The History Behind How AARP Was Founded

Our History

AARP Founder

Nurtured by progressive parents, Ethel Percy Andrus finds her calling

Andrus meets a retired teacher living in poverty, vows to make a difference

AARP emerges as Andrus’ ideas take flight

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs law in 1965

CEO Jo Ann Jenkins is inspired today by Andrus

Our Founder s Mission

Grey Gables pioneers new model for living

Innovative home highlights White House conference

Pavilion showcases philosophy on aging

First 45-day trip to Europe costs $895

Teacher-founder creates education program in 1963

‘Modern Maturity’ (now 'AARP The Magazine') is born

Health insurance for all is a top priority

Members get access to affordable medications

Warnings of scams go back to our founding days

A Message From Ethel Percy Andrus

She talks about how to stay happy as you age

Association grows into a major force for change

AARP Turns 60

Members and volunteers share how AARP has helped them improve their lives.

Members and volunteers share how AARP has helped them improve their lives.

AARP' s 60th Anniversary

What We Do

From our publications to our YouTube channel to our member events, AARP shares the info that makes life after 50 richer. What does that look like?

From our publications to our YouTube channel to our member events, AARP shares the info that makes life after 50 richer. What does that look like?

AARP' s 60th Anniversary

What We Fight For

On Capitol Hill, in every state capital and in courts throughout the land, we fight for the laws and protections that older Americans want and need.

On Capitol Hill, in every state capital and in courts throughout the land, we fight for the laws and protections that older Americans want and need.

AARP' s 60th Anniversary

What We Care About

Our founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus’ motto was “To serve, not to be served.” We know that people over 50 want to lend a hand.

Our founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus’ motto was “To serve, not to be served.” We know that people over 50 want to lend a hand.

AARP' s 60th Anniversary

Our Story

Many of our most popular and enduring programs and activities can be traced directly back to the experiences of our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus.

Many of our most popular and enduring programs and activities can be traced directly back to the experiences of our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. Up Next Sample Title Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.