- Founded in the 1950s from a smaller group of retired teachers, the AARP expanded its membership to include all persons over the age of 50. Although it was billed as a non-profit group until the 1980s, the purpose behind the AARP was to sell insurance to seniors. Over the next decade, the AARP underwent structural changes, began to allow younger individuals to join and implemented powerful lobbying efforts.
- The AARP has changed the way the United States views retirement and retired persons. With emphasis on job training for seniors and anti-discrimination measures, the AARP has successfully implemented the hiring of millions of formerly unemployed seniors. In addition, the group focuses on consumer issues that affect seniors and they provide workable alternatives to health insurance. Arguably, their largest contribution-to-date is that of the realization of the nation-wide Medicare program.
- Persons over the age of 50 are encouraged to apply for membership for a small annual fee. Along with receiving a monthly publication detailing the latest news and products designed to benefit seniors, members enjoy special discounts when traveling, job placement assistance and financial advice on providing for retirement (see Resources below).
- With many baby boomers being on the eve of retirement, the AARP is in the position to become very powerful. While the benefit to seniors may increase, some feel that funding that now goes to schools, recreational programs and initiatives that affect younger persons may suffer. Others feel the Social Security system, currently backed by the AARP, will become an economic drain on workers just entering the job force.
- Seniors have the potential of living longer, healthier and more productive lives, due in large part to the work of the AARP and its members. With continued funding in research and development, issues that affect seniors are constantly updated and new products appear on the market that provide a higher standard of living for retired persons.
