What Is The AARP?

Retired Persons; but it is much more than a name, it is an organization that cares and lobbies for its membership in a variety of arenas.  They can so this since the AARP has well over 35 million members and continues to grow daily.  You may have heard of the "graying of America"

FACTOID: The Graying of America represents the ratio of older (over 50) Americans, as opposed to those under 50.  Since life expectancy has increased, America's senior population continues to increase.

A single person "crying out against the wilderness", might be lost is in the noise of daily life, but an organization such as AARP has the manpower, resources and clout to represent seniors both politically and financially.  They're expertise is wide ranging and they speak (and lobby) for such causes as:

• Prescription drugs
• Senior housing
• Making tourist attractions senior friendly
• Allowing seniors to rent cars at affordable rates
• Negotiating favorable rates with major hotel / motel chains
• Life and Medical insurance (a major player here)

AARP HISTORY

I've always appreciated educators, so it's no surprise that the founder of AARP was a former high school principal by the name of Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus.  Of course few things or organizations start out the way they'll end up; the AARP sprang from the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA).  This began in 1947 to learn more about productive aging (seniors have much to offer) and with that thought, health insurance which was almost impossible to obtain for seniors in those years (Medicare would not be formed until 1965).  From the early efforts of Dr. Andrus, the AARP evolved and now the NRTA is a division with the AARP.

American Association of Retired Persons is now a massive organization with financial and political clout and as each day passes, it continues to grow and evolve, helping seniors negotiate the tricky waters of Social Security and learning how to age gracefully and live with function.

If you're a member of AARP, you already know this organization is built on integrity and customer service and does everything within its power for seniors.  The AARP website is updated daily news, discounts, trips, legal and health advice all designed to make your trip through the golden years filled with purpose.

Aging is a part of life and I hope you're lucky enough to reach and enjoy your golden years.  Fortunately the AARP and other organizations world wide and beginning to understand what a valuable and treasured resource we have with our seniors and what a tremendous contribution they have and continue to make to society.