AARP

For decades, AARP has been providing useful information to seniors about a range of issues, along with senior-oriented discounts and products. Today, the organization is one of the most widely known senior citizen groups in the world.

AARP stresses a healthy, active lifestyle.

About AARP

Founded in 1958 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus as the American Association of Retired Persons, the organization formally changed its name to the four letter acronym in 1999 to minimize the misconception that individuals must be retired in order to be members. In fact, the organization today is made up of more than 35 million members age 50 or older, many of whom work either part- or full-time. Furthermore, it is not necessary to be a United States citizen in order to join; there are international chapters located in both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In total, there are more than 2,500 local chapters, with multiple chapters found in all 50 states. The national headquarters are located in Washington, D.C.

The organization's mission is simple: to demonstrate that “age is just a number and life is what you make it.” The organization strives to help individuals age with dignity, purpose, and independence. To do this, they provide the tools seniors need to stay informed on how popular topics – taxes, health care, housing, travel, etc. – affect them, and what issues seniors need to be aware of as they age.

Membership Benefits

Becoming a member has many benefits, not the least of which are frequent discounts and access to publications that provide updated information about critical issues. Other membership benefits include free seminars, exclusive events, and the simple joy of being part of a like-minded, active community.

Discounts

Discounts are one of the most well-known and sought-after benefits of AARP membership. Many discounts are seasonal or for limited time promotions, but frequent options include:

Travel discounts are always popular.

• Home, auto, life, and health insurance
• AARP Travel discounts for hotels, cruises, tours, airfare, and resorts
• Credit card services provided through Chase Bank and Visa
• Legal consultation and services
• Online merchant discounts
• Local discounts for restaurants, attractions, and specialty stores
• Education loans for continuing courses or career changes

Exact discounts vary by region; interested individuals should contact a local chapter for detailed information and current offers.

Information

Another important component of the services AARP provides is information. Through a variety of formats – free online seminars, the bimonthly magazine, and the monthly newsletter – seniors can access information on a multitude of topics, such as:

• Identity theft
• Reverse mortgages
• Driver safety
• Stress Reduction
• Exercise
• Charity donations
• Estate planning
• Taxes
• Travel
• Healthy living
• Exercise

All articles are written with seniors’ issues in mind: how aging affects driving ability and how to compensate for slower reactions and less acute vision, for example. This focus gives seniors the information they need without hassle or needing to wade through tips and statistics that don’t apply to older individuals.

AARP News Resources

The organization offers several resources for seniors to stay updated on news and information. In addition to local memos from individual chapters, there are three main news resources:

• AARP Magazine: Launched in 2002, this bimonthly magazine offers insight into hot topics and newsworthy issues that every senior can relate to. Additional features include profiles of celebrity or active seniors, as well as helpful tips and tricks for different lifestyle areas.
• Newsletter: Published 11 times per year, the regular newsletter offers more up-to-date information than the magazine, with a higher number of down-to-earth features offering practical advice as well as frequent updates about organization news.
• Website: The official website offers a tremendous array of features and articles in an easy-to-navigate format. Text size can be adjusted for different needs, and a variety of games and fun items are also available for web-savvy seniors.

Contact Information

To learn more about the organization and what it offers, seniors can call 1-800-OUR-AARP (1-800-687-2277) on weekdays from 7 a.m. to midnight (Eastern time), visit the website at [http:www.aarp.org www.aarp.org] or write:

AARP
601 E Street NW
Washington, DC 20049

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