AARP

AARP is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) nonprofit that advocates for older Americans on a number of federal health and fiscal issues such as Medicare and Social Security,{{Cite news |last=Lichtblau |first=Eric |date=2012-12-15 |title=With a Major Push, AARP Returns to a Hard Line Against Cuts in Benefits |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/us/politics/aarp-returns-to-a-hard-line-against-benefit-cutbacks.html |access-date=2023-06-22 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last=Gelles |first=David |date=2019-11-21 |title=Leading AARP, With No Plans to Retire |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/21/business/jo-ann-jenkins-aarp-corner-office.html |access-date=2023-06-22 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last=Abelson |first=Reed |date=2016-10-24 |title=AARP Sues U.S. Over Rules for Wellness Programs |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/25/business/employee-wellness-programs-prompt-aarp-lawsuit.html |access-date=2023-06-22 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last1=Fletcher |first1=Michael A. |last2=Goldfarb |first2=Zachary A. |date=2012-11-17 |title=AARP uses its power to oppose Social Security, Medicare benefit cuts for retirees |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/aarp-uses-its-power-to-oppose-social-security-medicare-benefit-cuts-for-retirees/2012/11/17/affb5874-2aa6-11e2-bab2-eda299503684_story.html |access-date=2023-06-28 |issn=0190-8286}}{{Cite news |last=Fernandez |first=Bob |title=Pro Take: What Is That Job Ad Really Saying? Fed Paper Looks at Ageism in Tight Labor Market |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/pro-take-what-is-that-job-ad-really-saying-fed-paper-looks-at-ageism-in-tight-labor-market-f45828e3 |access-date=2023-07-06 |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=April 5, 2023 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Fact check: AARP maintains nonpartisan stance, makes no political donations |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/08/29/fact-check-aarp-maintains-nonpartisan-stance/3393410001/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}} and at the state and local level for better community healthcare services and lower utility rates.{{Cite web |last=HealthLeaders |title=AARP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Nursing Home Provider for Neglecting Residents |url=https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/post-acute/aarp-files-class-action-lawsuit-against-nursing-home-provider-neglecting-residents |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=www.healthleadersmedia.com |language=en}} It fights age discrimination in the workforce,{{Cite news |last=Vranica |first=Suzanne |date=2018-10-01 |title=AARP to Take On Ageism, Enlists Former Ad Executive Cindy Gallop |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/aarp-to-take-on-ageism-enlists-former-ad-executive-cindy-gallop-1538391601 |access-date=2023-07-06 |issn=0099-9660}}{{Cite news |last=Hsu |first=Tiffany |date=2019-09-23 |title=Older People Are Ignored and Distorted in Ageist Marketing, Report Finds |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/23/business/ageism-advertising-aarp.html |access-date=2023-07-07 |issn=0362-4331}} lobbies for lower prescription drug prices,{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Duff |date=2010-08-25 |title=AARP Says Brand-Name Drug Prices Up 8% in 2009 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/25/business/25drug.html |access-date=2023-07-06 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last=Coleman |first=Justine |date=2021-07-19 |title=AARP pressing Congress to lower drug prices |url=https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/563659-aarp-pressing-congress-to-lower-drug-prices/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719144927/https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/563659-aarp-pressing-congress-to-lower-drug-prices |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Pear |first=Robert |date=2004-01-17 |title=AARP, Its Eye on Drug Prices, Urges Change in New Law |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/17/us/aarp-its-eye-on-drug-prices-urges-change-in-new-law.html |access-date=2023-07-07 |issn=0362-4331}} and educates seniors about consumer fraud through the AARP Fraud Watch Network.{{Cite news |last=Carrns |first=Ann |date=2023-03-10 |title=Check Fraud Is on the Rise. Here's What You Can Do to Prevent It. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/10/your-money/check-fraud-protection.html |access-date=2023-07-06 |issn=0362-4331}}

AARP also advocates at the state and local level for better community healthcare services and lower utility rates. It has millions of volunteer activists and offices in every state, as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.{{Cite news |last=Holmes |first=Steven A. |date=2001-03-21 |title=The World According to AARP |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/21/jobs/the-world-according-to-aarp.html |access-date=2023-06-22 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite book |last=Day |first=Christine L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V543DwAAQBAJ&q=volunteers |title=AARP: America's Largest Interest Group and its Impact |date=2017-10-19 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-4408-3411-0 |language=en}}

Through affiliated organizations such as the AARP Foundation, AARP helps seniors with legal assistance, tax preparation, job training, and personal finance.{{Cite news |last=Loten |first=Angus |date=2021-05-14 |title=AARP's Tech Revamp Provided Virtual Lifeline to Members in Lockdown |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/aarps-tech-revamp-provided-virtual-lifeline-to-members-in-lockdown-11621015360 |access-date=2023-07-06 |issn=0099-9660}}{{Cite news |last=Brody |first=Jane E. |date=2021-10-18 |title=Keeping Older Drivers Protected on the Road |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/18/well/live/old-drivers.html |access-date=2023-07-06 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last=Konish |first=Lorie |date=2023-02-01 |title=As some retirees worry about surprises this tax season, these resources may help |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/01/as-retirees-worry-about-tax-surprises-these-filing-resources-may-help.html |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=CNBC |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Konish |first=Lorie |date=2022-01-26 |title=Older workers who lack digital skills at risk of losing income. An initiative from Google and AARP aims to help change that |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/26/google-aarp-team-up-to-train-older-workers-on-digital-skills.html |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=CNBC |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2005-06-09 |title=AARP offers classes for aging motorists |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna8162105 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707183718/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna8162105 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=NBC News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Munk |first=Cheryl Winokur |date=2022-07-10 |title=Over 50 and looking for a job? Here's what you need to know about age and work |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/10/what-older-workers-should-know-about-finding-jobs-with-top-employers.html |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=CNBC |language=en}}

Members receive AARP Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, the top-circulating consumer publications in the country, along with special offers and discounts related to travel, restaurants, prescriptions, and more. A full AARP membership is available to those 50 and older; however, those under 50 can also join.{{Cite news |last=Dagher |first=Veronica |date=2022-10-26 |title=The Newest Card-Carrying Members of AARP: 20-Somethings |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/aarp-card-members-inlation-budget-20-somethings-11666791911 |access-date=2023-06-28 |issn=0099-9660}}{{Cite web |last=Adamczyk |first=Alicia |date=2021-05-18 |title=Why you should join AARP in your 20s |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/18/why-you-should-join-aarp-in-your-20s.html |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=CNBC |language=en}}

AARP licenses its brand to certain products, including Medicare insurance with UnitedHealthcare.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-26 |title=AARP Medicare Advantage Review In 2023 |url=https://www.forbes.com/health/medicare/aarp-medicare-advantage/ |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Forbes Health |language=en-US}} A volunteer board of directors oversees the organization.

According to its 2018 Consolidated Financial Statement, the largest sources of income were:

• royalties for the rights to use AARP's intellectual property (name, logo, etc.) paid by commercial providers of products, services, and discounts for AARP members $908,960,000;
• membership dues $301,017,000;
• advertisements placed in its publications $147,687,000; and
• total operating revenue $1,648,795,000 {{cite web |date=December 31, 2018 |title=AARP Consolidated Financial Statements Together with Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants |url=https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/about_aarp/annual_reports/2019/2018-audited-financial-statement-aarp.pdf |access-date=2016-09-25 |website=AARP |publisher=AARP.org}}

File:AARP volunteers Miami 2015.jpg]]

AARP was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired California public school teacher and principal.

Andrus had been an advocate for health insurance coverage for retired teachers. Volunteering with the California Retired Teachers Association (CRTA), Andrus sought out former teachers who were struggling on their $40/month state pensions.{{Cite news |title=Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus Dies; Led Retired Teachers' Group; Founder of Two Associations to Assist the Aged Active Lobbyist |language=en |work=The New York Times |url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.comhttp//timesmachine.content-tagging.us-east-1-01.prd.dvsp.nyt.net/timesmachine/1967/07/15/83617095.html?pageNumber=18 |access-date=2023-07-27 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Her goal was to get them out of poverty and access to affordable health insurance.

In 1944, Andrus checked on a former Spanish teacher who was ill and found her living in a chicken coop. Like many other retirees at the time, her pension was not enough to afford adequate housing or healthcare.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Carol |title=Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, Founder AARP |date=March 23, 2021 |url=https://www.latinbusinesstoday.com/dr-ethel-percy-andrus-founder-aarp/ |access-date=7 August 2023}}{{Cite book |last=Walker |first=Craig |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z9F3tAEACAAJ |title=Ethel Percy Andrus: One Woman Who Changed America |date=2018-06-05 |publisher=AARP |isbn=978-0-9971287-2-7 |language=en}} Before Medicare was enacted in 1965, no national program existed in the United States to provide health insurance to people aged 65 and older. At the same time, many states enforced mandatory retirement, forcing people to leave their jobs and forfeit health coverage. The poverty rate for Americans 65 and older was 35 percent higher than any other age group. Shocked by what she saw, Andrus helped the teacher get the care she needed and began searching for ways to improve older adults' health and financial security.

In 1947, Andrus formed the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA) to secure affordable group health coverage. She met with 42 private insurance companies who deemed adults over 65 to be "uninsurable" and was rejected each time.{{Cite web |date=1989-07-03 |title=A Retirement Force |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1989-07-03-8902190054-story.html/ |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=Sun Sentinel |language=en-US |archive-date=February 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218143813/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1989-07-03-8902190054-story.html |url-status=dead }} The policy that Andrus had in mind covered individuals aged 65 and older, with no exclusions for pre-existing health conditions. Leonard Davis, an insurance broker from New York, offered to work with Andrus to develop a pilot program for retired teachers in New York. The experiment was a financial success, and he and Andrus teamed up to establish a national version – the NRTA Health Plan insured by Continental Casualty Co. in 1955. In 1958, the American Association of Retired Persons Membership (AARP) was incorporated and reached 130,000 in its first year.

The NRTA/AARP insurance model was the first in the United States to open a new insurance market for older Americans. AARP expanded beyond health insurance and began developing other benefits, programs, and services for its members, each tailored to the needs of people aged 55 and older and filling a market gap. For example, she created one of the first modern retirement homes, Grey Gables, in Ojai, California, in 1954, designed to keep older residents healthy, active, and socially engaged.{{Cite web |title=Grey Gables Timeline |url=https://www.ojaivalleymuseum.org/gables-timeline.html |access-date=August 4, 2023 |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321045611/https://www.ojaivalleymuseum.org/gables-timeline.html |url-status=dead }}

Word about the NRTA Health Plan spread, and thousands of retired non-educators who also faced challenges finding health coverage contacted the NRTA about joining.{{cite news |last=Liu |first=Lily |date=Fall 2003 |title=Ethel Andrus: Founder of AARP, IIT Alum |work=Illinois Tech Magazine |url=https://magazine.iit.edu/fall-2003/ethel-andrus-founder-aarp-iit-alum |access-date=September 30, 2021}} In 1958, Andrus created the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) as a sister organization to NRTA. Through membership in AARP, the general population age 55 and older gained access to the insurance benefits previously limited to former teachers.{{cite book |last=Day |first=Christine |date=2017 |title=AARP: America's Largest Interest Group and Its Impact |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V543DwAAQBAJ |publisher=Praeger |page=9 |isbn=978-1-4408-3410-3}}{{cite book |last=Cassel |first=Christine |date=2005 |title=Medicare Matters: What Geriatric Medicine Can Teach American Health Care |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=-Npcfc7-EzsC |publisher=University of California Press |page=175 |isbn=0-520-24624-1}}{{cite news |title=Ethel Andrus (1884 - 1967) |url=http://www.nwhm.org/education-resources/biography/biographies/ethel-andrus/ |publisher=National Women's History Museum |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123121325/http://www.nwhm.org/education-resources/biography/biographies/ethel-andrus/ |archive-date=2012-01-23 }}

In 1958, AARP began publishing its magazine called Modern Maturity to spread the word about the association, keep members informed of its activities, and publicize issues affecting older adults.{{Cite web |last=Rasmussen |first=Cecilia |date=2003-12-14 |title=Pioneering Educator Founded the AARP |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-dec-14-me-then14-story.html |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

National concern about pharmaceutical industry practices at this time prompted U.S. Senator Estes Kefauver (D-Tenn), who chaired the Senate Judiciary Antitrust and Monopoly Subcommittee, to lead a congressional investigation into prescription drug prices, which lasted from 1959 to 1962.{{Cite web |last=Hancock |first=Jay |date=22 February 2019 |title=Senate Inquiry On Drug Prices Echoes Landmark Hearings Held 60 Years Ago |website=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/02/22/696967037/senate-inquiry-on-drug-prices-echoes-landmark-hearings-held-60-years-ago |access-date=7 August 2023}}{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Tu_1JjYZFaMC |title=Drug Industry Act of 1962: Hearings Before the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, House of Representatives, Eighty-seventh Congress, Second Session on H.R. 11581, ... and H.R. 11582 ... June 19, 20, 21, 22, August 20, 21, 22, 23, 1962 |date=1962 |language=en}} Andrus testified four times during the investigation, and NRTA/AARP legislative director Ernest Gidding testified once.

In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation creating the first White House Conference on Aging.{{Cite journal |date=12 December 1956 |title=Toward improved health for the aging: Federal-State Conference on Aging |journal=Public Health Reports |volume=71 |issue=12 |pages=1209–1212 |pmc=2031139 }} He named Andrus to the National Advisory Committee for the first conference, held in 1961.{{Cite web |title=Public Law 85-908 ("White House Conference on Aging Act") |url=https://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/spotlight/hr/catalog/nlm:nlmuid-101743404X268-doc |access-date=2023-08-16 |website=John E. Fogarty - Profiles in Science |language=en}} More than 2,500 delegates met in Washington, D.C. over four days to address challenges facing older adults such as poverty, housing, and healthcare, and develop policy recommendations for the administration.{{Cite journal |date=12 December 1956 |title=Toward improved health for the aging |journal=Public Health Reports |volume=71 |issue=12 |pages=1209–1212 |pmc=2031139 }} White House conferences on aging have been held every decade since the first and are credited with making contributions to U.S. aging policy, including laying the groundwork for Medicare.{{Cite web |title=White House Conference on Aging (WHCOA) |url=https://archive.whitehouseconferenceonaging.gov/home/about/index.html |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=archive.whitehouseconferenceonaging.gov}}

At the first conference, AARP spotlighted a potential solution to the growing issue of older adults with mobility problems living independently. It constructed the House of Freedom in downtown Washington, D.C., the nation's first universal design home easily accessible by older adults and people with disabilities. It was built by AARP and the Douglas Fir Plywood Association and signaled the beginning of AARP's work to help older Americans remain independent in their own homes and neighborhoods for as long as they wanted.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GFvlAAAAMAAJ |title=Crow's Pacific Coast Lumber Digest |date=1961 |publisher=C.C. Crow Publications Incorporated |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=30 April 1961 |title=The Indianapolis Star from Indianapolis, Indiana • Page 104 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/105713187/ |access-date=24 August 2023 |website=Newspapers.com}}

By 1962, the combined membership of AARP and NRTA had grown to 400,000, making it one of the largest membership organizations in the United States.

In 1963, Leonard Davis bought out Continental Casualty's AARP/NRTA insurance policies and formed Colonial Penn, his own company, which became the sole provider of insurance to AARP/NRTA.

In 1968, AARP launched Tax-Aide, which matched low and moderate-income people with trained volunteers who provided free tax preparation and filing services.

As AARP grew, it expanded the range of benefits offered to its members. It established a travel service that took members on modestly priced domestic and international trips, created a retired senior volunteer program, and offered a range of discounts.

Increasingly, AARP's members were asking the organization to take on age discrimination in the marketplace. Hundreds of members wrote to AARP in the early years, explaining that auto insurers and rental companies were charging punishing rates for older drivers, classifying them as high-risk and reckless just because of their age. AARP challenged the insurers and rental companies with research that demonstrated drivers over the age of 65 were among the safest.{{Cite book |last=Day |first=Christine L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V543DwAAQBAJ&dq=aarp+130%2C000+members+1958&pg=PA9 |title=AARP: America's Largest Interest Group and its Impact |date=2017-10-19 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-4408-3411-0 |language=en}}

In 1979, the organization began offering a driver safety course for any licensed driver, taught by volunteers. In 2016, the AARP Driver Safety Program taught 360,000 older drivers in classrooms and another 130,000 through its online course. Some who take the training receive discounts on their insurance premiums.{{Cite web |last=Tortorello |first=Michael |date=2017-06-01 |title=How to Keep Driving Skills Sharp |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/driving/how-to-keep-driving-skills-sharp/ |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=Consumer Reports |language=en-US}} In 1984, AARP licensed its brand name to affordable auto insurance that members could purchase and could not be canceled solely because of age.{{Cite web |title=Ethel Percy Andrus: How one woman changed America |url=http://ww1.thefillmoregazette.com/arts-entertainment/%E2%80%9Cethel-percy-andrus-how-one-woman-changed-america%E2%80%9D-ojai-valley-museum |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=ww1.thefillmoregazette.com}}

In 1973, AARP created a charitable affiliate, the AARP Andrus Foundation, to award research grants in gerontology.{{Cite journal |last1=Kerin |first1=Pamela |last2=Hollenbeck |first2=Albert |last3=Kriner |first3=Richard |date= 1996|title=Impact of AARP Andrus Foundation Grantmaking in Aging on Professional and Institutional Development |journal=Journal of Applied Gerontology |volume=15 |issue=2 |pages=255–266 |doi=10.1177/073346489601500208 |s2cid=73337776 |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/073346489601500208?journalCode=jaga |access-date=8 September 2023|url-access=subscription }}

Andrus continued to run AARP until 1967 when she died of a heart attack at age 82. Today, the NRTA is a division within AARP.{{cite web |date=April 15, 2010 |title=Points of Light Institute Honors Volunteer Leaders for Going the Extra Mile |url=http://www.pointsoflight.org/press-releases/points-light-institute-honors-volunteer-leaders-going-extra-mile |access-date=2016-04-07}} She wrote her final column for Modern Maturity four days before she died.

In 1975, AARP had over seven million members, making it one of the largest membership organizations in the country. In 1977, it enrolled its ten millionth member.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5JJK_Wlg1akC&dq=aarp+10+million+members+1977&pg=PA39 |title=Aging in the World of Tomorrow: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Federal, State and Community Services of the Select Committee on Aging, House of Representatives, Ninety-fifth Congress, First Session, September 27, 1977 |date=1977 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |language=en}} By the end of the 1980s, membership nearly tripled to 33 million and AARP mailings were so large that the organization had its own zip code.{{Cite web |title=The AARP & Lobbying -- 33 Million Seniors Have A D.C. Giant, But It's Often Quiet {{!}} The Seattle Times |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19920125&slug=1472051 |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=archive.seattletimes.com}} It had tens of thousands of volunteers, the highest circulation magazine in the nation, and rising national awareness. In 1997, it topped Fortune's first annual list of the most powerful lobbying organizations.

In 1984, AARP reduced its membership age from 55 to 50. It began sending "birthday" cards and membership invitations to Americans approaching their 50th birthday.

During this phase of rapid growth for AARP, competing insurance providers entered the marketplace, selling plans tailored to retired Americans.{{Cite news |last=Morton |first=Mintz |date=3 March 1978 |title=Two Nonprofit Organizations Accused as a 'Cover' |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1978/05/03/two-nonprofit-organizations-accused-as-a-cover/155d9f05-e3a8-40d1-9d11-69284c7c79b6/}} With more competition, the quality of Colonial Penn's offerings and the nature of AARP's relationship with Colonial Penn came into question.

In 1982, NRTA formally merged with AARP. In 1988, it formed a career planning workshop for older Americans who were unemployed and introduced a series of AARP mutual funds in 1997.{{Cite news |last=Singer |first=Penny |date=1996-10-13 |title=Employment Workshop for Older Jobless |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/13/nyregion/employment-workshop-for-older-jobless.html |access-date=2023-09-08 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last=Middleton |first=Timothy |date=1997-02-02 |title=A.A.R.P. Is Adding Some Spice To Its Menu |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/02/business/aarp-is-adding-some-spice-to-its-menu.html |access-date=2023-09-08 |issn=0362-4331}}

By the mid-1990s, telemarketing fraud had become pervasive and cost consumers more than $40 billion annually. A 1995 AARP survey found that more than half of all victims were aged 50 or older, a group that comprised less than one-third of the U.S. population.{{Cite web |date=1995-12-29 |title=FTC Rule Banning Deceptive, Abusive Telemarketing Goes into Effect this Weekend. |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/1995/12/ftc-rule-banning-deceptive-abusive-telemarketing-goes-effect-weekend |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=Federal Trade Commission |language=en}} In 1995, working with the National Association of Attorneys General and the FBI, AARP helped expose a series of boiler room operations targeting thousands of potential phone fraud victims across the country. Acting as victims, AARP members volunteered to collect evidence for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Operation Senior Sentinel targeting illegal telemarketers.{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Tony |date=1995-12-08 |title=U.S. Targets Telemarketing Fraud Against the Elderly |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-12-08-mn-11697-story.html |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} In 1996, 78 million baby boomers began turning 50, contributing to AARP's growth.

In 1999, the organization changed from the American Association of Retired Persons to AARP, dropping the word "retirement." At the time, a third of AARP's members were still in the workforce.{{Cite news |last=McAllister |first=Bill |date=1998-11-18 |title=AARP Alters Name to Reflect Reality |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1998/11/18/aarp-alters-name-to-reflect-reality/4340b2cb-b170-4cc7-9806-23dfebe3da8a/ |access-date=2023-08-31 |issn=0190-8286}} AARP no longer requires that members be retired, and there are no longer any age restrictions even for full membership.{{cite news |last=Ma |first=Roger |date=2017-08-31 |title=Here's Why I Joined AARP At Age 35 |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerma/2017/08/31/why-i-joined-aarp-at-age-35/}}

Recognizing the changing circumstances of its membership, AARP began offering more work-related tools and resources and ramped up its advocacy against age discrimination in the workplace.{{Cite web |last=Lucas |first=Amelia |date=24 April 2019 |title=McDonald's is teaming up with AARP to hire older workers |website=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/24/mcdonalds-is-teaming-up-with-aarp-to-hire-older-workers.html}} Beginning in 2009, AARP backed the "Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act" (POWADA), which aims to restore fairness for workers aged 40 and over by treating age discrimination as seriously as other forms of workplace discrimination.{{Cite web |date=2020-02-18 |title=AARP study: Age discrimination costs economy billions a year |url=https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/2020/02/aarp-study-age-discrimination/ |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business |language=en-US}} As of 2020, POWADA has been passed by the House of Representatives and is with the Senate.{{Cite web |first=Mike |last=Rogoway |date=2020-01-15 |title=U.S. House approves new age discrimination protections |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2020/01/us-house-approves-new-age-discrimination-protections.html |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=oregonlive |language=en}}

In 2017, the organization created an online jobs board to connect job seekers over 50 with employers. AARP also created an employer pledge program, where more than 1,000 employers—including Google and CVS—promised to adhere to a set of age-friendly hiring and employment practices.

In 2018, AARP Foundation lawyers represented two employees of the Ohio State University who were forced out of their jobs because of their age. This action resulted in a settlement that helped the employees regain their positions and receive back pay. It required the university to hold training sessions with its staff on preventing age bias.{{Cite web |last=Kasperowicz |first=Pete |date=2012-03-14 |title=Senators look to repudiate Supreme Court ruling on age discrimination |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/108671-senators-look-to-repudiate-supreme-court-ruling-on-age-discrimination/ |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}

AARP has advocated for the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) since its passage in 1967, which protects workers at or over the age of 40 from bias in the workplace.

Myechia Minter-Jordan, a public health advocate and physician, was named as the next CEO of the organization in November 2024.{{cite news |last1=Jackson |first1=Anna-Louise |title=AARP has a new CEO: physician and public health advocate Myechia Minter-Jordan |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/91227285/aarp-has-a-new-ceo-physician-and-public-health-advocate-myechia-minter-jordan |access-date=6 December 2024 |work=Fast Company |date=12 November 2024}}

Facing growing pension obligations and high annual health cost increases, American businesses in the 2000s began scaling back their retirement and health benefits to employees. While 35 percent of private-sector workers had a defined benefit pension in the 1990s, only 18 percent did in 2013.{{Cite web |title=The last private industry pension plans: The Economics Daily: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |url=https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2013/ted_20130103.htm |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=www.bls.gov |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |title=Private-sector pension coverage fell by half over two decades |url=https://www.epi.org/blog/private-sector-pension-coverage-decline/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=Economic Policy Institute |language=en-US}} Beginning in 2004, AARP opposed attempts to undermine the guaranteed nature of the Social Security program through privatization or diverting Social Security payroll taxes to private accounts.{{Cite news |last=Pear |first=Robert |date=2004-11-12 |title=AARP Opposes Bush Plan to Replace Social Security With Private Accounts |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/12/politics/aarp-opposes-bush-plan-to-replace-social-security-with-private.html |access-date=2023-09-12 |issn=0362-4331}}

AARP's research indicates that nearly half (57 million) of American workers have no access to a retirement savings plan through their employers.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-01 |title=Millions of Americans nearing retirement age with no savings - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/millions-of-americans-nearing-retirement-age-no-savings/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} Through its state offices, the organization began advocating individual states to enact work and save programs, which made it easier for businesses to create a private retirement savings account for employees.{{Cite web |title=AARP Aims to Help Arkansas Workers Save for Retirement |url=https://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/55592-1 |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=www.publicnewsservice.org}}{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Brian |date=6 November 2019 |title=AARP Pushing Bill to Expand Massachusetts Retirement Savings Program |url=https://401kspecialistmag.com/aarp-pushing-bill-to-expand-massachusetts-retirement-savings-program/ |access-date=15 September 2023}} As of 2020, eighteen states had signed Work and Save programs into law.{{Cite web |title='Keystone Saves' Aims to Help Millions of Working Pennsylvanians |url=https://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/84761-1 |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=www.publicnewsservice.org}}

Continuing a theme that began at its founding, AARP during this period used its lobbying efforts to advocate against reductions in Medicare benefits and to protect the federal program that offered health coverage to older Americans.{{Cite news |last=Radnofsky |first=Louise |date=2012-11-30 |title=AARP Takes Hard Line Against Entitlement Cuts |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324020804578151610797528492.html |access-date=2023-09-12 |issn=0099-9660}}

In 2003, AARP supported legislation proposed by Republican President George W. Bush that included partial coverage for prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries, among other things.{{Cite web |title=CNN.com - AARP endorses Medicare Rx drug bill - Nov. 22, 2003 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/11/17/medicare.congress/index.html |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=www.cnn.com}}{{Cite news |last=Pear |first=Robert |date=2002-11-10 |title=THE 2002 Election: Health Care; Republicans Plan to Push Through Prescription Drug Coverage for the Elderly |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/10/us/2002-election-health-care-republicans-plan-push-through-prescription-drug.html |access-date=2023-09-29 |issn=0362-4331}} Democratic congressional leaders, seeking a more generous benefit, strongly opposed the bill and prompted thousands of AARP members to quit in protest.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Cory |title=Backlash over bill strikes AARP |url=https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2003/11/20/backlash-over-bill-strikes-aarp/30531461007/ |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=Wilmington Star-News |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last1=Stolberg |first1=Sheryl Gay |last2=Freudenheim |first2=Milt |date=2003-11-26 |title=A Final Push in Congress: The Endorsment; AARP Support Came as Group Grew 'Younger' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/26/us/a-final-push-in-congress-the-endorsment-aarp-support-came-as-group-grew-younger.html |access-date=2023-09-29 |issn=0362-4331}} Six years later, in 2009, AARP endorsed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) proposed by Democratic President Barack Obama, which protected those with pre-existing health conditions, limited the amount that insurance companies could charge because of age, provided tax credits, and improved drug coverage in Medicare.{{Cite web |date=2009-12-15 |title=AARP Announces Support for Senate Health Reform Bill |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2009/12/15/aarp-announces-support-senate-health-reform-bill |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=whitehouse.gov |language=en}} At that time, more than 50 million Americans were without health insurance coverage at some point during the year.{{Cite web |date=2019-06-05 |title=Products - NHIS Early Release - Health Insurance - 2009 |url=https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhis/earlyrelease/insur201006.htm |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=www.cdc.gov |language=en-us}} The ACA, which passed a year later, was opposed by Republicans and AARP's support prompted thousands of members to leave the organization.{{Cite web |last=Seelye |first=Katharine Q. |date=2009-08-18 |title=A Mini-Mutiny at AARP Over Health Care |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/a-mini-mutiny-at-aarp-over-health-care/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=Prescriptions Blog |language=en}}

In 2019, with the price of prescription drugs far outpacing inflation, AARP began lobbying for legislative and industry changes to lower prescription medication costs.{{Cite web |date=2019-07-01 |title=Drug prices 2019: Manufacturers hiked prices on 3,400 drugs at an average increase of 5 times inflation - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drug-prices-in-2019-are-surging-with-hikes-at-5-times-inflation/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} AARP supported a bipartisan bill by Sens. Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) that set caps on drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries and increased pressure on drug companies to lower prices.{{Cite web |date=2019-07-23 |title=Bipartisan Senate legislation offers compromise to reduce Medicare drug costs for seniors |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-medicare-prescription-price-hike-penalty-20190723-mzhxhktxz5a57ksqftydimfot4-story.html |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=Chicago Tribune}}

That year, AARP also supported the Trump administration's goal of allowing Americans to import lower-cost drugs from other countries. In 2021, the organization backed a House Democratic bill that, among other things, would allow Medicare to use its bargaining power to negotiate lower drug prices with manufacturers.{{Cite news |last=Meyer |first=Theodoric |date=29 November 2021 |title=Big pharma isn't the only powerful player in the prescription drug pricing fight |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/11/29/big-pharma-isnt-only-powerful-player-prescription-drug-pricing-fight/ |newspaper=Washington Post}} AARP backed legislation proposed by President Biden and passed by Congress in 2022 that would enable Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices, set caps on out-of-pocket drug spending by those on Medicare and capped the price for insulin at $35.{{Cite web |last=Kimball |first=Spencer |date=2022-08-12 |title=Passage of Inflation Reduction Act gives Medicare historic new powers over drug prices |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/12/drug-prices-passage-of-inflation-reduction-act-gives-medicare-historic-new-powers.html |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=CNBC |language=en}}

In 2016, the organization created Staying Sharp, a program that allowed people to evaluate their brain health through a scientifically based assessment and receive tips for slowing cognitive decline.{{Cite web |last=Dowd |first=Casey |date=2016-01-06 |title=Brain Exercises for Boomers |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/brain-exercises-for-boomers |access-date=2023-09-28 |website=FOXBusiness |language=en-US}} In 2018, AARP invested $60 million in the Dementia Discovery Fund, which supports research into diagnosis, treatments, and cures for dementia.

AARP has been active in healthcare policy debates since the 1960s.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2016-10-21 |title=Martha Boudreau, AARP Executive Vice President/Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, Receives AAF DC's Silver Medal Award |url=https://capitolcommunicator.com/martha-boudreau-aarp-executive-vice-presidentchief-communications-marketing-officer-to-receive-aaf-dcs-silver-medal-award/ |access-date=2023-09-28 |website=Capitol Communicator |language=en-US}} Its focus areas have included Medicare, affordable health insurance, and lower prescription drug costs and its recent engagement is a reflection of this long-standing involvement.{{Cite news

|last=Rand

|first=A. Barry

|date=December 1, 2009

|title=Health Care Reform Marches On (online title: Why AARP Endorsed the House Health Care Bill)

|periodical=AARP Bulletin

|series=Where We Stand

|issn=1044-1123

|publisher=AARP Publications

|volume=50

|issue=10

|pages=16–17

|url=https://marksmedicarehelp.wixsite.com/medicare-help/post/aarp-strong-advocate-for-health-care

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207100250/http://bulletin.aarp.org/opinions/wherewestand/articles/where_we_stand_why_aarp_endorsed_the_house_health_care_bill.html

|archive-date=7 December 2009

|url-status=live

|access-date=18 December 2009

|quote=AARP has been a strong advocate for health care reform for over 50 years{{nbsp}}...

}}

AARP testified before Congress in support of the Older Americans Act{{cite book |date=1970 |title=Hearings Before the Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations United States Senate Ninety-First Congress Second Session on H.R. 18515 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uhE3AQAAIAAJ|publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |pages=1337–1342 | access-date=September 13, 2021}} and the amendments to Social Security{{cite book |date=1960|title=Hearings Before the Subcommittee of the Aged and Aging of the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare United States Senate Eighty-Sixth Congress Second Session |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=39PlDLEKuQIC |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |pages=190–194 | access-date=September 13, 2021}} that created the Medicare Program, which President Johnson enacted into law in 1965.{{cite book|last1=Ingram|first1=Lenora Gay|title=A Study of the American Association of Retired Persons|date=January 1, 1996|publisher=UNLV University Libraries|location=Las Vegas, Nevada|url=https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4162&context=rtds |access-date=March 23, 2025}}

AARP's public stances influenced the United States Congress' passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, which created Medicare Part D, in 2003, and also influenced Congress by resisting changes to Social Security in 2005.Barbara Berkman/Sarah D'Ambruoso Handbook of Social Work in Health and Aging, p. 820, Oxford University Press US, 2006 {{ISBN|978-0-19-517372-7}}Larry N. Gerston American Federalism, p. 79, M. E. Sharpe, 2007 {{ISBN|978-0-7656-1672-2}} President George W. Bush called the Medicare legislation "the greatest advance in health care coverage for America's seniors since the founding of Medicare."{{cite news |url= https://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/12/08/elec04.medicare/ |title= Bush signs landmark Medicare bill into law |publisher=CNN| date=December 8, 2003| accessdate= June 17, 2022}} In 2007, AARP launched the "Divided We Fail" campaign with the Business Roundtable, the National Federation of Independent Business and the Service Employees International Union. The campaign urged presidential candidates in both major parties to commit to making health insurance coverage more affordable and to strengthen Social Security.{{cite news |url= https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94396715|title= Profile: Divided We Fail |last=Evans | first=Will |publisher=NPR| date=September 8, 2008| accessdate= July 5, 2022}}{{cite news |url= https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/health-care-challenges-reported-at-aarp-divided-we-fail-event|title= Health-case challenges reported at AARP 'Divided We Fail' event |publisher=Duluth News Tribune| date=October 10, 2007| accessdate= January 10, 2023}}

As early as 1959, AARP began advocating for lower prescription drug costs to ease the burden on older consumers.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jmad7Syp8pwC |title=Drug Industry Antitrust Act |date=1962 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |page=188 |access-date=January 10, 2023}} Founder Ethel Percy Andrus testified during the 1962 Senate hearings on pharmaceutical industry pricing practices. "Our concern is relief from suffering and improvement of health. We feel that 15 to 20 percent profit earned by several large manufacturers is detrimental to this concern," Andrus told the committee in 1962.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jmad7Syp8pwC |title=Hearings Before the Antitrust Subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary House of Representatives Eighty-Seventh Congress Second Session |date=1970 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |page=192 |access-date=June 20, 2022}} AARP regularly publishes Rx Price Watch Reports noting pricing trends in popular drugs for seniors.{{cite news |last=Avery |first=Taylor |date=June 8, 2021 |title=Prescription drug prices increased twice the inflation rate of US economy in 2020, AARP report finds |publisher=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/06/08/aarp-prescription-drug-price-us-inflation-2020/7601608002/ |accessdate=June 20, 2022}}

From 2018 to 2019, AARP helped pass more than 35 laws aimed at lowering drug prices at the local level.{{Cite web |last=Florko |first=Nicholas |date=2019-09-17 |title=With ominous TV spots and a senior 'strike force,' AARP launches an all-out attack on pharma |url=https://www.statnews.com/2019/09/17/pharmas-biggest-opponent-aarp/ |access-date=2023-09-28 |website=STAT |language=en-US}}

In early 2017, AARP strongly opposed the American Health Care Act of 2017, saying that older Americans would be unfairly burdened with higher premiums and smaller tax credits.{{cite news |last=Chilton |first=James |url=http://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/aarp-speaks-out-on-obamacare-replacement-bill/article_79f92b14-055f-11e7-84d8-333ce8baa87c.html |title=AARP speaks out on Obamacare replacement bill |work=Wyoming Tribune Eagle |date=March 10, 2017 |access-date=2017-03-22 }}{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/05/us/politics/health-care-law-obamacare-repeal-older-americans.html |title= Repeal of Health Law Faces a New Hurdle: Older Americans |last=Pear |first=Robert |work= The New York Times| date=March 5, 2017| access-date= September 13, 2021}}{{cite news |url= https://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/13/gops-obamacare-replacement-bill-is-an-age-tax-on-older-americans-aarp-says.html |title= GOP's Obamacare replacement bill is an 'age tax' on older Americans, AARP says |last=Belvedere | first=Matthew |publisher= CNBC| date=March 13, 2017| access-date= September 13, 2021}}{{cite news |url= https://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/27/aarp-slams-senate-gop-health-care-proposal.html |title= AARP slams Senate GOP health care proposal, calls for Congress to 'start from scratch' |last=Sheetz | first=Michael |publisher= CNBC| quote=Non-profit AARP said Tuesday that ... all senators should vote against the Better Care Reconciliation Act.| date=June 27, 2017| access-date= September 13, 2021}}

In 2019, AARP mounted a multi-million dollar campaign against the pharmaceutical industry and its high drug prices called "Stop Rx Greed" {{cite news |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinseatonjefferson/2019/03/13/stop-rx-greed-campaign-calls-on-washington-to-cut-drug-prices/?sh=1a6ab8ad40ad |title= 'Stop Rx Greed' Campaign Calls on Washington To Cut Drug Prices |last=Jefferson | first=Robin Seaton |work= Forbes| date=March 13, 2019| accessdate= January 10, 2023}} and supported a bipartisan bill by Sens. Charles Grassley (R-IA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) that set caps on drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries and increased pressure on drug companies to lower prices.{{cite news |url= https://apnews.com/article/politics-business-health-medicare-inflation-da871155354e460cbcc0c0f3ee7fe115/ |title= GOP, Dems offer compromise to reduce drug costs for seniors |last=Alonzo-Zaldivar | first=Ricardo |publisher= Associated Press | date=July 23, 2019| accessdate= June 20, 2022}} In 2021, AARP launched the "Fair Rx Prices Now!" Campaign to support legislation enabling the Medicare Program to negotiate prices with drug companies to lower prices for consumers, limit price increases for certain drugs, and cap out-of-pocket spending by Medicare beneficiaries.{{cite news |url= https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/peoples-hearing-prescription-drug-prices.html|title= AARP 'People's Hearing' Highlights Rx Struggles |last=Bunis | first=Dena |publisher= AARP | date=May 18, 2022| accessdate= December 12, 2022}}

AARP pushed Congress to include drug pricing reform in the proposed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, ran ads countering drug industry claims, and mobilized its members to lobby their representatives to pass the bill. The Act was signed into law in August 2022.{{cite news |url= https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/business-lobbying/3588542-aarp-big-pharma-locked-in-battle-over-drug-pricing-bill/ |title= AARP, Big Pharma licked in battle over drug pricing bill |last=Evers-Hillstrom | first=Karl |work= The Hill| date=August 5, 2022| accessdate= January 10, 2023}}{{cite news |url= https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2022/08/inflation-reduction-act-to-cut-health-costs-medicare-can-negotiate-certain-drug-prices-cap-cost-some-lifesaving-drugs/ |title= Biden inflation act to cut health costs |last=Stainton | first=Lilo |publisher= New Jersey Spotlight News| date=August 18, 2022| accessdate= January 10, 2023}}{{cite news |url= https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/inflation-reduction-act/ |title= The Inflation Reduction Act is Now Law – Here's What it Means for You |last=Smith | first=Kelly Anne |work= Forbes| date=August 23, 2022| accessdate= January 10, 2023}} The Inflation Reduction Act requires HHS, for the first time, to negotiate prices with drug makers for many of the most expensive drugs covered under Medicare. It also penalizes drug companies that raise prices more than the inflation rate and sets a cap of $2,000 on annual out-of-pocket drug spending for Medicare's more than 63 million beneficiaries beginning in 2025.{{cite news |url= https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/12/drug-prices-passage-of-inflation-reduction-act-gives-medicare-historic-new-powers.html |title= Passage of Inflation Reduction Act gives Medicare historic new powers over drug prices |last=Kimball | first=Spencer |publisher= CNBC| date=August 12, 2022| accessdate= January 10, 2023}}{{cite news |url= https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inflation-reduction-act-drug-costs-medicare-seniors-cbs-news-explains/ |title= Inflation Reduction Act could be "game changing" for millions of U.S. seniors |last=Ivanova | first=Irina |publisher= CBS News| date=August 16, 2022| accessdate= January 10, 2023}} These provisions in the act could be life-changing for older Americans who rely on high-priced prescription drugs, saving some thousands of dollars a year.{{cite news |url= https://time.com/6204409/inflation-reduction-act-health-care-drug-costs/ |title= How the Inflation Reduction Act Could Lower Your Drug Costs |last=Abrams | first=Abigail |publisher= Time Magazine| date=August 12, 2022| accessdate= January 10, 2023}}{{cite web |url= https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/explaining-the-prescription-drug-provisions-in-the-inflation-reduction-act/ |title= Explaining the Prescription Drug Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act |last=Cubanski | first=Juliette |publisher= Kaiser Family Foundation| date=September 22, 2022| accessdate= January 10, 2023}}

In a 2014 study conducted by AARP, 93% of people identified maintaining brain health as a high priority as they age.{{cite journal |title= Promoting cognitive health: Some good news and a brief summary of the Institute of Medicine Report Cognitive aging: Progress in understanding and opportunities for action |last=Fick | first=Donna |journal= Journal of Gerontological Nursing |publisher= Journal of Gerontological Nursing, Vol. 42, No. 7| date=June 20, 2016|volume= 42 |issue= 7 |pages= 4–6 |doi= 10.3928/00989134-20160620-01 |pmid= 27337180 |pmc= 5373083 }} AARP created a brain health assessment and program called Staying Sharp {{cite web |url= https://stayingsharp.aarp.org/?referrer=https://stayingsharp.aarp.org/authenticated/ |title= AARP Staying Sharp, an award-winning digital program with information on brain health |publisher= AARP| accessdate= January 10, 2023}} and it formed the Global Council on Brain Health – an independent, international group of brain health experts and researchers that publishes findings such as the impact of music on brain health.{{cite web |url= https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/keep-your-brain-young-with-music#:~:text=It%20provides%20a%20total%20brain,%2C%20mental%20alertness%2C%20and%20memory.|title= Keep Your Brain Young with Music |date= April 13, 2022 |publisher= Johns Hopkins Medicine| accessdate= January 10, 2023}}{{cite journal |title= Lifestyle choices and brain health |last=Mintzer | first=Jacobo |journal= Frontiers in Medicine | date=October 4, 2019|volume= 6 |page= 204 |doi= 10.3389/fmed.2019.00204 |pmid= 31637242 |pmc= 6787147 |doi-access= free }} In 2018, AARP donated $60 million to the Dementia Discovery Fund for research into the causes and treatments of Alzheimer's Disease.{{cite web |url= https://techcrunch.com/2018/06/25/aarp-commits-60-million-to-a-fund-backing-new-treatments-for-dementia/|title= AARP commits $60 million to a fund backing new treatments for dementia |last=Shieber | first=Jonathan |publisher= TechCrunch| date=June 25, 2018| accessdate= June 20, 2022}}{{cite web |url= https://fortune.com/2018/06/26/aarp-alzheimers-dementia-fund/|title= The AARP, UnitedHealth and Quest Diagnostics are pouring $75 million into fighting Alzheimer's and dementia |last=Mukherjee | first=Sy |publisher= Fortune| date=June 26, 2018| accessdate= June 20, 2022}}

In 2022, AARP held "The World's Most Expensive Tailgate" to highlight problems with rising drug prices. The organization shared what popular tailgate items would cost if their prices had increased at the same rate as drug prices over the last 15 years.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-20 |title=AARP hosts 'World's Most Expensive Tailgate" to bring attention to climbing drug prices |url=https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/aarp-hosts-worlds-most-expensive-tailgate-to-bring-attention-to-climbing-drug-prices/article_bcd85904-c0e0-11ec-80f4-638d976e650c.html |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=WKOW |language=en}}

Approximately seven million people have AARP-branded health insurance, including drug coverage and Medigap, as of April 2007{{update inline|date=November 2017}}{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/17/health/17insure.html | work=The New York Times | first=Robert | last=Pear | title=AARP Says It Will Become Major Medicare Insurer While Remaining a Consumer Lobby | date=17 April 2007}} and the association earns more income from selling insurance to members its businesses through licensing arrangements than from membership dues.{{cite news | url = https://latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-aarp4mar04,1,7317388.story |first=Ricardo |last=Alonso-Zaldivar |title=New Drug Program Is a Benefit for AARP |date=March 6, 2006 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times }}

While AARP is not an insurer, it allows its name to be used by insurance companies in the sale of products, for which it is paid a commission.Benjamin Lipson JK Lasser's Choosing the Right Long-term Care Insurance, p. 140, John Wiley & Sons, 2002 {{ISBN|978-0-471-27349-3}}

Congressional members have sometimes accused AARP of having a conflict of interest in taking sides over health insurance debates. AARP licenses its brand to United Healthcare which sells Medigap policies.{{Cite web |title=House Subcommittee To Investigate AARP 'Financial Conflicts' |url=https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/aarp-under-scrutiny/ |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=KFF Health News |language=en-US}} As of October 2009, health care reform contained a proposal to trim an associated program Medicare Advantage, which was expected to increase demand for Medigap policies.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/26/AR2009102603392.html |title=AARP:Reform advocate and insurance salesman |access-date=2009-10-28 |first=Dan |last=Eggen |date=October 27, 2009 |newspaper=The Washington Post |pages=A1 }}

AARP has long been an advocate for preserving Social Security as a safety net for older Americans. Since March 2012, AARP's "You've Earned a Say" campaign has sought to foster nonpartisan conversations about how to strengthen Social Security and Medicare. The Richmond (VA) Times-Dispatch reported: "AARP took the debate about Medicare and Social Security from what it called behind closed doors in Washington to a series of town hall meetings around the country to make sure retirees have a voice in the discussion."Hazard, Carol.[http://www.timesdispatch.com/business/retirees-highlight-social-security-medicare-at-aarp-meeting/article_de48d747-f58b-56bd-b0b3-af515d15d316.html "Retirees highlight Social Security, Medicare at AARP meeting"] Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond, VA 20 March 2012. Retrieved on 2013-05-28.

In 2023, AARP started campaigning for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to receive a $1.4 billion increase in funding to improve its "woeful" customer service. The AARP also called for the SSA to "step up non-monetary measures to improve customer service and quality," stating that all issues won't be resolved with more funding alone.{{Cite web |title=AARP Says Social Security's Customer Service Is Dangerously Inadequate |url=https://money.com/social-security-customer-service-aarp/ |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=Money |language=en}}

In the summer of 2023, AARP held a series of nationwide forums to help educate people about social security and debunk social security myths.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=AARP forum hopes to help people understand the value of social security |url=https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/aarp-forum-june-16-2023 |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AARP Wisconsin kicking off statewide tour in Milwaukee to talk Social Security |url=https://www.cbs58.com/news/aarp-wisconsin-kicking-off-statewide-tour-discussing-social-security-in-milwaukee |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=CBS58 |language=en}} The forum in Richmond was held alongside The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM).

AARP advocated for the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967{{cite book|last1=Rothenberg|first1=Jessica Z.|last2=Gardner|first2=Daniel S.|title=Protecting Older Workers: The Failure of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967|date=March 1, 2011|publisher=Western Michigan University|location=Kalamazoo, MI|url= https://www.aoascc.org/Customer-Content/www/CMS/files/ageism/Protecting_Older_Workers.pdf|access-date=September 13, 2021}} and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. A 2020 joint project with The Economist Intelligence Unit reported that age discrimination cost the U.S. $850 billion in lost gross domestic product in 2018.{{Cite web |last=Kiersz |first=Andy |title=America's workforce is graying, and ageism could cost the economy trillions of dollars |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/cost-of-inequity-age-discrimination-could-cost-economy-trillions-2021-6 |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=TCAJOB |date=2020-02-18 |title=AARP study: Age discrimination costs economy billions a year |url=https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/2020/02/aarp-study-age-discrimination/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business |language=en-US}} In 2020, AARP supported the passage of the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act (POWADA), which aimed to restore protections under the Age Discrimination Employment Act that were adversely affected by a 2009 Supreme Court decision.{{cite news |url= https://www.cnbc.com/2019/06/11/older-workers-could-soon-find-it-easier-to-prove-age-discrimination.html |title= Older workers could soon find it easier to prove age discrimination |last=Nova | first=Annie |publisher= CNBC| quote='The legislation makes Congress' intent clear that discrimination in the workplace – against older workers or others – is never acceptable,' said Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president chief advocacy and engagement officer.| date=June 11, 2019| access-date= September 13, 2021}}

In 2018, AARP worked to change how older people are portrayed in media and advertising to reduce age discrimination. The organization spoke against stock photos portraying people who are 50+ as confused or incapable and pressed advertising agencies and their clients to update their portrayals of aging.{{Cite news |last=Vranica |first=Suzanne |date=2018-10-01 |title=AARP to Take On Ageism, Enlists Former Ad Executive Cindy Gallop |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/aarp-to-take-on-ageism-enlists-former-ad-executive-cindy-gallop-1538391601 |access-date=2023-10-11 |issn=0099-9660}} AARP worked with Getty Images to introduce 1,400 images of older people running businesses, playing sports, and spending time with younger generations.{{Cite news |last=Hsu |first=Tiffany |date=2019-09-23 |title=Older People Are Ignored and Distorted in Ageist Marketing, Report Finds |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/23/business/ageism-advertising-aarp.html |access-date=2023-10-11 |issn=0362-4331}} The photos were part of the Disrupt Aging Collection.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ernie |date=2019-10-03 |title=AARP's New Stock Photo Collection Looks to Fight Ageism |url=https://associationsnow.com/2019/10/aarps-new-stock-photo-collection-looks-fight-ageism/ |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=Associations Now |language=en-US}}

In 2018,  the organization also spoke out against employers who use age-specific targeting features on online platforms, denying all age groups the ability to see job opportunities.{{Cite web |last=Valentino-DeVries |first=Jennifer |date=2018-01-08 |title=AARP and Key Senators Urge Companies to End Age Bias in Recruiting on Facebook |url=https://www.propublica.org/article/aarp-and-key-senators-urge-companies-to-end-age-bias-in-recruiting-on-facebook |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=ProPublica |language=en}}

The AARP Employer Pledge program is for employers who publicly pledge to work to end ageism. To join the program, employers must not have any discrimination lawsuits within the past five years and must agree to recruit across diverse age groups and consider all applications equally. In 2022, there were over 1,000 signees, including Humana, Microsoft, Marriott International, and McDonald's.

In 2017 the AARP and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service launched Operation Protect Veterans. This national campaign uses local outreach, ads, emails, social media, a website, and phone calls to warn the military about scams.{{Cite web |last=Tompor |first=Susan |title=Veterans are prime targets for phone scams, pitches for upfront benefits buyouts |url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/personal-finance/susan-tompor/2017/11/08/vets-prime-targets-scams-upfront-benefits-buyouts/829411001/ |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=HealthLeaders |title=AARP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Nursing Home Provider for Neglecting Residents |url=https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/post-acute/aarp-files-class-action-lawsuit-against-nursing-home-provider-neglecting-residents |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=www.healthleadersmedia.com |language=en}}

The AARP Fraud Watch Network holds "reverse boiler rooms" to help warn people about consumer scams and teach them how to protect themselves.{{Cite web |title=Seniors Take On Scam Artists |url=https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-1999/oct-1999/10_29_1999_seniors_take.htm |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=www.surfsantamonica.com}}{{Cite web |title=Fraud Fighters Turn the Tables on Con Artists in "Reverse Boiler Room" {{!}} Washington State |url=https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/fraud-fighters-turn-tables-con-artists-reverse-boiler-room |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=www.atg.wa.gov}} During these events, AARP volunteers call local residents to make them aware of fraud risks. Similar AARP events include Tip-Offs to Rip-Offs and the Scam Jam.{{Cite web |last=Reagan |first=Mike |date=2015-06-11 |title=Scam jam helps fight fraud |url=https://www.wmtw.com/article/scam-jam-helps-fight-fraud/2008977 |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=WMTW |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Marcie |date=2023-05-20 |title=AARP Pa. turns the tables on con artists |url=https://www.bradfordera.com/news/aarp-pa-turns-the-tables-on-con-artists/article_cc579fed-d874-5987-818b-8b3453fe69ec.html |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=The Bradford Era |language=en}}

AARP also advocates on the state and local levels through its offices around the country.  

In New York, AARP helped achieve the following reforms: Care Act, Assisted Living protections, Anti Predatory Lending, Paid Family Leave, and Affordable Housing.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-26 |title=Making NYC Age-Friendly: An ABC7 Town Hall with AARP |url=https://abc7ny.com/aarp-older-adults-new-york-city-discrimination/11793289/ |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=ABC7 New York |language=en}}

In 2022, AARP and others brought a class action lawsuit against Alden Group, a healthcare provider based in Illinois. AARP said that Alden's nursing facilities were intentionally understaffed, which led to neglect and unfair business practices.{{Cite web |last=HealthLeaders |title=AARP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Nursing Home Provider for Neglecting Residents |url=https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/post-acute/aarp-files-class-action-lawsuit-against-nursing-home-provider-neglecting-residents |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=www.healthleadersmedia.com |language=en}}

AARP advocates locally against rising utility rates, for example, in Oklahoma, Colorado, Illinois, Georgia, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Florida.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-25 |title=May 2022 video: AARP Oklahoma fights proposed $164 million utility rate hike |url=https://tulsaworld.com/video/news/may-2022-video-aarp-oklahoma-fights-proposed-164-million-utility-rate-hike/video_8baa3b83-94c2-57db-b228-bc7ab2f088a9.html |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Tulsa World |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-10-27 |title=AARP Colorado fights against Xcel Energy Rate Hike |url=https://www.westernslopenow.com/news/aarp-colorado-fights-against-xcel-energy-rate-hike/ |first1=Khira |last1=Isaacs |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=WesternSlopeNow.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=AARP, CUB to Host 7 Free Clinics to Cut Chicagoans' Utility Bills |url=https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/aarp-cub-to-host-7-free-clinics-to-cut-chicagoans-utility-bills/ |date=Nov 20, 2018 |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Citizens Utility Board |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |title=AARP fires back over Georgia Power rate hike |language=en-US |work=The Florida Times-Union |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/2013/12/03/aarp-fires-back-over-georgia-power-rate-hike/15807199007/ |first1=Walter C. |last1=Jones |date=Dec 2, 2013 |access-date=2023-10-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031222120/https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/2013/12/03/aarp-fires-back-over-georgia-power-rate-hike/15807199007/ |archive-date=2023-10-31 }}{{Cite web |title=AARP challenges utilities' rates |url=http://www.jsonline.com/business/aarp-challenges-utilities-rates-b99348230z1-274550791.html |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |date=Sep 9, 2014 |first1=Thomas |last1=Content |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511003631/http://www.jsonline.com/business/aarp-challenges-utilities-rates-b99348230z1-274550791.html |archive-date= May 11, 2016 }}{{Cite web |title=AARP New Hampshire urges PUC to protect customers from unfair hikes |url=https://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/business/2020/05/23/aarp-new-hampshire-urges-puc-to-protect-customers-from-unfair-hikes/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Nashua Telegraph |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Salisbury |first=Susan |title=AARP, other groups, fighting FPL's proposed $1.3 billion rate hike |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/business/2016/07/22/aarp-other-groups-fighting-fpl/6834669007/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=The Palm Beach Post |language=en-US}}

AARP also provides several non-advocacy support programs for people older than 50. These include the following:

AARP's Virtual Community Center provides digital literacy courses, exercise classes, caregiving classes, and university lectures.{{Cite web |date=2021-02-09 |title=AARP teams up with Older Adult Technology Services to help seniors navigate the digital space |url=https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/aarp-teams-older-adult-technology-services-help-seniors-navigate-digital-space |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=MobiHealthNews |language=en}}

In 1979, AARP introduced the nation's first{{cite news |last=Budd |first=Ken |url=https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/ |title=AARP's Road to Driver Safety |work=aarp.com |date=2019-07-11 |access-date=2020-09-08 }} driver safety course geared towards older adults. AARP Driver Safety,{{cite web|url=https://www.aarpdriversafety.org/ |title=AARPDriverSafety.org |publisher=AARP.org |date=June 1, 2012 |access-date=2012-06-17}} which can be completed in a classroom setting or online, teaches defensive driving techniques and provides "added information on age-related cognitive and physical changes that affect driving".{{cite web|author=AARP Driver Safety - from: AARP |url=http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/info-05-2010/dsp_article_program_history_and_facts.html |title=AARP Driver Safety Program History and Facts |publisher=Aarp.org |date=January 1, 2010 |access-date=2012-06-17}} The course is instructed and promoted by volunteers throughout the U.S.

In addition to course fees, the program is supported by a grant from the automobile manufacturer, Toyota.{{cite web |url=https://www.aarpdriversafety.org/faq/ |title=Frequently Asked Questions |access-date=2017-03-22 }} Over a half million drivers completed the course in 2012 and over 15 million people completed the courses since 1979.{{cite web |url=http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/info-01-2012/half-million-people-completed-driver-safety-classes-in-2011.html |title=500,000 People Complete AARP Driver Safety |access-date=2013-05-28}}{{cite news |url=http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/calhoun_times/aarp-smart-driver-class-set-for-may-in-fairmount/article_5b5d8a6c-030b-11e6-9ff9-2f741386fba2.html |title=AARP Smart Driver Class set for May 14 in Fairmount |work=Calhoun Times |date=April 16, 2016 |access-date=2017-03-22 }}

AARP The Magazine, with a circulation of approximately 37 million, and the AARP Bulletin with 30 million as of 2016, are the two largest-circulation publications in the United States.{{cite web |url=https://mrmagazine.wordpress.com/2017/01/09/aarp-the-magazine-relevant-vibrant-still-the-largest-circulation-magazine-in-the-country-with-more-than-23-million-readers-the-mr-magazine-interview-with-shelagh-daly-mille/ |title=AARP The Magazine: Relevant, Vibrant & Still The Largest Circulation Magazine In The Country With Over 37 Million Readers |last=Husni |first=Samir |date=January 9, 2017 |access-date=2017-03-28 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.psaresearch.com/images/TOPMAGAZINES.pdf |title=Top 100 U.S. Magazines by Circulation |publisher=Public Service Advertising Research Center |access-date=2017-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115225953/http://www.psaresearch.com/images/TOPMAGAZINES.pdf |archive-date=2016-11-15 |url-status=dead }}

AARP The Magazine{{cite web|url=http://www.aarpmagazine.org|title=AARP The Magazine|date=June 13, 2012|access-date=June 17, 2012}} (known until 2002 as Modern Maturity), is a lifestyle magazine for people 50+. Established in 1958,{{cite web|title=Top 100 U.S. Magazines by Circulation|url=http://www.psaresearch.com/images/TOPMAGAZINES.pdf|work=PSA Research Center|access-date=February 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115225953/http://www.psaresearch.com/images/TOPMAGAZINES.pdf|archive-date=November 15, 2016|url-status=dead}} the magazine is distributed bi-monthly to AARP members. Other publications include The Journal and several newsletters.{{cite web|url=http://journal.aarpinternational.org/home|title=The Journal|work=AARP International|access-date=December 18, 2013}}{{Cite web |title=AARP Publications App |url=https://www.aarp.org/publications-app/ |access-date=29 January 2024 |website=AARP}} In 2018, the digital publication titled Sisters from AARP was launched, aimed at African American women.{{Cite web|title=AARP Launches Sisters from AARP Digital Newsletter Celebrating Gen-X and Baby Boomer African American Women|url=https://press.aarp.org/2018-8-8-2018-AARP-Launches-Sisters-From-AARP-Digital-Newsletter-Celebrating-GenX-BabyBoomer-AfricanAmerican-Women|access-date=2021-01-27|website=MediaRoom|language=english}}

The organization also produces radio programs and has a book division.{{Cite web |title=Radio |url=https://states.aarp.org/section/radio |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=AARP States |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AARP Bookstore |url=https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/books/bookstore/ |access-date=29 January 2024 |website=AARP}}

AARP en Español is AARP's Spanish-language multimedia platform. Offerings include a Spanish-language website, a Spanish-language YouTube channel, and informational resources.

AARP's Purpose Prize is awarded to people 50 and older who are making a social impact. The award was started in 2005 by CoGenerate and transferred to AARP in 2016.{{Cite news |last=Bahrampour |first=Tara |date=24 October 2022 |title=These award winners over 50 started nonprofits that made an impact |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/10/24/purpose-prize-winners/ |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

The Movies for Grownups Awards "recognizes achievements of those in the entertainment industry age 50 and over, and the films that speak to that vast audience",{{cite web |last=Berkshire |first=Geoff |date=February 6, 2017 |title=Maturity Reigns at AARP's Movies for Grownups Awards |url=https://variety.com/2017/film/awards/aarps-movies-for-grownup-awards-2017-denzel-washington-1201977872 |access-date=2018-01-30 |work=Variety}} as well as supports the overall goals of the AARP.{{cite web |date=December 6, 2017 |title=Helen Mirren to Receive Career Achievement Honor at AARP The Magazine's 17th Annual Movies For Grownups® Awards |url=http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/blog/helen-mirren-receive-career-achievement-honor-aarp-magazines-17th-annual-movies-grownups-awards/ |access-date=2018-01-30 |publisher=PBS}} Past recipients include Denzel Washington,{{cite web |last=Olivier |first=Ellen |date=February 7, 2017 |title=Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Ruth Negga, Helen Mirren attend AARP's Movies for Grownups Awards |url=https://latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-movies-for-grownups-20170207-story.html |access-date=2018-01-30 |work=Los Angeles Times}} Annette Bening, Jeff Bridges, Viola Davis, Morgan Freeman,{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Amy |date=February 7, 2017 |title=Hollywood actors head out to AARP Movies for Grownups Awards |url=http://abc7.com/entertainment/hollywood-actors-head-out-to-aarp-movies-for-grownups-awards/1741805/ |access-date=2018-01-30 |publisher=KABC-TV}}{{cite web |last=Desta |first=Yohana |date=January 4, 2017 |title=Loving Was Literally 2016's Best Movie for Grown-Ups |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/01/loving-aarp-grownups-award |access-date=2018-01-30 |publisher=Vanity Fair}} Michael Douglas,{{cite web |last=Lang |first=Derrik |date=February 9, 2016 |title=Michael Douglas, Lily Tomlin Honored at AARP Movies for Grownups Awards |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/Michael-Douglas-Lily-Tomlin-Honored-by-AARP-Movies-for-Grownups-Awards-368182101.html |access-date=2018-01-30 |publisher=KXAS-TV}} and Lily Tomlin.

The AARP Innovation Labs works to identify products and services that can help the aging.{{Cite web |last=Graham |first=Michelai |date=2019-10-23 |title=AARP is working on these tech innovation initiatives at The Hatchery in DC |url=https://technical.ly/startups/aarp-innovation-labs-tech-innovation-initiatives-hatchery-chinatown/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Technical.ly |language=en}}

AARP Foundation's Tax Aide provides free tax assistance through trained and IRS-certified tax preparers. Tax Aide operates nationwide.{{Cite web |title=AARP Tax Assistance {{!}} City of Cuyahoga Falls |url=https://www.cityofcf.com/services/aarp-tax-assistance |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=www.cityofcf.com}}{{Cite web |title=AARP Tax Aide Free Tax Assistance – 2022 Tax Returns |url=https://www.pwcva.gov/news/undefined/news/aarp-tax-aide-free-tax-assistance-2022-tax-returns |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=www.pwcva.gov |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2024 Free Tax Help |url=https://abilenetx.gov/758/AARP-Free-Tax-Help |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=abilenetx.gov}}{{Cite web |last=Baum |first=Stephanie |date=2022-03-10 |title=Disruptive collaboration gains momentum in healthcare |url=https://medcitynews.com/2022/03/disruptive-collaboration-gains-momentum-in-healthcare/ |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=MedCity News |language=en-US}}

"The Longevity Economy Outlook: How people age 50 and older are fueling economic growth, stimulating jobs, and creating opportunities for all" is a 2019 report jointly released by AARP and The Economist Intelligence Unit.{{Cite web |last=Callaham |first=Sheila |title=New AARP Report: 50-Plus Population Driving Force In U.S. Economy, Massive Growth Projected |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/sheilacallaham/2019/12/19/new-aarp-report-50-plus-population-driving-force-in-us-economy-massive-growth-projected/ |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Forbes |language=en}} The report focuses on the impact of the 50-plus population on the economy, and uses a forecasting model from REMI as well as spending, workforce, and tax contribution data. It also includes the estimated economic value of unpaid activities like volunteering and caregiving. This report updated a 2013 study.{{Cite web |date=2019-12-31 |title=The Longevity Economy: Gigantic and Getting Bigger |url=https://www.nextavenue.org/longevity-economy-2/ |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Next Avenue |language=en}}

In 2020, the Global Longevity Economy Outlook was published. It focused on how much older adults contributed to the global gross domestic product.{{Cite web |last=Gaivin |first=Kathleen Steele |date=2022-11-14 |title=AARP: Older adults' contribution to global GDP expected to increase dramatically by 2050 |url=https://www.mcknightsseniorliving.com/home/news/business-daily-news/aarp-older-adults-contribution-to-global-gdp-expected-to-increase-dramatically-by-2050/ |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=McKnight's Senior Living |language=en-US}}

During the coronavirus pandemic, AARP hosted state and national telephone town halls to share information about the virus, vaccines, boosters, and other relevant topics such as mental and financial challenges for those aged fifty-plus, nursing homes, and voting procedures.{{Cite web |last=Pyper |first=Ariana |date=2020-09-29 |title=AARP town hall covers Idaho voting procedures; COVID-19 updates |url=https://idahonews.com/news/local/aarp-town-hall-covers-idaho-voting-procedures-covid-19-updates |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=KBOI |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2021-03-14 |title=March 18: The Local Take Joins With AARP Georgia For Virtual Town Hall On COVID-19 Vaccine, Issues |url=https://www.wclk.com/community-engagement/2021-03-14/march-18-the-local-take-joins-with-aarp-georgia-for-virtual-town-hall-on-covid-19-vaccine-issues |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=WCLK {{!}} The Jazz of The City |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AARP sponsors tele-town hall featuring Stefanik, county health leaders {{!}} News, Sports, Jobs - Adirondack Daily Enterprise |url=https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-news/2020/05/aarp%e2%80%88sponsors-tele-town-hall-featuring-stefanik-county-health-leaders/ |access-date=2023-11-02 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Stafford |first=Wayne |date=2021-01-12 |title=AARP to hold Coronavirus Information Town Hall |url=https://okcfox.com/news/local/aarp-to-hold-coronavirus-information-town-hall |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=KOKH |language=en}}

AARP has several affiliated organizations,{{Cite web |title=AARP: Overview, Affiliates, Lobbying for Members Age 50+ |url=https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/aarp.asp |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Investopedia |language=en}} including:

• AARP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that helps people over age 50 who are socioeconomically disadvantaged; it includes:
• AARP Experience Corps, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that encourages people over age 50 to mentor and tutor school children
• AARP Institute, a non-profit charity that holds some of AARP's charitable gift annuity funds
• AARP Services, Inc., a for-profit corporation that provides quality control and research on new AARP products.
• Legal Counsel for the Elderly, a 501(c)(3) charity that provides legal aid to seniors in the Washington, D.C.{{cite web |date=December 31, 2013 |title=Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Tax |url=http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2013/951/985/2013-951985500-0ab30798-9O.pdf |access-date=August 19, 2015 |work=AARP |publisher=Guidestar}}{{citation |last=Kolb |first=Robert W. |title=Encyclopedia of Business Ethics and Society |date=2008 |volume=1 |page=1 |publisher=Sage |isbn=978-1-4129-1652-3}}
• AARP Financial Services Corporation, a for-profit corporation that holds AARP's real estate.
• AARP Insurance Plan' is an organization that runs some of AARP's group health insurance policies.

In 2004, BusinessWeek said questions have arisen in the past about whether AARP's commercial interests may conflict with those of its membership, and characterizes many of the funds and insurance policies that AARP markets as providing considerably less benefit than seniors could get on their own.

[http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_11/b3924050_mz011.htm By Raising Its Voice, AARP Raises Questions] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627092314/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_11/b3924050_mz011.htm|date=June 27, 2012}} BusinessWeek, 14 March 2005, accessed 7 January 2008

In a November 2008 editorial, The Des Moines Register and the Canada Free Press called AARP a lobbying group masquerading as a non-profit, meanwhile charging high membership fees and selling expensive private health care plans.{{cite news |last1=Vaadum |first1=Mathew |date=11 November 2008 |title=Big Trouble on the Horizon for AARP? |publisher=Canada free press / Des moines register |url=http://canadafreepress.com/article/big-trouble-on-the-horizon-for-aarp |access-date=1 December 2017}}

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), senior Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, said in 2008 that the "limited benefit" insurance plans offered by AARP through UnitedHealth provided inadequate coverage and were marketed deceptively. One plan offered $5,000 for surgery that may cost two or three times that amount.{{cite news |last=Pear |first=Robert |date=19 November 2008 |title=AARP Orders Investigation Concerning Its Marketing |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/us/19insure.html}}

Criticism has been leveled at AARP staff's salaries and the use of first-class and business-class travel for short trips. According to AARP's 2014 IRS annual return, Chief Executive Officer Addison B. Rand received $1,698,289 of salary and benefits from AARP and its subsidiaries."[http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2014/951/985/2014-951985500-0bb5ea0a-9O.pdf Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax]". AARP. Guidestar. December 31, 2014. Board members, officers, and key employees flew first class on flights longer than five hours unless business class was available. The Chief Executive Officer flew first-class on flights longer than 90 minutes. AARP reported that it had spent $8,694,890 on the compensation of its officers, directors, and key employees during 2014.

In 1995, Senator Alan K. Simpson launched an investigation into AARP's books, financial interests, and hiring practices."[https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Hrg104-109.pdf Of the AARP Hearings]". Senate Finance Committee. April 8, 1995. Retrieved October 31, 2019. He described AARP as "a vast empire that has figured out how to gimmick the nonprofit laws" describing the organization as "33 million people paying $8 dues, bound together by a common love of airline discounts and automobile discounts and pharmacy discounts," and that members "haven't the slightest idea what the organization is asking for."{{cite news | url = https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-1995-06-10-9506100193-story.html| work=The Hartford Courant | first=John | last=MacDonald | title=Senate Investigation Has Critics Setting Sights On AARP| date=June 10, 1995}}"[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-04-08-mn-52280-story.html Sen. Simpson Scrutinizes AARP's Financial Interests, Hiring Practices]". The Los Angeles Times. April 8, 1995. Retrieved October 31, 2019.

The investigations did not reveal sufficient evidence to change the organization's status.Blahaus, Charles P. (2000). Reforming Social Security for Ourselves and Our Posterity. Greenwood Publishing Book. {{ISBN|978-0-275-97044-4}}. p. [https://archive.org/details/reformingsocials0000blah/page/84 84–85].

In 2018 and 2019, several class action lawsuits were filed against AARP regarding insurance policies. One lawsuit is over undisclosed licensing revenue that AARP earned from AARP-branded Medigap insurance policies."[https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=8831286267145661338 Krukaus v. AARP]". United States District Court, District of Columbia. March 17, 2019. Another lawsuit claims that AARP acted as an insurance agent or an insurance broker, neither of which AARP is licensed to be, for AARP-branded Medigap insurance policies.{{cite news |last=Raymond |first=Nate |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/health-aarp/aarp-must-face-lawsuit-over-medigap-insurance-commissions-judge-idUSL1N2151MB |title=AARP must face lawsuit over 'Medigap' insurance commissions - judge |work=Reuters |date=March 18, 2019 |access-date= October 30, 2019 }}Barnes, Patricia (February 10, 2020). "[https://www.forbes.com/sites/patriciagbarnes/2020/02/10/same-facts-but-different-findings-in-lawsuits-alleging-insurance-fraud-by-aarp/ Same Facts But Different Findings In Lawsuits Alleging Insurance Fraud by AARP]". Forbes. In another lawsuit, the plaintiff said that AARP should not have used its status to claim the AARP-branded insurance policies were "best for seniors".

All the lawsuits were dismissed."[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/district-of-columbia/dcdce/1:2018cv01124/196533/51/ Krukas v. AARP]". United States District Court for the District of Columbia. May 6, 2020.

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|

• AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project
• Association of Mature American Citizens
• International Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
• Gray Panthers
• 60 Plus Association
• Senior citizen

}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• Anderson, Lindsey B. "Changing the story of retirement: How AARP utilizes a strategic narrative to advocate for the aging workforce." Public Relations Review 41.3 (2015): 357-364.
• Chappel, James. Golden Years How Americans Invented and Reinvented Old Age (2024), chapter 7.
• Day, Christine L. AARP: America's Largest Interest Group and Its Impact (Bloomsbury, 2017).
• {{cite book |last= Lynch |first= Frederick R. |title= One Nation Under AARP: The Fight Over Medicare, Social Security, and America's Future |publisher= University of California Press |date= 2011}}
• {{cite book |last= Morris |first= Charles R. |title= The AARP: America's Most Powerful Lobby and the Clash of Generations |publisher= Crown |date= 1996 |isbn= 0-8129-2753-2 |url= https://archive.org/details/aarpamericasmost00morr }}

• [http://www.aarp.org/espanol/ AARP Spanish-language website]
• [https://www.youtube.com/user/aarpespanol AARP Spanish-language YouTube channel]

{{Lobbying in the United States}}

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