An organization self-described as "dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age," and especially directed to individuals age 50 and over, is itself celebrating its 50th birthday this year. Founded in 1958, AARP is marking its half-century of existence with a variety of celebrations. Locally, the Audrain County chapter of the AARP will also recognize the occasion, hosting a free, informative gathering from 2-4 p.m. on Aug. 17 at the Jaycee Shelter.

"It's really kind of a 'birthday party/celebration' is what we're calling it," stated Dave Buhr, president of the local chapter. "We're furnishing cake and ice cream, but we're also requesting that the people who come bring non-perishable food items, because we want to help out The Help Center. That's one of the community service things that we do – we periodically will have a food drive or clothing drive or whatever. It's a nice way to celebrate the 50th anniversary. You can go there, and everything is free. Nobody has to pay for anything, yet you can bring some things, and help others."
Buhr stated Audrain City-County Health Unit will likewise be on site during the celebration to provide miscellaneous information to attendees.

"This is an opportunity to join forces with an organization to facilitate information to a certain segment of our population," stated Kevin Lowrance, ACCHU administrator. He noted information provided will pertain to various facets regarding public health, including obesity and nutrition, home health and hospice services, and disaster preparedness. "We serve from a public health standpoint, and public health is the prevention. We are trying to be pro-active versus reactive, and this is a good occasion to go out and educate a segment of our population."

Similar societal impetus ultimately led to the founding of AARP itself by Ethel Percy Andrus. In 1947, Andrus established the National Retired Teachers Association, partially in response to the need for health insurance by retired teachers, but also to promote a philosophy that coupled an aging-with-dignity credo with social usefulness. Approximately a decade later, she opened the organization to all Americans over age 50, effectively creating AARP.

"The focus is really heavy into education and understanding the needs of qualified citizens," stated Buhr. "That's really the focus, and I think that's what Dr. Andrus' focus was too – to make sure that people had access to health care and housing, and that they weren't put in sub-standard conditions."

To emphasize the point, Buhr cited a story which inspired Andrus' initial commitment, and which continues to provide focus for the organization.

"Supposedly she saw this one person who was retired and living in a chicken coop," stated the chapter president, who has been a member of the organization for approximately five years. "And that's kind of a national story AARP has used for years. And it was true, I guess – that here was one person who was retired, and living in a chicken coop. And, 'Is this how we treat our citizens that have put in so much effort in educating our young people, and this is how they retire?' And that's how she formed the first retirement association, and teacher's association, and eventually established the AARP."

Since, the organization – formerly known as American Association of Retired People, but amended to AARP in 1999, especially to remove the "retired" designation – has grown considerably, becoming a powerful advocate and provider for its more-than 38 million members on a host of issues, ranging from health care to education to insurance to financial planning.

"I don't know if it is true, but somebody once said it is probably the most powerful organization in the United States, as far as a group," stated Buhr. "And I think people are also gradually realizing that AARP is not an 'old folks club.' That stigma has pretty much gone by the wayside now, and people are seeing what we are doing, moving forward with our efforts to advance certain causes ... Before they did away with that 'retired' designation, it caused a lot of people to think, 'Well, I can't belong unless I'm retired.' But now, it's anyone over age 50. And since becoming president of our chapter, one of the things I've been telling everybody is we've got to grow our membership. And one of the ways we can grow it is, 'Let's get some of those younger folks that are in their 50s to be active in the club.' We need to shed this old thought about this being just 'retired people,' because we really have great programs for many people."

Locally, the Mexico chapter began in 1985, and was chartered the following year as chapter number 3924. Currently, it meets once a month at St. John's Lutheran Church, with meetings conducted the third Monday of each month starting at 10:30 a.m.
"It's open to anybody who wants to come," stated Buhr, noting annual local membership dues are $3 (in addition to national membership fees, which begin at $12.50 annually). "And we have fundraisers and other events so that we can generate some money to do certain projects."

Currently, the local chapter has about 50 members, although historical records indicate membership has been as high as 233.

"Still, in Mexico today, if you have a club with 50 members, that's pretty good," said Buhr. "We're one of the highest membership clubs in town, and we have probably the second-highest turnout of any club in town, usually with about 35 to 45 people that show up every month."

"I retired from the Commerce Bank, and I went to the meeting on the Monday following Saturday retirement, and I've been doing it ever since," stated Rosalie Mudd, an original member of the Mexico chapter. "It has very good programs every month, and I've really enjoyed it."

Buhr – who noted the national AARP organization awarded $250 in funding to the local chapter after reviewing its Aug. 17 celebration plan – stated programs are targeted to various concerns, ranging from current national issues, to more localized concerns, such as the recent Mexico ambulance district proposal.

"It's a very worthwhile organization that's very informative and does a lot for its members," concluded Buhr. "And then we try and give something back to the community. I'd encourage anybody to attend the birthday celebration or a meeting. It's there for people to access and enjoy."

For more information, contact Buhr at 582-8008, or visit the AARP Web site at www.aarp.org.