Celebrating Women's History Month: Honoring AARP’s Founder

As we recognize Women’s History Month, we have the opportunity to reflect on the contributions of women throughout history and within our own communities. We celebrate the achievements of those who have shattered barriers, defied stereotypes, and paved the way for progress in various fields, including the founder of AARP, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus.

When Dr. Andrus founded the American Association of Retired Persons, now known as AARP, she shifted the dialogue on aging in America. She focused on developing solutions, widening opportunities, and upending negative aging stereotypes.

Dr. Andrus dedicated her life to helping others, starting as a teacher and later becoming the first woman to serve as high school principal in the state of California. Even after retiring from education, she continued to make a difference by volunteering with the California Retired Teachers Association, focusing on the well-being of her fellow retired educators. One day, she encountered a former teacher who was living in a chicken coop due to her financial struggles. This encounter sparked her determination to improve conditions for aging Americans. Dr. Andrus took action, founding two organizations: first, the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA) in 1947 and then AARP in 1958, building on NRTA’s growing success. Through these organizations, she aimed to promote independence, dignity, and purpose for older individuals across the country.

She stated that AARP’s collective purpose was to help aging individuals realize life’s possibilities. She brought an entrepreneurial spirit and unflagging determination to promote new solutions to challenging problems, widen opportunities for older adults to engage in society, and upend negative stereotypes about aging by promoting the image of older adults as subjects who can serve others rather than only as people in need of help. AARP gave older adults a collective voice to advocate for key issues, including pension reform, affordable health care, improved housing and an end to age discrimination.

Throughout her life and career, Dr. Andrus fostered stronger ties between the generations and encouraged all to view aging as an achievement to be celebrated. Now, in the 21st century, AARP champions her vision and spirit as we fight for everyone to live their best life as they age.

At AARP, we follow Dr. Andrus' example of unity, working together to create a society where everyone can age with dignity and purpose. Every day, we draw from our past successes to advocate for each person to feel empowered as they grow older.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us not only honor the achievements of the past but also commit ourselves to advancing gender equality and creating opportunities for women to excel and lead in every sphere of life. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable world where every individual has the chance reach their full potential.