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Welcome to the AARP Public Policy Institute. We are highlighting our work about lifelong learning and education for those 50+. About 45 million individuals in the US have some college credit but no degree. Barriers such as caregiving responsibilities and the growing cost of education keep many from achieving their goal of a diploma. But as the need for an educated and digitally literate workforce increases, education providers, policymakers and employers must adapt to offer more support for older students.

AARP Public Policy Institute is working with The Graduate! Network on a series of state pilot programs to help older learners connect with resources and support that can help them overcome barriers, reskill or upskill for their careers, and, for some, fulfill a lifelong dream of higher education.

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The AARP Public Policy Institute (PPI) promotes the development of sound, creative policies to address our common need for economic security, health care, and quality of life. Learn more about our health and other issue areas below. 

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Our Issues

Social Security. Medicare. Health costs. Consumer fraud. Caregiving. Aging in your community. Find analysis and perspectives on these and other issues from experts at AARP Public Policy Institute.

Events

The AARP Livability Index scores every neighborhood and community in the US for the services and amenities that affect people’s lives the most. During AARP Livability Index Week, April 18-22, we explored the groundbreaking tool live in a series of deep-dive conversations focused on three of the seven core elements of the Index – housing, transportation, and engagement. 

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New Reports

Two Reports Address How to Improve Social Security’s Minimum Benefit

The Older Americans Act

Preparing for the Unexpected: Understanding Emergency Savings and Why It Is Critical to Financial Well-Being

Nearly 10 Million Households with Adults Ages 50 and Older Participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2022

Initiatives

We collaborate with other organizations to find policy solutions for problems facing older Americans. Some of these major initiatives include: a focus on jobs, unemployment and work opportunities for the 50-plus; an effort to change the way health care organizations and professionals interact with family caregivers; and a near decade-long push to transform health and health care through nursing.

Experts

Our experts cover a wide range of issues from Social Security and Medicare to health reform, livable communities, consumer protection, long-term care, caregiving, financial security and more.

AARP Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard

AARP fought for public reporting of nursing home COVID-19 cases and deaths. Using this data, the AARP Public Policy Institute, in collaboration with the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University in Ohio, created the AARP Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard.

   

Policy Plus Action Newsletter

Issues that affect older adults are many, and the AARP Public Policy Institute understands how they all connect. Powered by that expertise, Policy Plus Action newsletter gives you the full aging-issue landscape so you stay informed on your areas of interest plus see how they interact other issues.

About AARP Public Policy Institute

The Public Policy Institute is the focal point of public policy analysis and development at AARP. We work to design policies that help improve life for older Americans.

AARP Livability Index: Great Neighborhoods for All Ages

This important resource helps communities assess how well they're meeting the needs of people as they age.

   

AARP Public Policies

Learn about AARP’s policy positions and our policy development process.

Building a Healthier America through Nursing

The Public Policy Institute is home to the Center to Champion Nursing in America, a joint initiative of AARP Foundation, AARP and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The center coordinates the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, a nationwide initiative of those same organizations to transform health and health care through nursing.

Long-Term Services and Supports Scorecard

This scorecard ranks each state on its ability to provide long-term services and supports for older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers, with the goal of improving service delivery and lives.

Award-Winning Policy Now Video Series Highlights PPI Research

AARP Policy Now videos explain high-level research findings from PPI reports in clear, accessible ways.

Learning and Education at 50+

AARP Public Policy Institute is working with The Graduate! Network on a series of state pilot programs in Kentucky, Texas, and Michigan to help older learners connect with resources and support that can help them overcome barriers, reskill or upskill for their careers, and, for some, fulfill a lifelong dream of higher education.

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Thinking Policy Blog

AARP Public Policy Institute experts  blog about the issues they cover, from financial security and Medicare to livable communities and long-term services and supports. Read the latest.

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Social Media

AARP PPI Facebook

Twitter: @AARPpolicy

AARP Policy Now Video Series

Using a mix of graphics, expert interviews, and other footage, AARP Public Policy Institute’s award-winning series is designed to “lift policy off the page.”