AARP and the business of an aging audience

AARP began as an advocacy group for older Americans concerned about Social Security, Medicare, and family caregiving. Today it represents 110 million Americans in the 50+ demographic who are living longer and retiring later. "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa talks with AARP's CEO, Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, and editorial director Myrna Blyth, about the organization's importance to an increasingly important target group for advertisers; and with actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore, who at age 50 has embraced being on the cover of AARP: The Magazine.

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[TamTam]

As a very proud volunteer of AARP-Indiana, I’m glad to see this story in the spotlight. It’s certainly worthy, especially during this very difficult time for many aging U.S. citizens who are concerned over our economy, Social Security, Medicare, and Caregiving issues involving older Americans living in homes. I hope the knowledge, even as a reminder to some, is reassuring that our organization is lobbying & representing our 50+ population in so many profound ways on a daily basis.

[MaySue-Jesusgirl]

Its beautiful to see Drew embracing being 50! I watched her grow up on TV. I have been a member of AARP since my late 40's. I read their magazine cover-to-cover and always find useful information to incorporate in my life. I volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide and I am partner volunteer in NJ/NY for the Ether Gathering Group. It is certainly wonderful to see the interest and growth of the organization over the years. I am advocating for AARP to reach out to younger age groups so that our fight to keep Social Security and Medicare strong is not left only to the senior citizens, because this is an issue in the interest of every American that plans to enjoy their senior years. No matter how young or old, rich or poor, let's advocate for Medicare and Social Security to stay strong. Let's remain united in this issue. 💞

[mililaniman]

I enjoy reading AARP. I will be 54 this year, and I love reading the achievements of older people.

[sallywhodo]

I can’t believe Drew Barrymore is 50. I remember going on a date to see ET and she was just a cute little girl. I don’t consider myself old but I guess I am! 😂

[quadgraphics]

1:04 Great piece we're glad to be a part of as AARP's print partner!

[TekkiTEZ]

Drew is 50?!?! I remember when she was 19 in 1995. Unbelievable how time just seems to fly!

[JillWhitcomb]

I let my AARP membership expire over a year ago and have no regrets so far. Why? I now receive about 90 % less junk mail in my mailbox. Not just unwanted emails, but unwanted mail in my mailbox for life insurance, walk-in bathtubs, health insurance, car insurance, etc. None of the junk mail advertisements or marketing are wanted/needed/ pertinent to my lifestyle. And, it's just a pile of unwanted paper that I have to deal with on a weekly basis.

[davemiller]

Somehow I've managed very well without being a 'member' and I'm almost 70. The mag has a huge circulation because you pay a very tiny annual membership 'fee' which gives AARP the privilege of marketing to you, and they send you the print magazine which is rather shallow and again is a marketing vehicle, not much more.

[kathysarmiento]

AARP has a huge conflict of interest. They sold the right to use name to United Healthcare, which sells insurance to seniors. Don’t waste your money.

[MatthewPichon]

Ahh, the magazine. I take it out of the mailbox, and I drop it directly into the recycle cart.

[kimmickal]

I'm 61 and a member and approve of this segment!

[ErinWalker-jevw]

Being a senior citizen 🧓 isn’t what it used to be. A generation ago, we associated being 50 and above with playing shuffleboard, card games, and sitting on park benches.

[sherylchapman]

It’s one way to have power over the people trying to dismantle Social Security and Medicare. AARP lobbies.

[globalroamer]

A powerful lobbying group for seniors: important for pressuring Congress to protect Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and similar issues.

[Cathy-es]

Being 50 is almost nothing like being 80. AARP has a big problem trying to be relevant to two generations.

[tjwash]

I have a PO Box. When I got my letter inviting me to be a member of AARP I screamed you've got to be kidding me! I was not alone in the post office. And I didn't feel old at 50.

[Me]

I’m 68 and never joined AARP. I felt that they sold out to commercial interests decades ago. Yet, they still try every year to get me to join by offering some crappy gift as incentive.

[carolscholp]

I was a member of AARP until they sold out to the insurance companies and fought drug price negotiations.

[edrowinzky]

Just business they do not care about individuals who live poor and alone

[tycchock]

As a former member of AARP United Healthcare, I'm appalled that AARP, which represents 110 million members
continues to have a relationship with one of the most despised healthcare businesses who rakes in billions of
dollars by abusing its members. It would seem a great deal more beneficial to start a nonprofit since it represents
almost one third of the US population.