Millions of Americans are moving into the age bracket surrounding retirement. Their needs in life and the workforce are changing. They have substantially different health care costs and transportation requirements from the rest of the population. As a result, these individuals have an incentive to work together in order to achieve certain benefits. That power in solidarity is why many individuals across the country have banded together to form organizations such as the American Association for Retired Persons, or AARP.

AARP works to make the lives of seniors, retired individuals, and those approaching such age brackets easier and more comfortable. It provides a number of services and discounts designed to help save people money. The AARP has systems and procedures that ensure seniors are treated fairly in the workplace and in the marketplace. AARP employees review and validate companies that provide supplemental health insurance benefits and other similar programs. Most importantly, the AARP serves as an advocate for the millions of Americans whose lives and livelihoods depend on decisions by businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations. The support of the AARP and its existence are critical to ensuring that retired persons have a voice and are respected in the affairs of the country.

A Deeper Look

The AARP was founded in the 1960s by a group of activists wanting to ensure the protection of retired persons. In many instances, retired persons did not have the same level of power and respect that individuals of other age ranges had. They did not have the kinds of funds that many young groups had and they were unable to properly organize for their rights. The AARP changed that dynamic. Perhaps the most important role of the AARP in American society is as a public advocate for retired persons and the elderly.

The AARP is a place that members of these groups can turn to whenever they believe their political, economic, and social rights have been discriminated against. AARP representatives handle a number of concerns ranging from scams and poorly worded agreements, to Medicare and Social Security cuts. Companies and politicians have to be weary of angering the AARP. In many instances, retired persons are some of the most reliable voters in the country. The AARP helps them realize and use their vote in order to fight for changes that will benefit them the most.

Questions and Answers

Q: Is the AARP an expensive organization to join?

A: Individuals can join the organization for a small yearly fee. This yearly fee helps the organization with political advocacy and large-scale negotiations on behalf of their members.

Q: What is the age limit for AARP membership?

A: Individuals have to be at least 50 years of age in order to become an AARP member.

Q: Has AARP ever won any significant political fights in Washington?

A: AARP helped forestall cuts to Medicare and Social Security in 2010 and 2011 along with many other victories on behalf of seniors.

Q: What is the connection between AARP and Medicare?

A: Many Medicare members have supplemental insurance programs that they use to cover for anything that Medicare will not cover. These programs have occasionally taken advantage of seniors in the past. As a result, AARP has begun to vet and verify these members to ensure that they are providing a good deal for their members.

Q: What recourse do I have if I am an AARP member and feel that I have been taken advantage of?

A: AARP members can file a complaint if they believe they have been treated unfairly or taken advantage of due to their age. These individuals often come together with fellow members who have had the same problems. A joint action has a better chance of success with regulators.