AARP News and Current Events Quiz
Test your knowledge of AARP's recent news and happenings, including their work on prescription drug prices and protecting Medicare and Social Security.
American Association of Retired Persons News and Analysis
About American Association of Retired Persons
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), founded in 1958 by retired teacher Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, is a prominent nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to addressing the needs and interests of Americans aged 50 and older[1][2][8]. Initially created to secure affordable health insurance for retired teachers, AARP expanded its mission to enhance the quality of life for older adults by promoting independence, dignity, and active engagement in society[1][4]. AARP’s origins trace back to Andrus’s efforts in the 1940s to improve health coverage for retirees, culminating in the 1955 National Retired Teachers Association health plan and the formal establishment of AARP in 1958[1][3]. Its founding principles included combating poverty among older adults, advocating for health insurance access before Medicare's 1965 enactment, and opposing mandatory retirement policies[1]. Today, AARP boasts over 33 million members, making it one of the largest membership organizations in the United States, second only to the Catholic Church in size[3]. It wields significant economic and political influence, with substantial lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, especially regarding healthcare, social security, and elder rights[3]. Its services include group health insurance, automotive and travel discounts, financial products, and pharmacy services controlling a notable share of the mail-order drug market[2][3]. Beyond services, AARP operates community programs focusing on crime prevention, defensive driving, adult education, and counseling, often implemented by local volunteer chapters[2]. Educational initiatives like the Institute of Lifetime Learning and publications such as *AARP The Magazine* (formerly *Modern Maturity*) and the *AARP Bulletin* serve to keep members informed and engaged[2][4][5]. Notably, AARP pioneered the first group health insurance for seniors, introduced the AARP Drug Buying Service to lower prescription costs, and developed universal home designs exemplifying safe and stylish aging in place[4].
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