Many of us have heard of AARP but aren't exactly sure what the acronym stands for. AARP is a nonprofit organization that has been around for more than 60 years, but its name still leaves some scratching their heads. So, what does AARP stand for?
What is AARP?
AARP, previously known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is a nonprofit organization that advocates for people aged 50 and over. Although the organization was originally created to assist retired individuals, AARP now serves any individual aged 50 or older. With a membership of nearly 38 million, AARP aims to help people live their best lives during the second half of life.
The History of AARP
AARP was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, who had previously worked as a high school principal. Andrus recognized the need to support retired teachers who were living in poverty, and she created AARP to provide affordable health insurance to retired educators. Shortly after the organization's creation, Andrus realized that there was a broader need for affordable health insurance among retirees from all professions. She worked with other retired individuals to create a group that would lobby for the rights of all retired individuals to access affordable health care.
Over the years, AARP has expanded its focus to address a wide variety of issues affecting older adults. The organization now offers a plethora of resources and services, including health and wellness information, travel discounts, and retirement planning tools. AARP also advocates for policies that benefit older adults, such as Social Security and Medicare reform.
Membership Benefits
AARP membership comes with a wide variety of benefits. Some of the benefits of joining AARP include:
- Access to exclusive travel discounts
- Discounts on entertainment, dining, and shopping
- Free access to AARP magazine and other publications
- Access to a variety of health and wellness resources
- Access to financial planning and retirement resources
Conclusion
Although the acronym AARP may be confusing, the organization has been committed to advocating for older Americans for more than 60 years. Whether you're still in the workforce or enjoying retirement, AARP offers resources and benefits that can help you live your best life.