners
care; insurance; member discounts on rental cars;
cruises, vacation packages and lodging; special
eading efforts to strengthen Social Security
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offers on technology and gifts; life insurance;
and promote other retirement savings efforts
a credit card; pharmacy services; alternative
to help everyone achieve lifetime financial
health services; legal services; and long-term
security; and
care insurance. AARP Services manages all
ocusing on livable communities to ensure
F relationships with endorsed providers.
affordable and appropriate housing, sup-
portive community features, and driver safety Publications and Media—We provide valuable
and mobility options. and trustworthy information to our members as
the premiere information source for people 50+.
Divided We Fail—AARP is leading a nationwide
effort to demand bipartisan action, answers, e publish AARP The Magazine, the world’s
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and accountability on health care and lifetime largest-circulation magazine; the AARP
Bulletin, a newspaper published 11 times a
financial security. Our Divided We Fail initiative
year; Segunda Juventud, a bimonthly maga-
represents a coalition of business, employee,
zine (and radio program) in Spanish and
and consumer groups who recognize that indi-
English; a public affairs radio program,
viduals, businesses, and government all have a
Prime Time; and an award-winning
role and a responsibility to ensure health and
website, AARP.org.
lifetime financial security for all.
Research—AARP conducts extensive research
Community Service—We help our members
on aging related subjects. Our Public Policy
and their communities help themselves. Caring
Institute publishes major reports on the 50+
and compassion are the bottom line of AARP.
population, and we compile an annual list of the
Our goal is to give people a voice, a sense of
Best Employers for Workers Over 50.
community and a purpose.
Global Aging—AARP is a leader in working
housands of volunteers form what AARP’s
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internationally with governmental and nongov-
founder called “an army of useful citizens” to
ernmental organizations to exchange ideas and
help people of all ages live safer, more com-
fortable and happier lives. find solutions to aging concerns worldwide.
hrough the AARP Foundation, members
T National Event—Life @50+ is AARP’s National
contribute directly to those in need across Event & Expo, which annually brings informa-
the United States. Programs such as Legal tion and entertainment to 24,000+ members and
Counsel for the Elderly, Tax-Aide (a free tax nonmembers. The 2008 event is scheduled for
assistance service), Money Management, and Washington, DC.
the AARP Grandparent Information Center all
work to provide assistance to the most
vulnerable.
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