Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 16 : Spring 2013 | Page 26

were not retired teachers. Recognizing that many other
older Americans needed help as well, she decided to
start a new association. In 1958, Dr. Andrus founded
AARP.
But Ethel Percy Andrus saw AARP as doing much more
than offering health insurance for older Americans who
needed it. She believed that people’s older years should
be an opportunity for new growth and participation in
society. She referred to AARP as “an army of useful
citizens” who had the ability, the experience and the
desire to promote and enhance the public good. She
gave us the motto that still guides us today: “To serve,
not to be served.”

answers that make sense. If you would like to follow or
get involved in our work on federal issues, go to www.
aarp.org.

AARP has many other services available in the state
which are open to members and non-members alike.
Since 1968, the AARP Tax-Aide program, administered
through the AARP Foundation, has helped more than
50 million taxpayers file their returns for free. AARP
Tax-Aide sites are located in convenient places such
as libraries, malls, banks and senior centers. More than
35,000 dedicated, IRS-certified volunteers nationwide
provide this quality tax preparation service. To locate
a site in your community, visit the Tax-Aide website at
AARP’s four official goals were to: 1) Enhance www.aarp.org/taxaide or call 1-888-227-7669.
the quality of life for older persons, 2) Promote
independence, dignity and purpose for older persons, 3) Another popular program is the AARP Driver Safety
Lead in determining the role and place of older persons course. Class participants learn defensive driving
in society, and 4) Improve the image of aging. Today, techniques, new traffic laws and how to handle problem
we are guided and motivated by these same principles. situations on the road. By taking this course, graduates
As it was then, AARP is non-partisan and non-profit. age 55+ are also eligible for a reduction in either their
With our growing membership, we advocate on auto insurance if they meet certain criteria. To learn
behalf of 50+ Americans, working across the nation in more about AARP Driver Safety and to register for a
communities large and small to address the advantages local class, call 1-888-227-7669 or go to www.aarp.
and the challenges we all face as we age.
org/