Policy, Research and Thought Leadership

Family caregivers provide more than $1 trillion in unpaid labor each year, supporting millions of older adults at home. This report examines caregiving’s growing economic value—and the significant toll it takes on caregivers’ health, finances, and overall well‑being.

The cost of long‑term services and supports is rising faster than middle‑class incomes. This report examines how recent increases—especially for home and community‑based care—are reversing earlier gains in affordability and limiting access to preferred care options.

Despite economic pressures, travel remains a priority for adults 50‑plus. This study explores how older travelers are adapting—embracing new tools like AI, seeking better deals, and adjusting how they plan, prioritize, and pay for travel in 2026.

Enrollment in traditional Medicare continues to decline as Medicare Advantage grows. This report examines why preserving a strong traditional Medicare option remains essential—not only for beneficiaries, but for Medicare’s long‑term stability and effectiveness.

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life for older adults. This data story examines awareness, attitudes, and real‑world use of AI among adults 50‑plus, highlighting where they see opportunity, risk, and practical value today and in the future.

Featuring Kenya and Tanzania, this edition of AARP The Journal takes readers inside a learning journey across East Africa, highlighting community‑driven innovation, emerging public policies, and grassroots solutions responding to demographic change.

This brief analyzes how countries can improve income security for older adults—particularly women—in low- and middle-income contexts. It highlights evidence-based policy solutions to reduce gender gaps and strengthen financial resilience in later life.

As people live and work longer, five powerful forces are transforming jobs and workplaces worldwide. This AARP Thought Leadership initiative examines how longevity, lifelong learning, technology, income inequality, and contingent work are reshaping economies, employers, and workers across the globe.