PRI in 2021
Impact
Report

A collaborative partner, elevating AARP as a leader in aging and longevity in the U.S. and globally.

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A Message from Executive Vice President & Chief Public Policy Officer Debra Whitman

Photo of Debra Whitman, Executive Vice President & Chief Public Policy Officer

Dear Colleagues,

I'm incredibly proud of the ways Policy, Research and International (PRI) delivered for AARP in 2021 through our research insights, mission-critical policy development, timely and credible policy solutions, strategic global engagement, and overall thought leadership. Our team supported AARP's 2021-2023 Strategic Plan—or our “Plan to Win”—through the leadership of seven enterprise issue areas, with 24 PRI staff members serving as strategy or tactic leads, and an AARP Research liaison integrated into each issue area …

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Developing and producing the PRI Representing Identity Guide drove change, inspiring ongoing dialogue

How one cross-team workgroup engaged others to effect change on reflecting, recognizing, and communicating about identity.

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AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, said, “Let AARP truly become a great organization of unity—amid and of diversity!” For over 60 years, AARP has never wavered in its determination to follow that promise.

PRI's COVID-19 rapid response, and how the pandemic transformed it's big-issue work

Grounded in evidence propelled by AARP’s policy positions, PRI generated solutions to foster a better, more equitable system amid the public health crisis.

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“If we are not content with things as they are, we must concern ourselves with things as they might become.” —Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, founder of AARP (“The Aged and Retired”, Modern Maturity, April/May 1964)

Reimagining the conversation on healthy longevity through action and leadership

In exploring what it means to live long and healthy lives, PRI engaged global leaders to share best practices, support innovation, and work cooperatively.

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“It has been wisely said that whatever many may say about the future, it is ours, not only that it may happen to us, but it is in part made by us.” —Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, founder of AARP

  1. 114Countries

  2. 80+Areas of Expertise

  3. 640Publications

PRI drives impact in 5 key areas. Explore how we did that in 2021.

  1. Evidence

    Establishing credible evidence-based and trusted content

  2. Knowledge

    Leveraging knowledge and insights to drive decision making

  3. Leadership

    Driving Influential conversations

  4. Collaboration

    Engaging the private and public sectors

  5. Solutions

    Translating research and policy into practice

Headshot of Sarah Lenz Lock

Sarah Lenz Lock Senior Vice President, Policy and Brain Health

We focused on ways to transform how people view and how we can improve brain health. We produced reports and webinar series on the impacts of COVID-19, building equity in brain health, breaking down stigma related to dementia and cognitive decline, and supporting behavior changes that improve brain health. We provided members with tangible value...

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Headshot of Indira Venkat

Indira Venkat Interim Senior Vice President, AARP Research

We informed AARP's policy positions, infused advocacy efforts, and elevated the thought leadership of colleagues across the enterprise with comprehensive, valuable, data-driven knowledge and insights. Our subject matter experts dug into enterprise strategic priorities, offering clarity and nuanced texture on consumer and marketplace data...

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Headshot of Jean Accius

Jean Accius Senior Vice President, Global Thought Leadership

Our International and Thought Leadership teams accelerated efforts to position AARP as a global thought leader in crafting a vision for healthy aging and building a stronger, healthier, more skilled and adaptable society. We engaged some of the world‘s top thinkers and leaders to foster equity in health care, financial resilience...

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Headshot of Susan Reinhard

Susan Reinhard Senior Vice President, Public Policy Institute

We mobilized to meet the needs of critical enterprise advocacy efforts during a second pandemic year. We provided in-depth, timely data and analysis and convened key stakeholders to spur effective policy responses addressing the dominant challenges facing older adults and their families. This powerful work touched on the major issues...

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Headshot of Dorothy Siemon

Dorothy Siemon Senior Vice President, Office of Policy Development and Integration

As older adults faced the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our public policies served as the foundation for AARP’s focus on being a wise friend and fierce defender for our members and people aged 50-plus. Our team served as thought leaders to not only address current and emerging opportunities and challenges, but also to ensure...

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Our Departments

Office of Policy Development and Integration

Drives the policy development process and empowers the enterprise to deliver on the values embedded in our policy positions.

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Policy and Brain Health

Empowers people to maintain healthier brains over their lifetimes and positions AARP as the leading voice for brain health.

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Public Policy Institute

Develops policy solutions and informs and stimulates public debate to improve economic security, health care, and quality of life for older Americans.

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AARP Research

Develops best-in-class strategic research and insights about the needs, market, and trends impacting the 50-plus so that AARP can increase engagement and relevancy.

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AARP International

Engages global stakeholders, including international institutions, civil society and the private sector, to challenge and change outdated beliefs and spark new solutions for how we live and age.

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Thought Leadership

Works to identify emerging issues, develop and cultivate promising solutions, and build and leverage relationships with new and established leaders across sectors to advance the work of the enterprise and change how the world sees aging.

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Learn more and connect with us by visiting Policy, Research & International on Infonet