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AARP
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{{Infobox organization
| image = American Association of Retired Persons (logo).png
| image_size = 150px
| alt = <!-- alt text; see [[WP:ALT]] -->
| caption =
| map =
| predecessor =
| founder = [[Ethel Percy Andrus]]
| formation = {{start date and age|1958}}
| extinction = <!-- date of extinction, optional -->
| type = [[501(c) organization#501(c)(4)|501(c)(4) nonprofit organization]]<ref name="WEINERAFS2016" />
| status =
| focus =
| headquarters = [[Washington, D.C.]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| location = Offices in all 50 U.S. States, the [[District of Columbia]], [[Puerto Rico]] and the [[U.S. Virgin Islands]]
| coords =
| language = <!-- official languages -->
| leader_title = CEO
| leader_name = [[Jo Ann Jenkins]]
| leader_title2 = Board Chair
| leader_name2 = Joan R. Ruff
| leader_title3 =
| leader_name3 =
| leader_name4 =
| leader_title4 =
| key_people =
| main_organ = <!-- gral. assembly, board of directors, etc -->
| parent_organization = <!-- if one -->
| subsidiaries = AARP Foundation<br />AARP Services Inc<br />Legal Counsel for the Elderly
| affiliations = <!-- if any -->
| remarks =
| name = AARP
| image_border =
| size = <!-- default 200px -->
| msize = <!-- map size, optional, default 250px -->
| malt = <!-- map alt text -->
| mcaption =
| map2 =
| abbreviation =
| region_served =
| members = 38,000,000<ref name="DayBook" />
| general = <!-- Secretary General -->
| num_staff = 2,250<ref name="WEINERAFS2016" />
| num_volunteers= 20,854<ref name="WEINERAFS2016" />
| website = {{URL|https://www.aarp.org/|aarp.org}}
| former name = American Association of Retired Persons
| tax_id = 95-1985500
| revenue = $1,604,218,960 (2016)<ref name="WEINERAFS2016" />
| revenue_year =
| expenses = $1,562,766,940 (2016)<ref name="WEINERAFS2016" />
| expenses_year =
| footnotes = <ref name= WEINERAFS2016>{{cite web |title= Consolidated Financial Statements Together with Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants |date= December 31, 2016 |work= AARP |url= https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/about_aarp/annual_reports/2017/form-990-2016-aarp.pdf |accessdate= May 29, 2018 }}</ref><ref name="DayBook">{{cite book|last1=Day|first1=Christine L.|title=AARP: America's Largest Interest Group and its Impact|date=2017|publisher=Praeger|isbn=9781440834103|page=61|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V543DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA61&lpg=PA61&dq=aarp+38+million+members&source=bl&ots=YBYj3emlt_&sig=Qu7IfRlivwTQxB5DHsW_1OmRmWY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi1rduhv6vbAhWjtlkKHZJmBrQ4RhDoAQhCMAU#v=onepage&q=aarp%2038%20million%20members&f=false|accessdate=29 May 2018}}</ref>
}}
'''AARP''' (formerly '''American Association of Retired Persons''') is a [[United States]]-based [[interest group]] whose stated mission is "empowering people to choose how they live as they age." According to the organization, as of 2018, it had more than 38 million members.
AARP was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus (a retired educator from [[California]]) and Leonard Davis (later the founder of the [[Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company|Colonial Penn Group]] of insurance companies).<ref>{{cite news|work=Los Angeles Times|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2001/jan/23/local/me-15772|date=January 23, 2001|title=Local: Obituary}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.usc.edu/6078/Obituary-AARP-founder-philanthropist-Leonard-Davis-76/|work=USC News|title=AARP Founder: Philanthropist Leonard Davis, 76}}</ref> The association advocates for social change and provides information, advocacy, and service to its members. It is an important [[lobbying]] group in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/8-1-15_Top50PI.pdf|title=The 2015 Power & Influence Top 50|last=|first=|date=2015-08-31|website=The NonProfit Times|publisher=The NonProfit Times|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/top-lobbyists/258317-top-lobbyists-2015-grassroots|title=Top Lobbyists 2015: Grassroots|last=Dickson|first=Rebecca|date=2015-10-28|access-date=2016-09-26}}</ref> It updates special money related information and a "fraudwatch" on its website, to warn people of scams. Its fraudwatch includes write ups by [[Frank Abagnale]], formerly of the [[FBI]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Articles about AARP|url=https://www.nytimes.com/topic/organization/aarp|accessdate=1 December 2017|publisher=New York Times}}</ref>
==History==
According to the group's official history, Dr. [[Ethel Percy Andrus]] founded AARP in 1958. AARP evolved from the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA), which Andrus had established in 1947 to promote her philosophy of productive [[aging]], and to promote health insurance for retired teachers. After ten years, she opened the organization to all Americans over 50, creating AARP.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ethel Andrus (1884 - 1967) |url=http://www.nwhm.org/education-resources/biography/biographies/ethel-andrus/ |publisher=National Women's History Museum |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123121325/http://www.nwhm.org/education-resources/biography/biographies/ethel-andrus/ |archivedate=2012-01-23 |df= }}</ref> Today, the NRTA is a division within AARP.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pointsoflight.org/press-releases/points-light-institute-honors-volunteer-leaders-going-extra-mile |title=Points of Light Institute Honors Volunteer Leaders for Going the Extra Mile |date=2010-04-15 |accessdate=2016-04-07 }}</ref>
Critics of AARP offer an alternative version of the group's origins. ''[[60 Minutes]]'' reported in a 1978 exposé that AARP had been established as a marketing device by Leonard Davis, founder of the [[Colonial Penn|Colonial Penn Group]] insurance companies, after he met Ethel Percy Andrus.<ref>{{cite book|last=Rooney|first=Andy| authorlink = Andy Rooney|title=Sincerely, Andy Rooney|year=1999|publisher=[[Public Affairs Quarterly|Public Affairs]]|location=New York|isbn=1891620347|edition=1st }}</ref> According to critics, until the 1980s AARP was controlled by Davis, who promoted its image as a non-profit advocate of retirees in order to sell insurance to members.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/20/books/demographics-and-destiny.html?pagewanted=print |title=Demographics and Destiny |work=[[The New York Times]] | first=Paul | last=Krugman | authorlink = Paul Krugman | date=20 October 1996}}</ref> Possibly as a result of this report, AARP conducted a competitive bidding process, and, in 1980, shifted the insurance contracts available to members to [[Prudential Financial]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Rooney |first1=Andy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=COUTFYf429kC |title=Sincerely, Andy Rooney |publisher=PublicAffairs |year=2009 |isbn=978-0786731350 |accessdate=2016-01-05 }}</ref>
In the 1990s, the [[United States Senate]] investigated AARP's [[Charitable organization#United States|non-profit status]], with Republican Senator [[Alan K. Simpson]], then chairman of the [[United States Senate Finance Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy]], questioning the organization's tax-exempt status in [[congressional hearing]]s. According to [[Charles Blahous]], the investigations did not reveal sufficient evidence to change the organization's status,<ref>{{cite book|author=Blahaus, Charles P.|title=Reforming Social Security for Ourselves and Our Posterity|pages= 84–5|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|date= 2000 |isbn=978-0-275-97044-4}}</ref> though in an interview years later by the ''[[Des Moines Register]]'', Senator Simpson remained "troubled by AARP's practices", calling AARP "the biggest marketing operation in America and money-maker" and an organization whose practices are "the greatest abuse of American generosity I witnessed in my time in the U.S. Senate".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110411/OPINION03/104110302/1024/pbcs.dll/Congress-right-challenge-AARP |archive-url=https://archive.is/20130121162838/http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110411/OPINION03/104110302/1024/pbcs.dll/Congress-right-challenge-AARP |dead-url=yes |archive-date=January 21, 2013 |title=Congress right to investigate AARP |work=Editorial |publisher=Des Moines Register |date=April 11, 2011 |accessdate=2011-05-10 |quote=In the mid-1990s, Congress launched an investigation, asking questions about its tax status and business ventures. That was led by former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming. When ''The Register'' interviewed him several years later, he was still troubled by AARP's practices. Simpson stated the organization was "the biggest marketing operation in America and money-maker". He said that what the organization does "is the greatest abuse of American generosity I witnessed in my time in the U.S. Senate". }}</ref>
The organization was originally named the ''American Association of Retired Persons'', but in 1999 it officially changed its name to "AARP" (pronounced one letter at a time, "ay ay ar pee") to reflect that its focus was no longer American retirees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/info-2009/History.html |title=AARP History |website=AARP |date=2009 |accessdate=17 September 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905055404/http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/info-2009/History.html |archivedate=5 September 2015 |df= }}</ref> AARP no longer requires that members be retired, but they must be at least age 50 (although a membership includes free membership for a spouse or partner who may not yet be 50).
All people age 50 and older are eligible for full membership with AARP. For those under the age of 50, AARP offers associate memberships that automatically convert to full membership at the age of 50th birthday.<ref>{{cite news |last=Loomis |first=Carol J. |url=http://archive.fortune.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2006/05/15/8376858/index.htm |title=The AARP is getting younger all the time |work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |date=2006-05-11 |accessdate=2017-08-12 }}</ref>
==Activities==
[[File:Tom Perez at AARP Meeting in 2015.jpg|thumb|left|300px|alt=Former United States Secretary of Labor Perez at AARP's Life@50+ event in 2015. |Former [[United States Secretary of Labor]] Perez at AARP's Life@50+ event in 2015.]]
===Overview===
AARP addresses issues affecting older Americans through [[lobbying]] efforts at the state and national governmental level, an activity permitted by its [[501(c)(4)]] status. The organization says that it is non-partisan and does not support, oppose or give money to any candidates or political parties. The total revenue for 2006 was approximately $1 billion and it spent $23 million on lobbying.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/23/AR2007042301760.html | work=The Washington Post | first=Jeffrey H. | last=Birnbaum | title=On Issues From Medicare to Medication, AARP's Money Will Be There | date=24 April 2007}}</ref> Middle-class security has been a major focus for the organization in recent years.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-12-2012/AARP-Retirement-Security-in-Doubt-for-Middle-Class.html |title=AARP: Retirement Security in Doubt for Middle Class |accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref> AARP also provides extensive consumer information, volunteer opportunities, and events including the annual National Event & Expo (2013 in Las Vegas from May 30–June 1 and in Atlanta from October 3–5).
[[File:AARP volunteers Miami 2015.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=AARP volunteers packing food for older Americans in need at packing event in Miami.|AARP volunteers packing food for older Americans in need at packing event in [[Miami]].]]
AARP launched Life Reimagined in May 2013, calling it a "first-of-its-kind series of online and offline experiences that guide people through life transitions by helping them discover new possibilities and connect with a community of people pursuing similar passions and goals".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-05-2013/AARP-Launches-Life-Reimagined-to-Offer-Ways-for-Discovering-New-Possibilities-and-Navigating-Whats-Next.html |title=AARP Launches Life Reimagined to Offer Ways for Discovering New Possibilities and Navigating "What's Next" |accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref> ''USA Today'' called the iniative "the latest step for the AARP ... as it continues to rebrand itself and become the go-to address for feeling good about aging.<ref>Jayson, Sharon. [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/05/28/aarp-boomers-jobs-coaching/2358551/ "AARP to coach aging Boomers 'reimagining' their lives"] USA Today, 28 May 2013. Retrieved on 2013-05-28.</ref>
==Affiliates==
AARP has several affiliated organizations including:
* '''AARP Foundation''', a [[501c3]] non-profit charity that helps people over age 50 who are at social and economic risk;It includes
** '''AARP Experience Corps''', a [[501c3]] 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,
* '''Legal Counsel for the Elderly''', a [[501c3]] non-profit charity that provides legal assistance to seniors in Washington, D.C.<ref name="2013Form990">{{cite web |title= Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Tax |date= December 31, 2013 |work= AARP |publisher= [[Guidestar]] |accessdate= August 19, 2015 |url= http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2013/951/985/2013-951985500-0ab30798-9O.pdf }}</ref><ref>{{citation |first= Robert W. |last= Kolb |title= Encyclopedia of Business Ethics and Society |volume= 1 |page= 1 |publisher= Sage |date= 2008 |isbn= 978-1-4129-1652-3 }}</ref>
* '''AARP Financial Services Corporation''', a for-profit corporation that holds AARP's real estate;
* '''AARP Insurance Plan''', an organization that holds some of AARP's group health insurance policies;
Because of AARP's vast membership, it is able to generate its own income without being dependent on government grants or private donors, though it receives both of these for specific programs. According to its 2015 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 ($838,649,000);
* membership dues ($295,180,000); and
* advertisements placed in its publications ($149,604,000).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/about_aarp/annual_reports/2016/2015-Consolidated-Financial-Statements-AARP.pdf|title=AARP Consolidated Financial Statements Together with Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants|last=|first=|date=2015-12-31|website=AARP|publisher=AARP.org|access-date=2016-09-25}}</ref>
===AARP Services, Inc. and AARP Financial Incorporated===
AARP Services, Inc., founded in 1999, is a wholly owned taxable subsidiary of AARP that manages the range of products and services offered as benefits to members. Its offers include Medicare supplemental insurance; member discounts on rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and lodging; special offers on technology and gifts; pharmacy services; legal services; and long-term care insurance. AARP Services founded AARP Financial Incorporated, a subsidiary that manages AARP-endorsed financial products including AARP Funds. In a filing with the [[Securities and Exchange Commission]] in June 2010, AARP Financial announced the discontinuation of AARP Funds<ref>AARP news release.{{cite web |url=http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-07-2010/aarp_financial_announcesdiscontinuationofaarpfunds.html |title=AARP Financial Announces Discontinuation of AARP Funds |publisher=Aarp.org |accessdate= }}</ref> AARP Services develops new products, manages and markets products and services, and creates and maintains partnership and sponsorship relationships.
===AARP Foundation===
AARP Foundation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation |title=AARP Foundation |publisher=AARP |date=2011-03-31 |accessdate=2011-05-10| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110609015203/http://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation| archivedate= 9 June 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> is AARP's affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security, protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Low-income older workers receive the job training and placement they need to re-join the workforce. Free tax preparation is provided for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older. The Foundation's litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, consumer and employment situations. Additional programs provide information, education, and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity, and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP.
The AARP Foundation's website claims the nonprofit "wants to win back opportunity for those now in crisis, so thousands of vulnerable low-income Americans 50+ can regain their foothold, continue to serve as anchors for their families and communities and ensure that their best life is still within reach." Key areas of focus are hunger, income, housing, and isolation. The Foundation's vision is "a country that is free of poverty where no older person feels vulnerable."
One of the goals of the AARP Foundation is its Drive to End Hunger. In 2011, AARP and AARP Foundation formed a relationship with [[NASCAR]] driver [[Jeff Gordon]] and [[Hendrick Motorsports]] to increase awareness of hunger in America with the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger race car and related food drives.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drivetoendhunger.org|title=Drive to End Hunger website|date=2011-09-16|publisher=Drivetoendhunger.org|accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref> Through the Drive to End Hunger program, AARP also sponsored Hendrick driver [[Kasey Kahne]], beginning in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/articles/65150/kahnes-no-5-drive-to-end-hunger-chevrolet-ss-revealed|title=Kahne's No. 5 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet SS revealed|last=Caldwell|first=Gray|date=April 20, 2016|publisher=[[Hendrick Motorsports]] |access-date= April 20, 2016}}</ref>
===AARP Driver Safety===
In 1979, AARP introduced the nation's first {{citation needed|date=November 2017}} driver safety course geared towards older adults. AARP Driver Safety,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aarp.org/drive |title=AARP.org |publisher=AARP.org |date=2012-06-01 |accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{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=2010-01-01 |accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aarpdriversafety.org/faq.html?intcmp=DSP-HDR-NAV-FAQ |title=Frequently Asked Questions |accessdate=2017-03-22 }}</ref> Over half million drivers completed the course in 2012 and over 15 million people completed the courses since 1979.<ref>{{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 |accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Staff |first=Writer |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=2016-04-16 |accessdate=2017-03-22 }}</ref>
===AARP publications and broadcasts===
====English language====
''AARP The Magazine'' with their approximately 37 million readers and the ''AARP Bulletin'' with 29.7 million, are the two largest-circulation publications in the United States.<ref>{{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=2017-01-09 |accessdate=2017-03-28 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.psaresearch.com/images/TOPMAGAZINES.pdf |format=PDF |title=Top 100 U.S. Magazines by Circulation |publisher=Public Service Advertising Research Center, |accessdate=2017-03-28 }}</ref>
* The organization publishes ''[[AARP The Magazine]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aarpmagazine.org|title=AARP The Magazine|work=AARP The Magazine |date=June 13, 2012|accessdate=June 17, 2012}}</ref> (known until 2002 as ''Modern Maturity''), a lifestyle magazine for people 50+. Established in 1958,<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 100 U.S. Magazines by Circulation|url=http://www.psaresearch.com/images/TOPMAGAZINES.pdf|work=PSA Research Center|accessdate=February 6, 2016}}</ref> the magazine is distributed [[bi-monthly]] to AARP members.
* ''AARP Bulletin'', subtitled "The Newspaper for 50-Plus America", is published monthly, 10 times per year, and requires membership and an additional subscription fee.<ref>{{Cite news|date=July–August 2009|title=(publication information found in each print issue)|periodical=AARP Bulletin|publication-place=Washington, DC|publisher=AARP|issn=1044-1123|oclc=19685775}}</ref>
* ''The Journal'', released by AARP's International Office, is a policy publication on health and financial security issues facing a global population.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://journal.aarpinternational.org/home|title=The Journal|work=AARP International|accessdate=December 18, 2013}}</ref>
[[File:AARP Pride Booth Boston 2017.png|thumb|right|300px|alt=The AARP Booth at the 2017 Boston Pride Festival.|The AARP Booth at the 2017 Boston [[Gay pride|Pride Festival]].]]
The organization also produces radio and television programs and has a book division.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}
* ''Inside E Street,'' hosted by broadcast journalist Lark McCarthy, takes a "nonpartisan, civil look into issues critical to Americans"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aarp.org/tv-radio/inside-e-street/|title=Inside E Street - Non-Partisan TV Program, Civil Issues Critical to 50+ Americans|publisher=AARP|accessdate=May 28, 2013}}</ref>
* ''Movies for Grownups'', is a weekly two-minute program hosted and produced by Bill Newcott, creator of AARP's Movies for Grownups franchise, heard on stations nationwide and online at the radioprimetime website.
* ''Prime Time Focus'', hosted by Alyne Ellis, is a 90-second daily feature with a five-minute weekend edition heard on more than 500 stations.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}
* ''Prime Time Radio'', hosted by broadcaster Mike Cuthbert, is a one-hour weekly interview program that focuses on the interests and concerns of Americans aged 50 and older. The program is heard on radio stations mainly in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aarp.org/tv-radio/prime-time.html |title=Prime Time Radio |accessdate=2017-03-20 }}</ref>
====Spanish language====
''AARP en Español'' is the AARP's Spanish-language multimedia platform. Offerings include a [[Spanish language|Spanish-language]] website, a Spanish-language [[YouTube]] channel, and informational resources.
==AARP Awards==
* The ''Inspire Awards'' "honor 10 people over age 50 each year who continue to make a significant impact."<ref name=ol>{{cite web
|url=http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/11/roslyn_hill_queen_of_alberta_h.html
|title=Roslyn Hill, "Queen of Alberta," honored by AARP
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Glanville
|first=Kathleen
|date=2007-11-28
|publisher=[[OregonLive.com]]
}}</ref> Past recipients include: [[Maya Angelou]],<ref name=time>{{cite web
|url=http://time100.time.com/2013/11/22/maya-angelous-lifetime-of-influence/
|title=Maya Angelou's Lifetime of Influence
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Sachs
|first=Andrea
|date=2013-11-22
|publisher=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]
}}</ref><ref name=gi2011/> [[Caroline Kennedy]],<ref name=ck>{{cite web
|url=https://www.gettyimages.ae/event/inspire-awards-78150895#caroline-kennedy-attends-the-2008-aarp-magazine-inspire-awards-at-the-picture-id78223920
|title=Getty Images: 2008 AARP Inspire Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=
|first=
|date=2008
|publisher=[[Getty Images]]
}}</ref> [[Jane Goodall]],<ref name=wrcbtv>{{cite web
|url=http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/16070182/pat-summitt-recipient-of-aarp-inspire-award
|title=Pat Summitt recipient of AARP Inspire Award
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=
|first=
|date=2011-11-17
|publisher=[[WRCB]]
}}</ref> [[Steve Jobs]],<ref name=ads/><ref name=wrcbtv/> [[Daniel Inouye]],<ref name=ads/><ref name=wrcbtv/> [[Emilio Estefan]],<ref name=ads/><ref name=wrcbtv/> [[Toby Keith]],<ref name=wrcbtv/><ref name=ads>{{cite web
|url=http://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/magazine-honors-in-tucson-shooting/article_949a5ade-c5e3-5eb4-9300-f34bd1bace6f.html
|title=Magazine honors 3 in Tucson shooting
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=
|first=
|date=2011-11-18
|publisher=[[Arizona Daily Star]]
}}</ref> [[Joy Behar]],<ref name=gi2011/> [[Henry Winkler]],<ref name=gi2011/> [[Elizabeth Warren]],<ref name=gi2011/> and [[Tony Danza]].<ref name=gi2011>{{cite web
|url=https://www.gettyimages.com/event/magazines-2011-inspire-awards-107436319#pedro-jose-greer-jr-lisa-niemi-swayze-joy-behar-henry-winkler-sandy-picture-id107499467
|title=AARP Magazine’s 2011 Inspire Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=
|first=
|date=2011
|publisher=[[Getty Images]]
}}</ref>
* 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,"<ref name=vardenzel>{{cite web
|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/awards/aarps-movies-for-grownup-awards-2017-denzel-washington-1201977872
|title=Maturity Reigns at AARP's Movies for Grownups Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Berkshire
|first=Geoff
|date=2017-02-06
|publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]
}}</ref> as well as supports the overall goals of the AARP.<ref name=pbsmirren>{{cite web
|url=http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/blog/helen-mirren-receive-career-achievement-honor-aarp-magazines-17th-annual-movies-grownups-awards/
|title=Helen Mirren to Receive Career Achievement Honor at AARP The Magazine's 17th Annual Movies For Grownups® Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=
|first=
|date=2017-12-06
|publisher=[[PBS]]
}}</ref> Past recipients include: [[Denzel Washington]],<ref name=latfashion/> [[Annette Bening]]<ref name=latfashion/> [[Jeff Bridges]],<ref name=latfashion/> [[Viola Davis]],<ref name=latfashion/> [[Morgan Freeman]],<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://abc7.com/entertainment/hollywood-actors-head-out-to-aarp-movies-for-grownups-awards/1741805/
|title=Hollywood actors head out to AARP Movies for Grownups Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Powell
|first=Amy
|date=2017-02-07
|publisher=[[KABC-TV]]
}}</ref><ref name=latfashion>{{cite web
|url=http://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-movies-for-grownups-20170207-story.html
|title=Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Ruth Negga, Helen Mirren attend AARP's Movies for Grownups Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Olivier
|first=Ellen
|date=2017-02-07
|publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]]
}}</ref><ref name=vf>{{cite web
|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/01/loving-aarp-grownups-award
|title=Loving Was Literally 2016’s Best Movie for Grown-Ups|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Desta
|first=Yohana
|date=2017-01-04
|publisher=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]
}}</ref> [[Michael Douglas]],<ref name=nbcdfw/> and [[Lily Tomlin]].<ref name=nbcdfw>{{cite web
|url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/Michael-Douglas-Lily-Tomlin-Honored-by-AARP-Movies-for-Grownups-Awards-368182101.html
|title=Michael Douglas, Lily Tomlin Honored at AARP Movies for Grownups Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Lang
|first=Derrik
|date=2016-02-09
|publisher=[[KXAS-TV]]
}}</ref>
* ''The Sexiest Stars Awards'' <ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.co.th/books?id=Fj0DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA36&lpg=PA36&dq=TINA+Turner+sexy+award&source=bl&ots=Q-b3rUq4tq&sig=uSq6RDKtQyiXaTL_azT_z7PWSho&hl=th&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjI6IrnwqXaAhXEM48KHYTVD6c4ChDoATAEegQIAhAB#v=onepage&q=TINA%20Turner%20sexy%20award&f=true|title=the Sexiest Stars Over 50 Awards|work=by [[JET Magazine ]]|date=August 23, 1999|accessdate=April 5, 2018}}</ref>"honor 50 Sexiest People Over 50" The bimonthly magazine by the American Association of Retired Persons selected celebrities such as [[Pam Grier]], [[Tina Turner]], [[Quincy Jones]], [[Harry Belafonte]], [[Phylicia Rashad]], [[Kathleen Battle]], [[Lena Horne]], [[Sidney Poitier]].
==Health care==
AARP has been active in health care policy debates since the 1960s, and its recent engagement is a reflection of this long-standing involvement.<ref name=Rand2009>{{Cite news
|last=Rand
|first=A. Barry
|date=1 December 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=http://bulletin.aarp.org/opinions/wherewestand/articles/where_we_stand_why_aarp_endorsed_the_house_health_care_bill.html
|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5m7MowZYi?url=http://bulletin.aarp.org/opinions/wherewestand/articles/where_we_stand_why_aarp_endorsed_the_house_health_care_bill.html
|archivedate=18 December 2009
|accessdate=18 December 2009
|quote=AARP has been a strong advocate for health care reform for over 50 years ..."
|postscript=
|deadurl=no
|df=
}}</ref>
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 the Congress by resisting radical changes to [[Social Security (United States)|Social Security]] in 2005.<ref>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}}</ref><ref>Larry N. Gerston ''American Federalism'', p. 79, M. E. Sharpe, 2007 {{ISBN|978-0-7656-1672-2}}</ref> AARP also addressed health care issues in their campaign targeting the 2008 elections with Divided We Fail.
In an editorial in the ''Los Angeles Times'', critic Dale Van Atta wrote that AARP does unauthorized [[lobbying]] for its membership, and lobbies against the best interests of its membership. He says that by lobbying for the [[Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act]], AARP leaders betrayed the membership.<ref>{{cite news |first=Dale |last=Van Atta |url=http://www.commondreams.org/scriptfiles/views03/1124-07.htm |title=This Isn't the Old AARP |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=24 November 2003 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053040/http://www.commondreams.org/scriptfiles/views03/1124-07.htm |archivedate=4 March 2016 |df= }}</ref>
In early 2017, AARP strongly opposed the [[American Health Care Act of 2017]], believing that older Americans would be unfairly burdened with higher premiums and smaller tax credits.<ref>{{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=2017-03-10 |accessdate=2017-03-22 }}</ref>
===Health insurance===
Approximately seven million people have AARP-branded health insurance, including drug coverage and [[Medigap]], as of April 2007 {{update|date=November 2017}} <ref name="nytimes.com">{{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}}</ref> and the association earns more income from selling insurance to members than from membership dues.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-aarp4mar04,1,7317388.story |author=Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar |title=New Drug Program Is a Benefit for AARP |date=March 6, 2006 |publisher=Los Angeles Times }} <!--{{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}} --></ref> In 2008, AARP began offering new health insurance products: an [[HMO]] for [[Medicare (United States)|Medicare]] recipients, in partnership with [[UnitedHealth Group]]; and a [[Preferred provider organization|PPO]] and "a high-deductible insurance policy that could be used with a health savings account" to people aged 50–64, in partnership with [[Aetna]].
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.<ref>Benjamin Lipson ''JK Lasser's Choosing the Right Long-term Care Insurance'', p. 140, John Wiley & Sons, 2002 {{ISBN|978-0-471-27349-3}}</ref>
Senator [[Charles E. 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.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/us/19insure.html | work=The New York Times | first=Robert | last=Pear | title=AARP Orders Investigation Concerning Its Marketing | date=19 November 2008}}</ref>
AARP conducts a thriving business in marketing branded [[Medigap]] policies. As of October 2009, Medical care reform contained a proposal to trim an associated program [[Medicare Advantage]], which was expected to increase demand for Medigap policies.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/26/AR2009102603392.html |title=AARP:Reform advocate and insurance salesman |accessdate=2009-10-28 |author=Dan Eggen |authorlink= |author2= |date=2009-10-27 |publisher=Washington Post |pages=A1 |quote= }}</ref> However, as cited above, AARP also brands a Medicare Advantage plan (MedicareComplete), and would also be subject to cuts under health care reform.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/landing/medicare-advantage-plans.html?WTredirect=AARPMedicareComplete.com&WT.mc_ID=|title= Medicare advantage plans |publisher=aarpmedicareplans.com}}</ref> According to an [[Annenberg Public Policy Center]] report, critics have said AARP had a conflict of interest in supporting the Act, because it "derives income from the sale of health and life insurance policies", by licensing its brand to insurance dealers such as [[New York Life Insurance Company|New York Life]],<ref>[http://www.newyorklife.com/cda/0,3254,13730,00.html AARP Life Insurance Program] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729090242/http://www.newyorklife.com/cda/0%2C3254%2C13730%2C00.html |date=July 29, 2009 }}, retrieved October 31, 2006</ref> and would benefit financially from passage of the legislation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/issueads05/2003-2004/Org%20Bios/aarp.htm |title=Public Policy Center report on AARP |archivedate=2015-09-23 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923172339/http://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/issueads05/2003-2004/Org%2BBios/aarp.htm |publisher=[[Annenberg Public Policy Center]] |accessdate=2011-05-10 |deadurl=yes }}</ref>
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.<ref>
[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</ref>
===Single payer===
Single-payer advocates have criticized AARP for not supporting the single-payer or public option during the health care debate.<ref name="Alberti">[http://www.remappingdebate.org/article/should-universal-care-advocates-bite-their-tongues-single-payer Should universal care advocates bite their tongues on single-payer?] Remapping Debate, June 8, 2011, By Mike Alberti</ref> Single-payer advocates supported H.R. 676, proposed by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI). AARP released a statement explaining to its members why the organization was not supporting H.R. 676:
<blockquote>Starting over with a new, "single-payer" program will not eliminate the problems Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP currently face, such as the spiraling costs of procedures and prescription medications, as well as technological advances that are often not comprehensively tested to be proven safe or effective before marketing. H.R. 676 does not address the problem of increasing health-care costs. Rather, it allows costs to continue to grow, which will result in unaffordable coverage.</blockquote>
John Rother, AARP's former chief lobbyist, said the single-payer model would "disrupt the system that is currently in place" and "require a very significant tax increase." But Rother admitted that it would be possible to design a system that would avoid these problems. Since AARP's priorities now are to protect the current programs and implement the Affordable Care Act, Rother said that any effort to promote single payer would be undercutting health reform. Rother said. "To go to a single-payer you do have to trust government. The climate we're in right now is a very hostile climate for something like that."<ref name="Alberti"/>
Rother also thought that an educational effort on the benefits of single payer would undercut the ACA. AARP has not published any material relating to single-payer health insurance on its website, in its several hundred page policy book, or through its Public Policy Institute.<ref name="Alberti"/>
Approximately 60,000 AARP members quit AARP between July 1 and August 18, 2009, in a controversy that arose over AARP's support for [[Health care reform debate in the United States|U.S. health care reform]]. FOX News stated, "The Atlanta-based American Seniors Association, which is opposed to President Obama's health care plan, is trying to capitalize on growing public dissatisfaction with the AARP." AARP spokesman Drew Nannis responded that AARP loses about 300,000 members a month on average, and the controversial 60,000 of those that had left had specified leaving over the health care debate. Nannis also stated that the AARP gained 400,000 members and that 1.5 million members renewed their memberships within the same period of time.<ref name="foxnews20090818">{{cite news
| title = AARP, Losing Members Over Health Care, Faces Challenge From Grassroots Senior Advocacy Group
| publisher = [[Fox News]]
| date = August 18, 2009
| url = http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/18/aarp-losing-members-health-care-faces-challenge-grassroots-senior-advocacy/
| accessdate = September 22, 2009| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090913234853/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/18/aarp-losing-members-health-care-faces-challenge-grassroots-senior-advocacy/| archivedate= 13 September 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
The American Seniors Association is a for-profit organization operated by the American Seniors Association Holding Group, Inc (ASAHG, Inc).<ref>{{cite web|title=AMSA.PK Profile|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=AM§ion=16SA.PK|work=AMSA.PK Profile|publisher=Yahoo Finance|accessdate=7 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanseniors.org/|title=American Seniors Association|publisher=}}</ref>
==Social Security==
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."<ref>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 2013-5-28.</ref>
In June 2011, AARP dropped its longstanding opposition to cutting Social Security benefits. A news release<ref>{{cite web |author=from: Press Center - June 17, 2011 |url=http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-06-2011/aarp-has-not-changed-its-position-on-social-security.html |title=AARP Has Not Changed Its Position on Social Security |publisher=AARP.org |date=2011-06-17 |accessdate=2012-07-09}}</ref> emphasized "AARP has not changed its position on Social Security." In 2005 AARP led the effort to kill President George W. Bush's plan for partial privatization. AARP now has concluded that change is inevitable, and it wants to be at the table to try to minimize the pain. John Rother, AARP's policy chief and a prime mover for the new position, said "The ship was sailing. I wanted to be at the wheel when that happens." AARP declined to join a coalition of about 300 unions, women's groups, and liberal advocacy organizations created to fight Social Security benefit cuts. Rother said, "The coalition's role was to kind of anchor the left, and our role is going to be to actually get something done".<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304186404576389760955403414 Key Seniors Association Pivots on Benefit Cut] By LAURA MECKLER, Wall Street Journal, JUNE 17, 2011</ref>
==Criticism==
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 healthcare plans.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Vaadum|first1=Mathew|title=Big Trouble on the Horizon for AARP?|url=http://canadafreepress.com/article/big-trouble-on-the-horizon-for-aarp|accessdate=1 December 2017|publisher=Canada free press / Des moines register|date=11 November 2008}}</ref>
===Executive compensation, benefits, and travel===
Criticism has also been leveled at the salaries that AARP staff earn, and the use of first class and business class travel for short trips. According to AARP's 2014 [[Form 990|IRS annual return]], [[Chief Executive Officer]] Addison B. Rand received $1,698,289 of salary and benefits from AARP and its subsidiaries.<ref name= 990-2014>"[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.</ref>
Board members, officers, and key employees flew [[First class travel|first class]] on flights longer than five hours unless [[business class]] was available.<ref name= 990-2014/> The Chief Executive Officer flew first-class on flights longer than 90 minutes.<ref name= 990-2014/>
AARP reported that it had spent $8,694,890 on compensation of its officers, directors, and key employees during 2014.<ref name= 990-2014/>
[[Charity Watch]] rated the AARP Foundation overall at 81.07 out of 100 possible points for fiscal year 2014, but gave the organization a Financial score of 73.53 out of 100 for the same time period.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3205#.VsJHEq32bcs|title=Charity Navigator - Rating for AARP Foundation|publisher=}}</ref>
==See also==
{{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]]
}}
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==External links==
* [http://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/inspire_awards/ AARP Inspire Award Honorees]
* [http://www.aarp.org/entertainment/movies-for-grownups/annual-film-awards/ AARP Movies For Grownups Awards]
* [http://www.aarp.org/espanol/ AARP Spanish-language website]
* [https://www.youtube.com/user/aarpespanol AARP Spanish-language YouTube channel]
==Further reading==
* {{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}}
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[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Lobbying organizations in the United States]]
[[Category:Magazine publishing companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1958]]
[[Category:Political advocacy groups in the United States]]
[[Category:Retirement in the United States]]
[[Category:Seniors' organizations]]
[[Category:Organizations with general consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council]]
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
{{close paraphrasing|date=May 2018}}
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}}
{{Infobox organization
| image = American Association of Retired Persons (logo).png
| image_size = 150px
| alt = <!-- alt text; see [[WP:ALT]] -->
| caption =
| map =
| predecessor =
| founder = [[Ethel Percy Andrus]]
| formation = {{start date and age|1958}}
| extinction = <!-- date of extinction, optional -->
| type = [[501(c) organization#501(c)(4)|501(c)(4) nonprofit organization]]<ref name="WEINERAFS2016" />
| status =
| focus =
| headquarters = [[Washington, D.C.]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| location = Offices in all 50 U.S. States, the [[District of Columbia]], [[Puerto Rico]] and the [[U.S. Virgin Islands]]
| coords =
| language = <!-- official languages -->
| leader_title = CEO
| leader_name = [[Jo Ann Jenkins]]
| leader_title2 = Board Chair
| leader_name2 = Joan R. Ruff
| leader_title3 =
| leader_name3 =
| leader_name4 =
| leader_title4 =
| key_people =
| main_organ = <!-- gral. assembly, board of directors, etc -->
| parent_organization = <!-- if one -->
| subsidiaries = AARP Foundation<br />AARP Services Inc<br />Legal Counsel for the Elderly
| affiliations = <!-- if any -->
| remarks =
| name = AARP
| image_border =
| size = <!-- default 200px -->
| msize = <!-- map size, optional, default 250px -->
| malt = <!-- map alt text -->
| mcaption =
| map2 =
| abbreviation =
| region_served =
| members = 38,000,000<ref name="DayBook" />
| general = <!-- Secretary General -->
| num_staff = 2,250<ref name="WEINERAFS2016" />
| num_volunteers= 20,854<ref name="WEINERAFS2016" />
| website = {{URL|https://www.aarp.org/|aarp.org}}
| former name = American Association of Retired Persons
| tax_id = 95-1985500
| revenue = $1,604,218,960 (2016)<ref name="WEINERAFS2016" />
| revenue_year =
| expenses = $1,562,766,940 (2016)<ref name="WEINERAFS2016" />
| expenses_year =
| footnotes = <ref name= WEINERAFS2016>{{cite web |title= Consolidated Financial Statements Together with Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants |date= December 31, 2016 |work= AARP |url= https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/about_aarp/annual_reports/2017/form-990-2016-aarp.pdf |accessdate= May 29, 2018 }}</ref><ref name="DayBook">{{cite book|last1=Day|first1=Christine L.|title=AARP: America's Largest Interest Group and its Impact|date=2017|publisher=Praeger|isbn=9781440834103|page=61|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V543DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA61&lpg=PA61&dq=aarp+38+million+members&source=bl&ots=YBYj3emlt_&sig=Qu7IfRlivwTQxB5DHsW_1OmRmWY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi1rduhv6vbAhWjtlkKHZJmBrQ4RhDoAQhCMAU#v=onepage&q=aarp%2038%20million%20members&f=false|accessdate=29 May 2018}}</ref>
}}
'''AARP''' (formerly '''American Association of Retired Persons''') is a [[United States]]-based [[interest group]] whose stated mission is "empowering people to choose how they live as they age." According to the organization, as of 2018, it had more than 38 million members.
AARP was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus (a retired educator from [[California]]) and Leonard Davis (later the founder of the [[Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company|Colonial Penn Group]] of insurance companies).<ref>{{cite news|work=Los Angeles Times|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2001/jan/23/local/me-15772|date=January 23, 2001|title=Local: Obituary}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.usc.edu/6078/Obituary-AARP-founder-philanthropist-Leonard-Davis-76/|work=USC News|title=AARP Founder: Philanthropist Leonard Davis, 76}}</ref> The association advocates for social change and provides information, advocacy, and service to its members. It is an important [[lobbying]] group in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/8-1-15_Top50PI.pdf|title=The 2015 Power & Influence Top 50|last=|first=|date=2015-08-31|website=The NonProfit Times|publisher=The NonProfit Times|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/top-lobbyists/258317-top-lobbyists-2015-grassroots|title=Top Lobbyists 2015: Grassroots|last=Dickson|first=Rebecca|date=2015-10-28|access-date=2016-09-26}}</ref> It updates special money related information and a "fraudwatch" on its website, to warn people of scams. Its fraudwatch includes write ups by [[Frank Abagnale]], formerly of the [[FBI]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Articles about AARP|url=https://www.nytimes.com/topic/organization/aarp|accessdate=1 December 2017|publisher=New York Times}}</ref>
==History==
According to the group's official history, Dr. [[Ethel Percy Andrus]] founded AARP in 1958. AARP evolved from the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA), which Andrus had established in 1947 to promote her philosophy of productive [[aging]], and to promote health insurance for retired teachers. After ten years, she opened the organization to all Americans over 50, creating AARP.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ethel Andrus (1884 - 1967) |url=http://www.nwhm.org/education-resources/biography/biographies/ethel-andrus/ |publisher=National Women's History Museum |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123121325/http://www.nwhm.org/education-resources/biography/biographies/ethel-andrus/ |archivedate=2012-01-23 |df= }}</ref> Today, the NRTA is a division within AARP.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pointsoflight.org/press-releases/points-light-institute-honors-volunteer-leaders-going-extra-mile |title=Points of Light Institute Honors Volunteer Leaders for Going the Extra Mile |date=2010-04-15 |accessdate=2016-04-07 }}</ref>
Critics of AARP offer an alternative version of the group's origins. ''[[60 Minutes]]'' reported in a 1978 exposé that AARP had been established as a marketing device by Leonard Davis, founder of the [[Colonial Penn|Colonial Penn Group]] insurance companies, after he met Ethel Percy Andrus.<ref>{{cite book|last=Rooney|first=Andy| authorlink = Andy Rooney|title=Sincerely, Andy Rooney|year=1999|publisher=[[Public Affairs Quarterly|Public Affairs]]|location=New York|isbn=1891620347|edition=1st }}</ref> According to critics, until the 1980s AARP was controlled by Davis, who promoted its image as a non-profit advocate of retirees in order to sell insurance to members.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/20/books/demographics-and-destiny.html?pagewanted=print |title=Demographics and Destiny |work=[[The New York Times]] | first=Paul | last=Krugman | authorlink = Paul Krugman | date=20 October 1996}}</ref> Possibly as a result of this report, AARP conducted a competitive bidding process, and, in 1980, shifted the insurance contracts available to members to [[Prudential Financial]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Rooney |first1=Andy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=COUTFYf429kC |title=Sincerely, Andy Rooney |publisher=PublicAffairs |year=2009 |isbn=978-0786731350 |accessdate=2016-01-05 }}</ref>
In the 1990s, the [[United States Senate]] investigated AARP's [[Charitable organization#United States|non-profit status]], with Republican Senator [[Alan K. Simpson]], then chairman of the [[United States Senate Finance Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy]], questioning the organization's tax-exempt status in [[congressional hearing]]s. According to [[Charles Blahous]], the investigations did not reveal sufficient evidence to change the organization's status,<ref>{{cite book|author=Blahaus, Charles P.|title=Reforming Social Security for Ourselves and Our Posterity|pages= 84–5|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|date= 2000 |isbn=978-0-275-97044-4}}</ref> though in an interview years later by the ''[[Des Moines Register]]'', Senator Simpson remained "troubled by AARP's practices", calling AARP "the biggest marketing operation in America and money-maker" and an organization whose practices are "the greatest abuse of American generosity I witnessed in my time in the U.S. Senate".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110411/OPINION03/104110302/1024/pbcs.dll/Congress-right-challenge-AARP |archive-url=https://archive.is/20130121162838/http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110411/OPINION03/104110302/1024/pbcs.dll/Congress-right-challenge-AARP |dead-url=yes |archive-date=January 21, 2013 |title=Congress right to investigate AARP |work=Editorial |publisher=Des Moines Register |date=April 11, 2011 |accessdate=2011-05-10 |quote=In the mid-1990s, Congress launched an investigation, asking questions about its tax status and business ventures. That was led by former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming. When ''The Register'' interviewed him several years later, he was still troubled by AARP's practices. Simpson stated the organization was "the biggest marketing operation in America and money-maker". He said that what the organization does "is the greatest abuse of American generosity I witnessed in my time in the U.S. Senate". }}</ref>
The organization was originally named the ''American Association of Retired Persons'', but in 1999 it officially changed its name to "AARP" (pronounced one letter at a time, "ay ay ar pee") to reflect that its focus was no longer American retirees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/info-2009/History.html |title=AARP History |website=AARP |date=2009 |accessdate=17 September 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905055404/http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/info-2009/History.html |archivedate=5 September 2015 |df= }}</ref> AARP no longer requires that members be retired, but they must be at least age 50 (although a membership includes free membership for a spouse or partner who may not yet be 50).
All people age 50 and older are eligible for full membership with AARP. For those under the age of 50, AARP offers associate memberships that automatically convert to full membership at the age of 50th birthday.<ref>{{cite news |last=Loomis |first=Carol J. |url=http://archive.fortune.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2006/05/15/8376858/index.htm |title=The AARP is getting younger all the time |work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |date=2006-05-11 |accessdate=2017-08-12 }}</ref>
==Activities==
[[File:Tom Perez at AARP Meeting in 2015.jpg|thumb|left|300px|alt=Former United States Secretary of Labor Perez at AARP's Life@50+ event in 2015. |Former [[United States Secretary of Labor]] Perez at AARP's Life@50+ event in 2015.]]
===Overview===
AARP addresses issues affecting older Americans through [[lobbying]] efforts at the state and national governmental level, an activity permitted by its [[501(c)(4)]] status. The organization says that it is non-partisan and does not support, oppose or give money to any candidates or political parties. The total revenue for 2006 was approximately $1 billion and it spent $23 million on lobbying.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/23/AR2007042301760.html | work=The Washington Post | first=Jeffrey H. | last=Birnbaum | title=On Issues From Medicare to Medication, AARP's Money Will Be There | date=24 April 2007}}</ref> Middle-class security has been a major focus for the organization in recent years.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-12-2012/AARP-Retirement-Security-in-Doubt-for-Middle-Class.html |title=AARP: Retirement Security in Doubt for Middle Class |accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref> AARP also provides extensive consumer information, volunteer opportunities, and events including the annual National Event & Expo (2013 in Las Vegas from May 30–June 1 and in Atlanta from October 3–5).
[[File:AARP volunteers Miami 2015.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=AARP volunteers packing food for older Americans in need at packing event in Miami.|AARP volunteers packing food for older Americans in need at packing event in [[Miami]].]]
AARP launched Life Reimagined in May 2013, calling it a "first-of-its-kind series of online and offline experiences that guide people through life transitions by helping them discover new possibilities and connect with a community of people pursuing similar passions and goals".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-05-2013/AARP-Launches-Life-Reimagined-to-Offer-Ways-for-Discovering-New-Possibilities-and-Navigating-Whats-Next.html |title=AARP Launches Life Reimagined to Offer Ways for Discovering New Possibilities and Navigating "What's Next" |accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref> ''USA Today'' called the iniative "the latest step for the AARP ... as it continues to rebrand itself and become the go-to address for feeling good about aging.<ref>Jayson, Sharon. [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/05/28/aarp-boomers-jobs-coaching/2358551/ "AARP to coach aging Boomers 'reimagining' their lives"] USA Today, 28 May 2013. Retrieved on 2013-05-28.</ref>
==Affiliates==
AARP has several affiliated organizations including:
* '''AARP Foundation''', a [[501c3]] non-profit charity that helps people over age 50 who are at social and economic risk;It includes
** '''AARP Experience Corps''', a [[501c3]] 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,
* '''Legal Counsel for the Elderly''', a [[501c3]] non-profit charity that provides legal assistance to seniors in Washington, D.C.<ref name="2013Form990">{{cite web |title= Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Tax |date= December 31, 2013 |work= AARP |publisher= [[Guidestar]] |accessdate= August 19, 2015 |url= http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2013/951/985/2013-951985500-0ab30798-9O.pdf }}</ref><ref>{{citation |first= Robert W. |last= Kolb |title= Encyclopedia of Business Ethics and Society |volume= 1 |page= 1 |publisher= Sage |date= 2008 |isbn= 978-1-4129-1652-3 }}</ref>
* '''AARP Financial Services Corporation''', a for-profit corporation that holds AARP's real estate;
* '''AARP Insurance Plan''', an organization that holds some of AARP's group health insurance policies;
Because of AARP's vast membership, it is able to generate its own income without being dependent on government grants or private donors, though it receives both of these for specific programs. According to its 2015 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 ($838,649,000);
* membership dues ($295,180,000); and
* advertisements placed in its publications ($149,604,000).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/about_aarp/annual_reports/2016/2015-Consolidated-Financial-Statements-AARP.pdf|title=AARP Consolidated Financial Statements Together with Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants|last=|first=|date=2015-12-31|website=AARP|publisher=AARP.org|access-date=2016-09-25}}</ref>
===AARP Services, Inc. and AARP Financial Incorporated===
AARP Services, Inc., founded in 1999, is a wholly owned taxable subsidiary of AARP that manages the range of products and services offered as benefits to members. Its offers include Medicare supplemental insurance; member discounts on rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and lodging; special offers on technology and gifts; pharmacy services; legal services; and long-term care insurance. AARP Services founded AARP Financial Incorporated, a subsidiary that manages AARP-endorsed financial products including AARP Funds. In a filing with the [[Securities and Exchange Commission]] in June 2010, AARP Financial announced the discontinuation of AARP Funds<ref>AARP news release.{{cite web |url=http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-07-2010/aarp_financial_announcesdiscontinuationofaarpfunds.html |title=AARP Financial Announces Discontinuation of AARP Funds |publisher=Aarp.org |accessdate= }}</ref> AARP Services develops new products, manages and markets products and services, and creates and maintains partnership and sponsorship relationships.
===AARP Foundation===
AARP Foundation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation |title=AARP Foundation |publisher=AARP |date=2011-03-31 |accessdate=2011-05-10| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110609015203/http://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation| archivedate= 9 June 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> is AARP's affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security, protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Low-income older workers receive the job training and placement they need to re-join the workforce. Free tax preparation is provided for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older. The Foundation's litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, consumer and employment situations. Additional programs provide information, education, and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity, and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP.
The AARP Foundation's website claims the nonprofit "wants to win back opportunity for those now in crisis, so thousands of vulnerable low-income Americans 50+ can regain their foothold, continue to serve as anchors for their families and communities and ensure that their best life is still within reach." Key areas of focus are hunger, income, housing, and isolation. The Foundation's vision is "a country that is free of poverty where no older person feels vulnerable."
One of the goals of the AARP Foundation is its Drive to End Hunger. In 2011, AARP and AARP Foundation formed a relationship with [[NASCAR]] driver [[Jeff Gordon]] and [[Hendrick Motorsports]] to increase awareness of hunger in America with the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger race car and related food drives.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drivetoendhunger.org|title=Drive to End Hunger website|date=2011-09-16|publisher=Drivetoendhunger.org|accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref> Through the Drive to End Hunger program, AARP also sponsored Hendrick driver [[Kasey Kahne]], beginning in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/articles/65150/kahnes-no-5-drive-to-end-hunger-chevrolet-ss-revealed|title=Kahne's No. 5 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet SS revealed|last=Caldwell|first=Gray|date=April 20, 2016|publisher=[[Hendrick Motorsports]] |access-date= April 20, 2016}}</ref>
===AARP Driver Safety===
In 1979, AARP introduced the nation's first {{citation needed|date=November 2017}} driver safety course geared towards older adults. AARP Driver Safety,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aarp.org/drive |title=AARP.org |publisher=AARP.org |date=2012-06-01 |accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{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=2010-01-01 |accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aarpdriversafety.org/faq.html?intcmp=DSP-HDR-NAV-FAQ |title=Frequently Asked Questions |accessdate=2017-03-22 }}</ref> Over half million drivers completed the course in 2012 and over 15 million people completed the courses since 1979.<ref>{{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 |accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Staff |first=Writer |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=2016-04-16 |accessdate=2017-03-22 }}</ref>
===AARP publications and broadcasts===
====English language====
''AARP The Magazine'' with their approximately 37 million readers and the ''AARP Bulletin'' with 29.7 million, are the two largest-circulation publications in the United States.<ref>{{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=2017-01-09 |accessdate=2017-03-28 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.psaresearch.com/images/TOPMAGAZINES.pdf |format=PDF |title=Top 100 U.S. Magazines by Circulation |publisher=Public Service Advertising Research Center, |accessdate=2017-03-28 }}</ref>
* The organization publishes ''[[AARP The Magazine]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aarpmagazine.org|title=AARP The Magazine|work=AARP The Magazine |date=June 13, 2012|accessdate=June 17, 2012}}</ref> (known until 2002 as ''Modern Maturity''), a lifestyle magazine for people 50+. Established in 1958,<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 100 U.S. Magazines by Circulation|url=http://www.psaresearch.com/images/TOPMAGAZINES.pdf|work=PSA Research Center|accessdate=February 6, 2016}}</ref> the magazine is distributed [[bi-monthly]] to AARP members.
* ''AARP Bulletin'', subtitled "The Newspaper for 50-Plus America", is published monthly, 10 times per year, and requires membership and an additional subscription fee.<ref>{{Cite news|date=July–August 2009|title=(publication information found in each print issue)|periodical=AARP Bulletin|publication-place=Washington, DC|publisher=AARP|issn=1044-1123|oclc=19685775}}</ref>
* ''The Journal'', released by AARP's International Office, is a policy publication on health and financial security issues facing a global population.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://journal.aarpinternational.org/home|title=The Journal|work=AARP International|accessdate=December 18, 2013}}</ref>
[[File:AARP Pride Booth Boston 2017.png|thumb|right|300px|alt=The AARP Booth at the 2017 Boston Pride Festival.|The AARP Booth at the 2017 Boston [[Gay pride|Pride Festival]].]]
The organization also produces radio and television programs and has a book division.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}
* ''Inside E Street,'' hosted by broadcast journalist Lark McCarthy, takes a "nonpartisan, civil look into issues critical to Americans"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aarp.org/tv-radio/inside-e-street/|title=Inside E Street - Non-Partisan TV Program, Civil Issues Critical to 50+ Americans|publisher=AARP|accessdate=May 28, 2013}}</ref>
* ''Movies for Grownups'', is a weekly two-minute program hosted and produced by Bill Newcott, creator of AARP's Movies for Grownups franchise, heard on stations nationwide and online at the radioprimetime website.
* ''Prime Time Focus'', hosted by Alyne Ellis, is a 90-second daily feature with a five-minute weekend edition heard on more than 500 stations.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}
* ''Prime Time Radio'', hosted by broadcaster Mike Cuthbert, is a one-hour weekly interview program that focuses on the interests and concerns of Americans aged 50 and older. The program is heard on radio stations mainly in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aarp.org/tv-radio/prime-time.html |title=Prime Time Radio |accessdate=2017-03-20 }}</ref>
====Spanish language====
''AARP en Español'' is the AARP's Spanish-language multimedia platform. Offerings include a [[Spanish language|Spanish-language]] website, a Spanish-language [[YouTube]] channel, and informational resources.
==AARP Awards==
* The ''Inspire Awards'' "honor 10 people over age 50 each year who continue to make a significant impact."<ref name=ol>{{cite web
|url=http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/11/roslyn_hill_queen_of_alberta_h.html
|title=Roslyn Hill, "Queen of Alberta," honored by AARP
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Glanville
|first=Kathleen
|date=2007-11-28
|publisher=[[OregonLive.com]]
}}</ref> Past recipients include: [[Maya Angelou]],<ref name=time>{{cite web
|url=http://time100.time.com/2013/11/22/maya-angelous-lifetime-of-influence/
|title=Maya Angelou's Lifetime of Influence
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Sachs
|first=Andrea
|date=2013-11-22
|publisher=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]
}}</ref><ref name=gi2011/> [[Caroline Kennedy]],<ref name=ck>{{cite web
|url=https://www.gettyimages.ae/event/inspire-awards-78150895#caroline-kennedy-attends-the-2008-aarp-magazine-inspire-awards-at-the-picture-id78223920
|title=Getty Images: 2008 AARP Inspire Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=
|first=
|date=2008
|publisher=[[Getty Images]]
}}</ref> [[Jane Goodall]],<ref name=wrcbtv>{{cite web
|url=http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/16070182/pat-summitt-recipient-of-aarp-inspire-award
|title=Pat Summitt recipient of AARP Inspire Award
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=
|first=
|date=2011-11-17
|publisher=[[WRCB]]
}}</ref> [[Steve Jobs]],<ref name=ads/><ref name=wrcbtv/> [[Daniel Inouye]],<ref name=ads/><ref name=wrcbtv/> [[Emilio Estefan]],<ref name=ads/><ref name=wrcbtv/> [[Toby Keith]],<ref name=wrcbtv/><ref name=ads>{{cite web
|url=http://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/magazine-honors-in-tucson-shooting/article_949a5ade-c5e3-5eb4-9300-f34bd1bace6f.html
|title=Magazine honors 3 in Tucson shooting
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=
|first=
|date=2011-11-18
|publisher=[[Arizona Daily Star]]
}}</ref> [[Joy Behar]],<ref name=gi2011/> [[Henry Winkler]],<ref name=gi2011/> [[Elizabeth Warren]],<ref name=gi2011/> and [[Tony Danza]].<ref name=gi2011>{{cite web
|url=https://www.gettyimages.com/event/magazines-2011-inspire-awards-107436319#pedro-jose-greer-jr-lisa-niemi-swayze-joy-behar-henry-winkler-sandy-picture-id107499467
|title=AARP Magazine’s 2011 Inspire Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=
|first=
|date=2011
|publisher=[[Getty Images]]
}}</ref>
* 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,"<ref name=vardenzel>{{cite web
|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/awards/aarps-movies-for-grownup-awards-2017-denzel-washington-1201977872
|title=Maturity Reigns at AARP's Movies for Grownups Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Berkshire
|first=Geoff
|date=2017-02-06
|publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]
}}</ref> as well as supports the overall goals of the AARP.<ref name=pbsmirren>{{cite web
|url=http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/blog/helen-mirren-receive-career-achievement-honor-aarp-magazines-17th-annual-movies-grownups-awards/
|title=Helen Mirren to Receive Career Achievement Honor at AARP The Magazine's 17th Annual Movies For Grownups® Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=
|first=
|date=2017-12-06
|publisher=[[PBS]]
}}</ref> Past recipients include: [[Denzel Washington]],<ref name=latfashion/> [[Annette Bening]]<ref name=latfashion/> [[Jeff Bridges]],<ref name=latfashion/> [[Viola Davis]],<ref name=latfashion/> [[Morgan Freeman]],<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://abc7.com/entertainment/hollywood-actors-head-out-to-aarp-movies-for-grownups-awards/1741805/
|title=Hollywood actors head out to AARP Movies for Grownups Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Powell
|first=Amy
|date=2017-02-07
|publisher=[[KABC-TV]]
}}</ref><ref name=latfashion>{{cite web
|url=http://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-movies-for-grownups-20170207-story.html
|title=Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Ruth Negga, Helen Mirren attend AARP's Movies for Grownups Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Olivier
|first=Ellen
|date=2017-02-07
|publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]]
}}</ref><ref name=vf>{{cite web
|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/01/loving-aarp-grownups-award
|title=Loving Was Literally 2016’s Best Movie for Grown-Ups|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Desta
|first=Yohana
|date=2017-01-04
|publisher=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]
}}</ref> [[Michael Douglas]],<ref name=nbcdfw/> and [[Lily Tomlin]].<ref name=nbcdfw>{{cite web
|url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/Michael-Douglas-Lily-Tomlin-Honored-by-AARP-Movies-for-Grownups-Awards-368182101.html
|title=Michael Douglas, Lily Tomlin Honored at AARP Movies for Grownups Awards
|accessdate=2018-01-30
|last=Lang
|first=Derrik
|date=2016-02-09
|publisher=[[KXAS-TV]]
}}</ref>
* ''The Sexiest Stars Awards'' <ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.co.th/books?id=Fj0DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA36&lpg=PA36&dq=TINA+Turner+sexy+award&source=bl&ots=Q-b3rUq4tq&sig=uSq6RDKtQyiXaTL_azT_z7PWSho&hl=th&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjI6IrnwqXaAhXEM48KHYTVD6c4ChDoATAEegQIAhAB#v=onepage&q=TINA%20Turner%20sexy%20award&f=true|title=the Sexiest Stars Over 50 Awards|work=by [[JET Magazine ]]|date=August 23, 1999|accessdate=April 5, 2018}}</ref>"honor 50 Sexiest People Over 50" The bimonthly magazine by the American Association of Retired Persons selected celebrities such as [[Pam Grier]], [[Tina Turner]], [[Quincy Jones]], [[Harry Belafonte]], [[Phylicia Rashad]], [[Kathleen Battle]], [[Lena Horne]], [[Sidney Poitier]].
==Health care==
AARP has been active in health care policy debates since the 1960s, and its recent engagement is a reflection of this long-standing involvement.<ref name=Rand2009>{{Cite news
|last=Rand
|first=A. Barry
|date=1 December 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=http://bulletin.aarp.org/opinions/wherewestand/articles/where_we_stand_why_aarp_endorsed_the_house_health_care_bill.html
|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5m7MowZYi?url=http://bulletin.aarp.org/opinions/wherewestand/articles/where_we_stand_why_aarp_endorsed_the_house_health_care_bill.html
|archivedate=18 December 2009
|accessdate=18 December 2009
|quote=AARP has been a strong advocate for health care reform for over 50 years ..."
|postscript=
|deadurl=no
|df=
}}</ref>
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 the Congress by resisting radical changes to [[Social Security (United States)|Social Security]] in 2005.<ref>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}}</ref><ref>Larry N. Gerston ''American Federalism'', p. 79, M. E. Sharpe, 2007 {{ISBN|978-0-7656-1672-2}}</ref> AARP also addressed health care issues in their campaign targeting the 2008 elections with Divided We Fail.
In an editorial in the ''Los Angeles Times'', critic Dale Van Atta wrote that AARP does unauthorized [[lobbying]] for its membership, and lobbies against the best interests of its membership. He says that by lobbying for the [[Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act]], AARP leaders betrayed the membership.<ref>{{cite news |first=Dale |last=Van Atta |url=http://www.commondreams.org/scriptfiles/views03/1124-07.htm |title=This Isn't the Old AARP |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=24 November 2003 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053040/http://www.commondreams.org/scriptfiles/views03/1124-07.htm |archivedate=4 March 2016 |df= }}</ref>
In early 2017, AARP strongly opposed the [[American Health Care Act of 2017]], believing that older Americans would be unfairly burdened with higher premiums and smaller tax credits.<ref>{{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=2017-03-10 |accessdate=2017-03-22 }}</ref>
===Health insurance===
Approximately seven million people have AARP-branded health insurance, including drug coverage and [[Medigap]], as of April 2007 {{update|date=November 2017}} <ref name="nytimes.com">{{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}}</ref> and the association earns more income from selling insurance to members than from membership dues.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-aarp4mar04,1,7317388.story |author=Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar |title=New Drug Program Is a Benefit for AARP |date=March 6, 2006 |publisher=Los Angeles Times }} <!--{{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}} --></ref> In 2008, AARP began offering new health insurance products: an [[HMO]] for [[Medicare (United States)|Medicare]] recipients, in partnership with [[UnitedHealth Group]]; and a [[Preferred provider organization|PPO]] and "a high-deductible insurance policy that could be used with a health savings account" to people aged 50–64, in partnership with [[Aetna]].
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.<ref>Benjamin Lipson ''JK Lasser's Choosing the Right Long-term Care Insurance'', p. 140, John Wiley & Sons, 2002 {{ISBN|978-0-471-27349-3}}</ref>
Senator [[Charles E. 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.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/us/19insure.html | work=The New York Times | first=Robert | last=Pear | title=AARP Orders Investigation Concerning Its Marketing | date=19 November 2008}}</ref>
AARP conducts a thriving business in marketing branded [[Medigap]] policies. As of October 2009, Medical care reform contained a proposal to trim an associated program [[Medicare Advantage]], which was expected to increase demand for Medigap policies.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/26/AR2009102603392.html |title=AARP:Reform advocate and insurance salesman |accessdate=2009-10-28 |author=Dan Eggen |authorlink= |author2= |date=2009-10-27 |publisher=Washington Post |pages=A1 |quote= }}</ref> However, as cited above, AARP also brands a Medicare Advantage plan (MedicareComplete), and would also be subject to cuts under health care reform.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/landing/medicare-advantage-plans.html?WTredirect=AARPMedicareComplete.com&WT.mc_ID=|title= Medicare advantage plans |publisher=aarpmedicareplans.com}}</ref> According to an [[Annenberg Public Policy Center]] report, critics have said AARP had a conflict of interest in supporting the Act, because it "derives income from the sale of health and life insurance policies", by licensing its brand to insurance dealers such as [[New York Life Insurance Company|New York Life]],<ref>[http://www.newyorklife.com/cda/0,3254,13730,00.html AARP Life Insurance Program] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729090242/http://www.newyorklife.com/cda/0%2C3254%2C13730%2C00.html |date=July 29, 2009 }}, retrieved October 31, 2006</ref> and would benefit financially from passage of the legislation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/issueads05/2003-2004/Org%20Bios/aarp.htm |title=Public Policy Center report on AARP |archivedate=2015-09-23 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923172339/http://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/issueads05/2003-2004/Org%2BBios/aarp.htm |publisher=[[Annenberg Public Policy Center]] |accessdate=2011-05-10 |deadurl=yes }}</ref>
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.<ref>
[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</ref>
===Single payer===
Single-payer advocates have criticized AARP for not supporting the single-payer or public option during the health care debate.<ref name="Alberti">[http://www.remappingdebate.org/article/should-universal-care-advocates-bite-their-tongues-single-payer Should universal care advocates bite their tongues on single-payer?] Remapping Debate, June 8, 2011, By Mike Alberti</ref> Single-payer advocates supported H.R. 676, proposed by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI). AARP released a statement explaining to its members why the organization was not supporting H.R. 676:
<blockquote>Starting over with a new, "single-payer" program will not eliminate the problems Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP currently face, such as the spiraling costs of procedures and prescription medications, as well as technological advances that are often not comprehensively tested to be proven safe or effective before marketing. H.R. 676 does not address the problem of increasing health-care costs. Rather, it allows costs to continue to grow, which will result in unaffordable coverage.</blockquote>
John Rother, AARP's former chief lobbyist, said the single-payer model would "disrupt the system that is currently in place" and "require a very significant tax increase." But Rother admitted that it would be possible to design a system that would avoid these problems. Since AARP's priorities now are to protect the current programs and implement the Affordable Care Act, Rother said that any effort to promote single payer would be undercutting health reform. Rother said. "To go to a single-payer you do have to trust government. The climate we're in right now is a very hostile climate for something like that."<ref name="Alberti"/>
Rother also thought that an educational effort on the benefits of single payer would undercut the ACA. AARP has not published any material relating to single-payer health insurance on its website, in its several hundred page policy book, or through its Public Policy Institute.<ref name="Alberti"/>
Approximately 60,000 AARP members quit AARP between July 1 and August 18, 2009, in a controversy that arose over AARP's support for [[Health care reform debate in the United States|U.S. health care reform]]. FOX News stated, "The Atlanta-based American Seniors Association, which is opposed to President Obama's health care plan, is trying to capitalize on growing public dissatisfaction with the AARP." AARP spokesman Drew Nannis responded that AARP loses about 300,000 members a month on average, and the controversial 60,000 of those that had left had specified leaving over the health care debate. Nannis also stated that the AARP gained 400,000 members and that 1.5 million members renewed their memberships within the same period of time.<ref name="foxnews20090818">{{cite news
| title = AARP, Losing Members Over Health Care, Faces Challenge From Grassroots Senior Advocacy Group
| publisher = [[Fox News]]
| date = August 18, 2009
| url = http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/18/aarp-losing-members-health-care-faces-challenge-grassroots-senior-advocacy/
| accessdate = September 22, 2009| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090913234853/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/18/aarp-losing-members-health-care-faces-challenge-grassroots-senior-advocacy/| archivedate= 13 September 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
The American Seniors Association is a for-profit organization operated by the American Seniors Association Holding Group, Inc (ASAHG, Inc).<ref>{{cite web|title=AMSA.PK Profile|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=AM§ion=16SA.PK|work=AMSA.PK Profile|publisher=Yahoo Finance|accessdate=7 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanseniors.org/|title=American Seniors Association|publisher=}}</ref>
==Social Security==
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."<ref>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 2013-5-28.</ref>
In June 2011, AARP dropped its longstanding opposition to cutting Social Security benefits. A news release<ref>{{cite web |author=from: Press Center - June 17, 2011 |url=http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-06-2011/aarp-has-not-changed-its-position-on-social-security.html |title=AARP Has Not Changed Its Position on Social Security |publisher=AARP.org |date=2011-06-17 |accessdate=2012-07-09}}</ref> emphasized "AARP has not changed its position on Social Security." In 2005 AARP led the effort to kill President George W. Bush's plan for partial privatization. AARP now has concluded that change is inevitable, and it wants to be at the table to try to minimize the pain. John Rother, AARP's policy chief and a prime mover for the new position, said "The ship was sailing. I wanted to be at the wheel when that happens." AARP declined to join a coalition of about 300 unions, women's groups, and liberal advocacy organizations created to fight Social Security benefit cuts. Rother said, "The coalition's role was to kind of anchor the left, and our role is going to be to actually get something done".<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304186404576389760955403414 Key Seniors Association Pivots on Benefit Cut] By LAURA MECKLER, Wall Street Journal, JUNE 17, 2011</ref>
==Criticism==
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 healthcare plans.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Vaadum|first1=Mathew|title=Big Trouble on the Horizon for AARP?|url=http://canadafreepress.com/article/big-trouble-on-the-horizon-for-aarp|accessdate=1 December 2017|publisher=Canada free press / Des moines register|date=11 November 2008}}</ref>
===Executive compensation, benefits, and travel===
Criticism has also been leveled at the salaries that AARP staff earn, and the use of first class and business class travel for short trips. According to AARP's 2014 [[Form 990|IRS annual return]], [[Chief Executive Officer]] Addison B. Rand received $1,698,289 of salary and benefits from AARP and its subsidiaries.<ref name= 990-2014>"[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.</ref>
Board members, officers, and key employees flew [[First class travel|first class]] on flights longer than five hours unless [[business class]] was available.<ref name= 990-2014/> The Chief Executive Officer flew first-class on flights longer than 90 minutes.<ref name= 990-2014/>
AARP reported that it had spent $8,694,890 on compensation of its officers, directors, and key employees during 2014.<ref name= 990-2014/>
[[Charity Watch]] rated the AARP Foundation overall at 81.07 out of 100 possible points for fiscal year 2014, but gave the organization a Financial score of 73.53 out of 100 for the same time period.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3205#.VsJHEq32bcs|title=Charity Navigator - Rating for AARP Foundation|publisher=}}</ref>
==See also==
{{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]]
}}
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==External links==
* [http://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/inspire_awards/ AARP Inspire Award Honorees]
* [http://www.aarp.org/entertainment/movies-for-grownups/annual-film-awards/ AARP Movies For Grownups Awards]
* [http://www.aarp.org/espanol/ AARP Spanish-language website]
* [https://www.youtube.com/user/aarpespanol AARP Spanish-language YouTube channel]
==Further reading==
* {{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}}
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[[Category:Retirement in the United States]]
[[Category:Seniors' organizations]]
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