What is the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and why was it formed?

Founded in 1958 by Athel Percy Andrus, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the various issues retirees face in their lives. AARP cares for people over 50 and has more than 38 million members. Although it is a non-profit organization, some parts of it are for profit.

AARP has a strong lobby group in Washington, DC, and its importance can be understood from the fact that it posted a $1.9 billion profit in 2019. A large portion of its profits comes from memberships and services provided to members.

AARP’s various affiliates

AARP is made up of various for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. AARP Services sells a variety of products and services to seniors for profit. The AARP Experience Corps provides benefits to children and is a non-profit organization. Senior Legal Counsel is a nonprofit organization and one of the most influential parts of the organization.

AARP real estate is for profit, and so is AARP insurance. The AARP Institute is for-profit and has its own gift annuity program. These AARP affiliates work together to generate revenue by providing a variety of services.

AARP publishes modern mature magazines and bulletins. AARP’s annual revenue comes from memberships and advertising in its publications. AARP also works on social health and assistance to older adults at financial and personal risk. It also sponsors safe driving shows and TV soaps for the elderly.

Why set up AARP?

AARP is a powerful organization that helps seniors over 50 take advantage of its lobbying and legal counsel for free. Also, it has helped many seniors get rid of their financial and personal problems. It has a powerful lobby in Washington, DC, and the government can hear it.

By becoming part of the AARP, those over 50 can easily access legal and other benefits for seniors without much effort. AARP’s legal counsel is a powerful body that can help seniors with legal issues. AARP’s products and services are aimed at older adults, so they are more relevant to the older population.

Opposition to AARP

AARP critics say AARP is a political organization in disguise. Looking at the revenue and income AARP generates each year, some critics argue that it is more of a for-profit organization than a nonprofit.

The voice against the AARP is more relevant to critics, who argue that the AARP collects huge revenue in the name of its members. Finally, because it has a strong lobby in Washington, DC, most critics believe that it’s not about politics just for show.

Precautions

• AARP is a mix of not-for-profit and for-profit affiliates.
• AARP’s help makes it easy for people 50 and older to navigate legal and personal troubles.