Many people may think they know about AARP when they get that letter in the mail, mysteriously inviting them to become a member as soon as they turn 50. Or when they see AARP ads on TV. But there’s a lot they probably DON’T know about AARP, and it’s worth knowing about the many dimensions of this national nonprofit organization of some 38 million members—founded in 1958 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired high school principal, with three founding principles: to promote independence, dignity and purpose for older persons; to enhance the quality of life for older persons; and to encourage older people “To serve, not to be served.” In today’s episode, we talk with two prominent AARP leaders: Beth Finkel, the long-time State Director of AARP New York, and James O’Neal, an independent consultant on older adult issues, and President of AARP New York. Beth and James will outline AARP’s many roles in advocacy, research, education programs, service, events, and resources that support older Americans. They’ll focus on a few major advocacy issues, such as protecting Social Security and Medicare; lowering prescription drug costs; and providing more support for family caregivers and home care workers. Beth and James will highlight AARP’s efforts—and their own personal involvement—in disrupting disparities in the treatment of older people. They’ll give a sample of the panoply of practical resources and services offered by AARP and its volunteers to the public—many of them free. And they’ll talk about the increasing importance of AARP’s Age-Friendly community approach—its commitment to intergenerational engagement, creating a more inclusive, vital society.