AARP Celebrates 90 Years of Social Security

Social Security is still going strong at 90. On August 14, 1935 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Social Security law, and AARP celebrated this historic milestone with two special events in Massachusetts,

On Tuesday, August 12, AARP Massachusetts held a celebration at the Waltham Senior Center.

AARP Massachusetts State Director Jen Benson spoke about the importance of Social Security and the need to strengthen it for future generations.

"We’re working with leaders from both parties because protecting and strengthening Social Security isn’t a partisan issue, it’s an American issue," said Benson. “AARP will never stop fighting to protect the Social Security payments that we've earned from a lifetime of hard work"

Rep. Tom Stanley (D-Waltham), Waltham Mayor Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy and Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian also attended.

Rep. Stanley read Governor Maura Healey's Proclamation on Social Security's 90th Anniversary and spoke about the Social Security's impact. He brought his 94 year old mother to the event.

On Wednesday, August 13, AARP Massachusetts celebrated in Gardner, with the Gardner AARP Chapter and Rep. Lori Trahan (D- Massachusetts).

Trahan spoke about Social Security's future and the work to protect and save it.

State Sen. Peter Durand (R- Worcester & Hampshire) and Rep. Jonathan Zlotnick (D-Gardner) together read Gov. Maura Healy's proclamation. Also attending was Mayor Michael J. Nicholson. All joined Benson to cut the cake. 

Since 1935, Social Security has been a lifeline for millions of Americans—retirees, people with disabilities, and families who’ve lost loved ones. Today, over 67 million Americans rely on it, including nearly 1.3 million in Massachusetts.

But Social Security is under pressure. AARP is fighting to protect the benefits you’ve earned and improve customer service at the Social Security Administration. We need your voice to keep this program strong for generations to come.

✅ Take action: Email your lawmakers and tell them to protect Social Security and fix customer service issues.
✅ Get informed: Visit AARP’s Social Security Resource Center for tools, answers, and updates.

Getting Ready for Retirement & Need Some Answers About Social Security? We've got you covered.

Filing for Social Security – Sometimes Timing is Everything
📅 Tuesday, September 9 | 11:00 AM | FREE Virtual Seminar
Not sure when to file for Social Security? You’re not alone—and AARP is here to help. Join us for an interactive session that breaks down the essentials: how your age, work history, and marital status affect your benefits, and how to make the most of your Social Security strategy.
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Let’s celebrate the past—and shape the future—of Social Security together. See you in Waltham or Gardner!