AARP originally stood for the "American Association of Retired Persons." However, in 1999, the organization officially shortened its name to just "AARP" to reflect that many of its members are not retired and continue to work full or part time

. Today, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for people aged 50 and older, offering benefits, services, and lobbying on their behalf

. Membership is open to adults 18 and older, though its primary focus is on those 50 and above