DATA STORIES BY
AARP RESEARCH
AARP Research's data stories gather and synthesize data from our research studies and other sources to provide our readers with big-picture views and valuable insights into a range of topics. In addition, where applicable, we provide readers with actions they can take or resources they can access related to the story.
Aging With Disabilities in America: Experiences, Needs, and New Realities
In the United States, about 1 in 4 adults 50-plus are living with a disability. This group of older adults often has unique needs and challenges, especially when accessing health care, maintaining independence and arranging needed accommodations. Drawing from multiple data sources, this digital experience explores the perceptions, needs, strengths and experiences of people 50-plus with disabilities as they age.
Intergenerational Friendships: The Hidden Gems
Some of life's most valuable friendships are the ones we never expected. Explore the unique nature of intergenerational connection and what we gain by widening our circle.
Powering Families: The Essential Role of Grandparents in Care, Connection and Support
Explore the latest AARP research on grandparent experiences today. See how U.S. grandparents support families with time, care, and money.
Dignity and Pride in Every Chapter: Experiences and Concerns of Older LGBTQ+ Adults
Nearly one in 10 U.S. adults identify as part of LGBTQ+ community. Learn about the unique challenges older LGBTQ+ individuals face on a day-to-day basis.
Healthy Eating and Brain Health: What You Need to Know
Unlock the secrets to maintaining brain health: AARP Research shows how smart eating habits can help you stay sharp and thrive as you age.
Navigating the World of AI: Awareness, Attitudes, and How People Expect to Use It
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around for decades, often working behind the scenes in everyday technologies. But it wasn’t until the rise of generative AI in 2022 that it became a mainstream buzzword, sparking widespread attention and conversation. Today, AI is part of daily dialogue, and adults 50-plus are engaging with it in ways both practical and personal. This data story explores what they know about AI, how they’ve used it, and where they see both promise and risk.
Veterans 50+: The Journey of Aging with Dignity and Strength
There are sixteen million United States veterans who raised their hands, left their homes, and served in the military to protect the nation. Nearly half of these veterans are now 65-plus, and as our veterans get older, there are new terrains to navigate. This digital experience explores the experiences of U.S. veterans age 50-plus as they are getting older.
Social Security: What You Need to Know
Social Security is one of the most important—and most trusted—government programs in the United States. Every month, about 69 million Americans receive a Social Security payment. Learn how to make the most of your Social Security in retirement and what you can do to protect it.
Building for the Future: Creating Homes & Communities for Aging Well
Discover key trends about adults ages 18 and older aging in their homes and communities using data from AARP's 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey.
Quality Sleep: Why Is Getting Consistent Quality Sleep Important?
Many adults ages 40+ needlessly suffer from poor sleep and dismiss the implications, which include negative effects on mental and physical health. This data story discusses how poor sleep affects adults ages 40+ and provides strategies and resources to help improve sleep quality.
The Lived Experience of Adults 50-Plus
Adults age 50 or over are a diverse population with wide-ranging interests, responsibilities, and aspirations. The Lived Experience of Adults 50-Plus aims to capture that diversity of experience through the lens of factors that contribute to older adults’ sense of well-being. We explore factors of well-being using quantitative and qualitative research, that is, by listening to older adults talk about their lives.
Is Your Brand Missing Out on the 50+ Market?
Ageism can cost companies in lost revenue and brand sentiment. Learn how to communicate with 50-plus adults in a way that accurately represents this age cohort without using ageist stereotypes and biases.
She's the Difference: Segments of Women Voters 50+
Over the last several years, AARP has been following the opinions and perspectives of women voters 50 and older through a series of research projects. This influential group of voters were not a monolith and have different voting patterns and social identities within this larger segment of the voter population. This data story introduces five segments of women voters 50 and older, and provides suggestions for how political candidates can connect with each.
Hearing Health: Why Should You Address a Hearing Difficulty?
An estimated 48 million people in the United States live with a hearing loss. This includes half of adults ages 75 and older and one-third of adults 64–74. Hearing loss can be challenging, and it can impact other aspects of your wellbeing. This data story discusses how you can optimize your hearing health.
Don’t Let Retirement Surprise You - Prepare For It
Although preparing for retirement may seem daunting, avoidance is not the answer. This data story provides tips for how to prepare for retirement, and ways that AARP can help.
