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

Created by Athel Percy Andrus in 1958, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a nonprofit organization that deals with various issues retired persons face in their lives. Taking care of persons aged above 50, AARP has more than 38 million members. Although it is a nonprofit organization some of its parts are for profit.

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

Various Affiliates of AARP

The AARP is comprised of various profit and nonprofit organizations. The AARP Services are for-profit and sell various products and services to the elderly. AARP experiences Corps offers children's benefits and is nonprofit. Legal counsel for the elderly is nonprofit and is one of the most influential parts of the organization.

AARP Real Estate is for profit, as is the AARP Insurance. The AARP institute is for-profit and has its own gift annuity plans. These affiliates of AARP work in tandem with each other to generate revenues by offering various services.

AARP publishes Modern Maturity Magazine and a Bulletin. The annual revenues AARP earns is due to memberships and advertising in its publications. AARP is also engaged in social wellness and the help of the elderly who have financial and personal risks. It also sponsors programs such as safe driving programs and TV soaps for the elderly.

Why was AARP Formed?

AARP is a strong organization and it helps the elderly above 50 the advantage of its lobbying and legal counsel for free. Moreover, it has helped numerous elderly individuals in getting rid of their financial and personal problems. It has a strong lobby in Washington DC and its voice is heard by the government.

By being part of AARP, individuals above 50 can have the legal and other benefits offered to the elderly easily and without much hard work. The legal counsel of AARP is a strong body that helps the elderly get their legal problems sorted. AARP's products and services target the elderly and hence they are more relevant to the elderly population.

Voices Against AARP

The critics of AARP say that AARP is a political organization in disguise. Looking at the earnings and revenues generated annually by AARP, some critics argue that it is more of a for-profit organization than being nonprofit.

The voices against AARP are more relevant to critics who argue that in the name of membership, AARP collects huge amounts of revenue. Finally, as it has a strong lobby in Washington DC, being apolitical is just for the show according to most critics.

Points to Note

• AARP is a mix of nonprofit and for profit affiliates.

• AARP's help lets people aged 50 and over sail through various legal and personal troubles easily.