AARP began as an advocacy group for older Americans concerned about Social Security, Medicare, and family caregiving. Today it represents 110 million Americans in the 50+ demographic who are living longer and retiring later.

Washington

AARP has evolved from its beginnings as an advocacy group focusing on Social Security, Medicare, and family caregiving, to representing a vast number of older Americans. With a current membership of 110 million people aged 50 and over, AARP plays a crucial role in meeting the changing needs of an aging demographic. They advocate for issues such as Medicare, social security, and family caregiving, while engaging celebrities and having a strong readership, with nearly 40 million readers for its magazine, making it the largest print publication in America.

Founded in 1958 by educator Ethel Percy Andrus, AARP has transformed from the American Association of Retired Persons to simply AARP in 1999, reflecting a broader audience rather than just retirees. It remains a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, although it has faced criticism from both political sides over its lobbying efforts. Despite this, AARP continues to focus on initiatives that empower older adults and provide them with choices on how they age.

AARP's inclusive approach is significant as people live healthier, longer lives while staying active in the workforce. Dr. Myesha Minter-Jordy, the organization's CEO, highlights that the concerns of AARP members revolve around the stability of Medicare, social security, and the financial challenges of family caregiving. As new generations enter their 50s, AARP welcomes them into its embrace, offering resources and advocacy to support their needs.



AARP and the business of an aging audience

Oh my God, there is such good energy in this room. Drew Barrymore is beloved for her youthful energy. She also just turned 50, and we recently dropped by her talk show set because she landed on the cover of AARP, the magazine. Everyone keeps telling me that this magical age of 50 is when you really start to let go of things. And I would love that to be true. AARP, today we empower people to choose how they live as they age. Aging is a tricky business, but it is the business of AARP. The nonprofit magazine's readership is staggering, nearly 40 million people. The average issue's audience, the largest for any print publication in America. In the magazine, what we're trying to say is we get you, we're gonna talk about things that matter to you because you matter. At 86, Myrna Blythe is editorial director. And we know health works, money works, lifestyle works. Advertisers and celebrities recognize the power of older Americans. How did you get Bob Dylan to be on the cover? He called us and asked us. He called you? Yes. Dylan doesn't call anybody. He called the editor. We're all growing old at the same rate. And you know, it's rather comforting to know that time just can't be managed. In 1958, educator Ethel Persiandris founded AARP after growing alarmed about the struggles facing older people. Is there still a sense of alarm about the state of affairs for older Americans? Definitely. As a nonprofit organization. Dr. Myesha Minter-Jordy is now the CEO. We represent 110 million Americans who are in the 50 plus demographic. People are living longer. They're staying in the workforce longer. And so the needs are changing, but the needs are still urgent. In 1999, they stopped being the American Association of Retired Persons and became just AARP. While it is nonpartisan, it's not immune from controversy. Over the years, it has been criticized from left and right for its lobbying efforts. What are your members worried about? Our members are most worried about Medicare, social security, and family caregiving. They don't think those things will be there for them? They're very concerned. This is something that people are earning their entire life they're paying into for social security. And they're very concerned about their access to that. And additionally, family caregiving. We're hearing more and more from people who are in the sandwich generation, taking care of younger children, taking care of their aging parents, and the financial hardships that that can bring. As for the future, it's about welcoming new generations. We're growing up. And now we get to be on AARP? And Drew Barrymore is excited about everything to come. When you look down the horizon at your own life, how do you think about age and even possibly retirement? I had never thought about the concept of retirement because I started working at 11 months old and I'm still working. I've never known what life is like without that. So it seems like an exciting prospect, but things are so good right now that I don't want to be unappreciating of everything that's happening in my life right now. So it's not soon, but it's something that like I get excited about dancing with in some ballroom one night. Like this new stranger will walk in and sweep me off my feet and his name will be retirement. Ha ha ha.

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