American Association of Retired Persons

American Association of Retired Persons, commonly known by its acronym, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults in the United States, with a focus on health care, financial security, and social connection. Founded by Ethel Percy Andrus in 1958, the organization has grown to become one of the largest and most influential advocacy groups in the country, with a membership of over 38 million people, including Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, and Chuck Schumer. The organization's mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age, with a focus on Medicare, Social Security, and long-term care. The organization has been led by notable CEOs, including A. Barry Rand and Jo Ann Jenkins, who have worked with Congress, White House, and other stakeholders to advance the interests of older Americans.

● History

The American Association of Retired Persons was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired high school principal from California, with the goal of providing health insurance to retired teachers. The organization quickly grew and expanded its mission to include advocacy and education on issues affecting older adults, such as ageism, discrimination, and poverty. In the 1960s and 1970s, the organization played a key role in the development of Medicare and Medicaid, working closely with President Lyndon B. Johnson, Congressman Wilbur Mills, and other policymakers. The organization has also been involved in various social movements, including the civil rights movement, the women's movement, and the disability rights movement, working with leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Judy Heumann. Today, the organization is led by CEO Jo Ann Jenkins, who has worked with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and other officials to advance the interests of older Americans.

● Organization

The American Association of Retired Persons is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a staff of over 2,000 people, including lobbyists, researchers, and community organizers. The organization is governed by a board of directors that includes experts in gerontology, health care, and finance, such as Dr. Robert Butler, Dr. Laura Carstensen, and David Certner. The organization has a network of state offices and local chapters across the country, which provide resources and support to members and communities, including AARP Foundation, AARP Institute, and AARP Public Policy Institute. The organization also has a number of partnerships with other organizations, including National Council on Aging, American Society on Aging, and Gerontological Society of America, to advance the interests of older Americans.

● Advocacy

The American Association of Retired Persons is a leading advocacy group on issues affecting older adults, including health care, financial security, and social connection. The organization has been involved in various campaigns and initiatives, such as AARP's Divided We Fail and AARP's Create the Good, to promote policy changes and social change, working with leaders such as Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, and Chuck Schumer. The organization has also been a strong advocate for Medicare and Social Security, working to protect and strengthen these critical safety net programs, with the support of organizations such as National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and Social Security Works. The organization has also been involved in various coalitions and partnerships, including the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations and the Coalition to Protect America's Health Care, to advance the interests of older Americans.

● Membership

The American Association of Retired Persons has a membership of over 38 million people, making it one of the largest membership organizations in the country. Members include retirees, workers, and family caregivers, who are united by a shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older adults. The organization offers a range of benefits and services to its members, including discounts on health insurance, financial products, and travel, as well as access to resources and support on issues such as caregiving, health care, and financial planning. The organization also provides opportunities for volunteering and community engagement, with partners such as Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, and Meals on Wheels.

● Programs_and_Services

The American Association of Retired Persons offers a range of programs and services to its members and the broader community, including AARP Foundation, AARP Institute, and AARP Public Policy Institute. The organization provides resources and support on issues such as caregiving, health care, and financial planning, with experts such as Dr. Atul Gawande, Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, and Jane Bryant Quinn. The organization also offers training and education programs, such as AARP's Driver Safety Program and AARP's WorkSearch Program, to help older adults stay engaged and active, with partners such as National Institute on Aging, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The organization has also been involved in various research initiatives, including studies on aging, health care, and financial security, with institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley.

● Criticisms_and_Controversies

The American Association of Retired Persons has faced various criticisms and controversies over the years, including allegations of conflicts of interest and lobbying practices. The organization has been criticized for its partnerships with corporations and industry groups, such as pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies, which some argue have influenced its policy positions and advocacy efforts. The organization has also faced criticism for its marketing and advertising practices, including the use of direct mail and telemarketing to promote its products and services. Despite these criticisms, the organization remains a leading voice for older adults in the United States, working with leaders such as President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Nancy Pelosi to advance the interests of older Americans. The organization has also been recognized for its work with organizations such as National Council on Aging, American Society on Aging, and Gerontological Society of America, to promote aging research, education, and advocacy. Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.