Wolfpack student working to improve life for all ages

RALEIGH—NC State University Junior Rafael Albuquerque will be adding to his education this year by working to improve the lives of older adults.  As a Political Science major with a minor in Computer Programming, Albuquerque is getting some real life experience at AARP to help advance his education as well as the lives of people across the state.

With electronic communications being a big part of political operations and lobbying, Albuquerque will be able to use some of today’s most advanced communications systems to help advocate for the needs of AARP members and North Carolinians of all ages. He will also learn more about working with the news media and the role it plays in public education.

An international student born and raised in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Albuquerque moved to Raleigh in 2018 to start his studies. “When it comes to successful aging, there are many parallels in the US and Brazil, where access to affordable health care and the ability to save are important foundations of retirement. I am thrilled and motivated to help people enhance the quality of life as they age,” he said.

NC State alum Chris Brandenburg, AARP North Carolina Associate Director for Advocacy, said, “NC State  prepared me well for the work I do in advocacy.  Today, I learn the most from volunteers who are the backbone of AARP’s work with the General Assembly and with our elected leaders in Washington, DC. They each bring their skills, experience and passion to AARP to help us be the strongest voice possible when it comes to advancing issues that help older adults.”

In 2021, AARP will be working to improve nursing home safety, increasing broadband access, advancing telehealth and working to find easier ways for small businesses to offer employees retirement savings plans. AARP is also working to lower prescription drug costs, keep Medicare and Social Security strong, and to help the North Carolina’s cities, towns and rural areas better prepare for the growing population of older residents and residents of all ages.