Advocacy

AARP knows that access to an employer-based retirement plan is critical for building financial security later in life. That is why we are fighting for over two million Pennsylvania employees who work for a private sector employer that does not offer a traditional pension or a retirement savings plan to easily save for retirement. 

AARP Pennsylvania will continue to be a driving force for social change that enhances the lives of 50-plus Pennsylvanians through advocacy, outreach, information, and volunteer service in communities statewide. We are working to ensure that needs of Pennsylvanians age 50 and older, including our nearly 1.8 million members statewide are heard by national, state, and local elected leaders.

The unpaid care provided by the nearly 1.5 million caregivers in Pennsylvania is valued at $22 billion, according to new state data available in AARP’s latest report in the Valuing the Invaluable series. This is a $3.8 billion increase in unpaid contributions since the last report was released in 2019. The report highlights the growing scope and complexity of family caregiving and highlights actions needed to address the many challenges of caring for parents, spouses, and other loved ones.

Are you interested in walkable communities, public policy, and coalition building? If so, AARP Pennsylvania and America Walks have an opportunity for you: The Pennsylvania State Walking College, a 6-month, distance-learning fellowship program for walkable/livable community advocates, sponsored by AARP Pennsylvania and America Walks.

Bill Johnston-Walsh, state president of AARP Pennsylvania, issued a statement as Josh Shapiro was sworn in as the 48th Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Bill Johnston-Walsh, state president of AARP Pennsylvania issued a statement after Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro nominated Lackawanna County Area Agency Director and Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging Board Chair Jason Kavulich to serve as Pennsylvania’s secretary of aging.

More than 2 million Pennsylvanians don’t have access to a retirement savings plan through their jobs.

"I think it’s important that we educate people on the importance of advocacy.  In public health, we put great effort in educating people on the importance of prevention – getting a flu shot; wearing a seat belt, getting a colonoscopy, etc. but we don’t teach people how to be advocates for themselves and the people they love."

AARP recently launched an interactive, mobile friendly Veterans and Military Families Health Benefits Navigator to bring together valuable information and resources in real-time to help veterans, military families and their caregivers navigate their health care options.

AARP Pennsylvania State President Emeritus Joanne Grossi recently joined PCN's "Focus on Aging Adults" to speak to what older adults need to know this year and remind them of their healthcare options.