FINDINGS FROM AARP’S
2012 MEMBER OPINION SURVEY (MOS)
For External Release
Methodology
The Survey
The Member Opinion Survey (MOS) is AARP’s largest single survey of AARP Members.
This dual mode survey is conducted every two to four years and informs AARP about
the opinions, perceptions, and experiences of its members. Beginning with its first wave
back in 1994
1994, the MOS collects data from more than 35
35,000
000 AARP Members in order to
gain better insight into a variety of areas including issues and topics of concern,
information and service needs, areas of interest, experience of life events, adaption and
use of technology, as well as demographics and other descriptive information. The 2012
survey was the first year in which members were provided a choice of either a paper or
online questionnaire, with Spanish language versions also available.
The Sample
The 2012 MOS is rooted in a stratified random sample of 135,000 AARP members with
an additional oversample of 5,000 Hispanic/Latino members. Approximately 15% of
sample members had a registered email address and opted-in to receiving research
invitations via email from AARP. The U.S. sample was stratified by state and AARP Life
Stage Segment to ensure adequate representation to allow reporting within these key
groupings.
2012 MOS
2
For External Release
Methodology (cont)
The Method
The survey followed a modified Dillman method utilizing both mail and web
methodologies. Sampled AARP members with a registered email address on file with
AARP were initially contacted via email. This email invitation provided members with a
personalized URL to the online version of the questionnaire
questionnaire. All other members received
exclusively mail contacts beginning with a prenotification letter explaining the survey.
Those emailable members who did not complete an online questionnaire after three total
email contacts (the invitation plus two additional reminder emails) were also included in
all subsequent mail contacts beginning with the initial paper questionnaire mailout. All
mail contacts, including those with a paper questionnaire, also included the option of
completing the questionnaire via a URL and unique password to the online version of the
survey. Those not completing the survey online or not returning the paper questionnaire
prior to the next mailing received up to three additional mail contacts encouraging
participation. In total, members could have received up to 3 email contacts and up to 5
mail contacts. The next to last mail contact included a replacement questionnaire.
Survey Response Rates
A total of 36,947 members completed and returned a questionnaire for an overall
national response rate of 27 percent (AAPOR RR3) and a margin of error of ±1.0
percent.
2012 MOS
3
For External Release
Methodology (cont)
Weighting
Weighting of the MOS was carried out in two stages. The first stage adjusted for the
initial stratification done during the sampling phase while the second stage adjusted for
nonresponse and post-stratified the final sample so as to provide a representative
sample of AARP Members both nationally and within each state
state. Stage 1 of the
weighting process utilized a traditional matrix weight to adjust for the initial stratification
by state and AARP Life Stage Segment. The second stage of the weighting process
(Stage 2) employed RIM weighting to adjust for age, gender, times AARP Membership
has been renewed, political ideology, email op-in
op in status, and AARP engagement. This
approach yielded a final weighted data set that very closely matches the AARP
membership as represented by the AARP Membership Database on the items
considered, as well as providing successful correction on numerous other characteristics
not directly included in the weighting.
More Information
For data and key findings from the 2012 Member Opinion Survey, please visit:
http://www.aarp.org/memberopinions. For more detailed information about the
methodology, please contact John Fries, Director of Tracking Research at
jfries@aarp.org.
2012 MOS
4
For External Release
MOS Team Members
Team
Members:
Gretchen
Anderson
Cheryl
Barnes
Director:
Aisha Bonner Kathi Brown
Becky
Gillan
Patty David
J h Hagerty
John
H
t
Ed Evans
Vicki Gelfeld
Team
Lead:
Allison
so
Kulwicki
Je
Jennifer
e
Leslie
Darlene
a e e
Matthews
Jo
John
Fries
Rebecca
Perron
Erin Pinkus
Wendy Pratt
Jen Sauer
Karen Turner
Alicia
Williams
2012 MOS
5
For External Release
Section 1 Interests and Concerns
S ti 2 Life
Section
Lif Events
E
t and
d Civic
Ci i Activity
A ti it
Section 3 Grand Parenting, Caregiving, and Community
Section 4 Technology
Section 5 Demographics
2012 MOS
6
For External Release
Interests and Concerns
2012 MOS
7
For External Release
Top 10 Concerns among AARP Members
Top Concerns (extremely/very concerned)
Medicare in future
64%
23%
Staying Mentally Sharp
64%
23%
Social Security in future
18%
68%
Health insurance
58%
Health care expenses
25%
53%
Increased taxes
24%
47%
26%
Portfolio Strategies
Consumer fraud
44%
27%
Declining health
44%
27%
Extremely
Very
Money
Aging in home
46%
24%
Solvent retirement
47%
23%
0%
20%
Question S2Q16: Please rate your own level of concern about the following
issues? (redesigned question wording since 2010)
40%
60%
Health
Home/Family
Personal Time
Other
80%
100%
2012 MOS
8
For External Release
Top 10 AARP Member Concerns Over Time
Top Concerns (extremely/very concerned)
84%
Medicare in future
88%
89%
Staying mentally sharp
87%
85%
Social Security in future
86%
85%
Health insurance
83%
76%
Health care expenses
77%
Increased taxes
73%
Consumer fraud
72%
Declining health
84%
71%
P tf li St
Portfolio
Strategies
t i
2012
2010
Money
Health
72%
Aging
g g in home
70%
Personal Time
67%
Solvent retirement
Other
70%
0%
20%
Question S2Q16: Please rate your own level of concern about the following
issues? (redesigned question wording since 2010)
40%
60%
y
Home/Family
80%
100%
2012 MOS
9
For External Release
Additional Concerns of AARP Members
Additional Concerns (extremely/very concerned)
41%
27%
42%
26%
40%
27%
40%
26%
45%
20%
38%
25%
36%
26%
35%
25%
33%
23%
29%
24%
32%
19%
32%
17%
25%
18%
22%
18%
21%
13%
18%
15%
17%
15%
15%
10%
Cutting national services
Continuing to drive
C tti state
Cutting
t t services
i
LTC availability
Income to retire
LTC cost
Improving K-12 Education
U f i financial
Unfair
fi
i l practices
i
Cost of utilities
Internet security
Affording groceries
Public assistance benefits
Managing debt
Local employment
Postponing retirement
Age discrimination at work
Having relevant job skills
Losing job
0%
20%
Question S2Q16: Please rate your own level of concern about the following
issues? (redesigned question wording since 2010)
40%
Portfolio Strategies
Extremely
Very
Money
Health
Home/Family
Personal Time
Other
60%
80%
100%
2012 MOS
10
For External Release
Additional Concerns of AARP Members Over Time
Additional Concerns (extremely/very concerned)
Continuing to drive
Cutting national services
Cutting state services
LTC availability
Retirement income
LTC costs
Quality K
K-12
12 education
Unfair financial practices
Cost of utilities
Internet security
Affording groceries
P bli assistance
Public
i t
b
benefits
fit
Managing debt
Local employment opportunities
Postponing retirement
g discrimination at work
Age
Relevant job skills
Losing job
69%
68%
78%
8%
67%
66%
65%
53%
63%
62%
76%
59%
69%
56%
63%
53%
Portfolio Strategies
51%
42%
47%
46%
49%
2010
Money
43%
40%
33%
33%
31%
2012
Health
Home/Family
41%
Personal Time
Other
25%
0%
Question S2Q16: Please rate your own level of concern about the following
issues? (redesigned question wording since 2010)
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
2012 MOS
11
For External Release
Top 10 Concerns among AARP Members by Age
Top 10 Concerns
Overall
50-59
60-69
70+
(extremely/very
concerned
(ranking)
(ranking)
(ranking)
Medicare in future
88%
1
1
1
Staying mentally sharp
87%
3
2
1
Social Security in future
86%
2
3
3
H lth iinsurance
Health
83%
4
4
4
Health care expenses
77%
5
5
6
Increased taxes
73%
8
6
7
Consumer fraud
72%
10
9
5
Declining health
71%
9
7
7
S l
Solvent
t retirement
ti
t
70%
7
7
14
Aging in home
70%
12
10
7
Question S2Q16: Please rate your own level of concern about the following
issues? (redesigned question wording since 2010)
2012 MOS
12
For External Release
Top 10 Concerns among Multicultural AARP Members
Top 10 Concerns
Overall
Hispanic
AA/Black
Asian
(extremely/very
concerned
(ranking)
(ranking)
(ranking)
Medicare in future
88%
1
2
2
Staying mentally sharp
87%
2
1
1
Social Security in future
86%
3
3
3
Health insurance
83%
5
4
5
Health care expenses
77%
4
5
6
Increased taxes
73%
7
9
7
Consumer fraud
72%
6
6
4
Declining health
71%
11
10
8
Solvent retirement
70%
8
16
16
Aging in home
70%
9
11
10
Question S2Q16: Please rate your own level of concern about the following
issues? (redesigned question wording since 2010)
2012 MOS
13
For External Release
Top Interests among AARP Members
Top Interests (extremely/very interested)
Staying mentally sharp
28%
63%
32%
58%
Staying physically fit
Time with family, friends
48%
Maintaining a healthy diet
38%
33%
52%
Time on hobbies, interests
33%
Learn new things
33%
40%
35%
Unbiased political info
37%
30%
Unbiased candidate info
37%
30%
Portfolio Strategies
Extremely
Very
Money
Traveling
33%
Health
Home/Family
33%
Personal Time
Advocacy
35%
Local entertainment
28%
0%
20%
Question S2Q17: Please rate your own level of interest about the following ?
(redesigned question wording since 2010)
29%
Other
34%
40%
60%
80%
100%
2012 MOS
14
For External Release
Top Interests among AARP Members Over Time
Top Interests (extremely/very interested)
89%
Staying mentally sharp
92%
88%
Staying physically fit
90%
81%
Time with family, friends
86%
88%
Maintaining a healthy diet
85%
62%
Time on hobbies, interests
73%
69%
Learn new things
68%
Portfolio Strategies
2012
Unbiased political info
67%
Unbiased candidate info
Money
Health
67%
54%
Traveling
Advocacy
Home/Family
66%
63%
0%
20%
Question S2Q17: Please rate your own level of interest about the following?
(redesigned question wording since 2010)
40%
60%
2010
Personal Time
Other
72%
80%
100%
2012 MOS
15
For External Release
Additional Topics of Interest to AARP Members
Additional Interests (extremely/very interested)
Financial planning
21%
18%
Retirement activities
20%
15%
Retirement alternatives
13%
Applicable jobs
15%
8%
Gain new skills
11%
7%
Local volunteer opps
10%
5%
11%
Portfolio Strategies
Ad
Advance
iin jjob,career
b
6%
E t
Extremely
l
8%
Very
V
Money
Online social network sites
5%
Start a job,career
5%
8%
Health
Home/Family
6%
Personal Time
Starting own business
4%
Other
4%
0%
Question S2Q17: Please rate your own level of interest about the following?
(redesigned question wording since 2010)
20%
40%
60%
2012 MOS
16
For External Release
Additional Topics of Interest to AARP Members Over
Time
Additional Interests (extremely/very interested)
Local entertainment
Financial planning
62%
60%
39%
Retirement activities
35%
Retirement alternatives
38%
28%
Applicable jobs
19%
Gain new skills
17%
Local volunteer opps
pp
16%
24%
Portfolio Strategies
24%
2012
2010
Money
Advance in job,career
14%
Online social network sites
Health
31%
13%
Start a jjob,career
,
8%
Personal Time
23%
11%
Starting own business
Home/Family
Oth
Other
15%
0%
Question S2Q17: Please rate your own level of interest about the following?
(redesigned question wording since 2010)
20%
40%
60%
2012 MOS
17
For External Release
Topics of Interests to AARP Members by Age
Group
Top 10 Interests
Overall
50-59
60-69
70+
(extremely/very
interested
(ranking)
(ranking)
(ranking)
Staying mentally sharp
92%
1
1
1
Staying physically fit
90%
2
2
2
Time with family, friends
86%
3
3
4
Maintaining a healthy diet
85%
4
4
3
Time on hobbies, interests
73%
5
5
7
Learn new things
68%
6
6
8
Unbiased candidate info
67%
7
8
5
Unbiased political info
67%
7
8
5
Traveling
66%
9
7
10
Advocacy
63%
10
10
8
Local entertainment
63%
10
10
11
Question S2Q17: Please rate your own level of interest about the following
topics? (redesigned question wording since 2010)
2012 MOS
18
For External Release
Topics of Interest to Multicultural AARP Members
Top 10 Interests
Overall
Hispanic
AA/Black
Asian
(extremely/very
interested
(ranking)
(ranking)
(ranking)
Staying mentally sharp
92%
1
1
1
Staying physically fit
90%
2
2
2
Time with family, friends
86%
4
4
4
Maintaining a healthy diet
85%
3
3
3
Time on hobbies, interests
73%
5
5
6
Learn new things
68%
6
6
5
Unbiased candidate info
67%
10
11
9
Unbiased political info
67%
10
10
9
Traveling
66%
6
6
7
Advocacy
63%
9
9
11
Local entertainment
63%
6
6
8
Question S2Q17: Please rate your own level of interest about the following
topics? (redesigned question wording since 2010)
2012 MOS
19
For External Release
Life Events and Civic Activity
2012 MOS
20
For External Release
Most Common Life Events among AARP Members
Top Life Events (out of 26)
No events
12%
Reduction in savings
34%
Reduction in income
33%
Chronic health problems
28%
y, friend
Death of family,
27%
Decline in physical health
25%
Difficulty walking
18%
Hearing or vision loss
18%
Started Social Security
17%
Birth of grandchild
16%
Started Retirement
15%
Debt Problems
14%
0%
20%
Question S1Q14: Which of he following events have affected your life or your
spouse/partner’s life in the last 2 years? (redesigned question wording since 2010)
40%
60%
80%
100%
2012 MOS
21
For External Release
Most Common Life Events among AARP
Members Over Time
Top Life Events (out of 26)
2010
None of the above
12%
2012
17%
30%
Reduction in savings
34%
30%
Reduction in income
33%
Chronic health problems
28%
21%
Death of family, friend
27%
27%
Decline in physical health
25%
Difficulty walking
18%
Hearing or vision loss
18%
Started Social Security
17%
18%
18%
Birth of grandchild
12%
Started Retirement
12%
16%
15%
14%
Debt Problems
14%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Question S1Q14: Which of he following events have affected your life or your spouse/
partner’s life in the last 2 years? (redesigned question wording since 2010)
Estimates from previous waves of Member Opinion Survey have been recalculated so as to be consistent with the calculation used in 2012.
100%
2012 MOS
22
For External Release
Additional Life Events Experienced by AARP
Members Over Time
Additional Life Events (out of 26)
2010
None
Job Loss
Provided care to relative
Major illness
Family member moved in
Adult children dependent
p
Provided care to spouse
Memory loss
Loss of health insurance
Moved
Start a new job
Relative in nursing home
Death of spouse
Stopped driving
St t d own b
Started
business
i
Loss of home
Divorce or separation
12%
7%
6%
2012
17%
12%
12%
8%
12%
8%
8%
4%
8%
9%
8%
5%
7%
6%
7%
4%
6%
4%
5%
5%
5%
4%
4%
1%
2%
2%
3%
2%
0%
20%
40%
Question S1Q14: Which of he following events have affected your life or your spouse/
partner’s life in the last 2 years? (redesigned question wording since 2010)
Estimates from previous waves of Member Opinion Survey have been recalculated so as to be consistent with the calculation used in 2012.
60%
2012 MOS
23
For External Release
Top Life Events Among AARP Members by Age
Group
Age 50-59
Age 60-69
Age 70+
Reduction in income
42%
Reduction in income
40%
Chronic health problems
34%
Reduction in savings
39%
Reduction in savings
38%
31%
Death of family, friend
30%
Started Social Security
36%
Decline in physical
health
Reduction in savings
Chronic health problems
24%
Death of family, friend
29%
Hearing or vision loss
26%
Debt Problems
24%
Started Retirement
28%
Difficulty walking
26%
Job Loss
23%
Chronic health problems
27%
Death of family, friend
25%
Decline in physical health
20%
Decline in physical
health
22%
Reduction in income
23%
Provided care to relative
20%
Birth of grandchild
20%
NONE OF THE ABOVE
15%
Birth of grandchild
16%
Debt Problems
15%
Major illness
14%
Start a new job
14%
Provided care to relative
15%
Birth of grandchild
13%
30%
Red = unique to segment; green = appears in 2 segments; black = all segments
Question S1Q14: Which of he following events have affected your life or your
spouse/partner’s life in the last 2 years? (redesigned question wording since 2010)
2012 MOS
24
For External Release
Top Life Events Among Multicultural AARP
Members
Hispanic
African American
Asian
Reduction in income
38%
Reduction in income
36%
Reduction in income
31%
Reduction in savings
36%
Chronic health problems
33%
Chronic health problems
30%
Chronic health problems
29%
Death of family, friend
32%
Reduction in savings
26%
Death of family, friend
27%
Reduction in savings
31%
Death of family, friend
22%
Debt problems
25%
Debt Problems
31%
19%
Decline in physical health
24%
19%
16%
Started retirement
17%
Decline in p
physical
y
health
Difficulty walking
Decline in physical
health
Hearing or vision loss
19%
Started retirement
15%
Started Social Security
16%
Started Social Security
17%
Started Social Security
14%
Birth of grandchild
16%
Job Loss
15%
Difficulty walking
14%
Difficulty walking
16%
Birth of grandchild
14%
Birth of grandchild
10%
Red = unique to segment; green = appears in 2 segments; black = all segments
Question S1Q14: Which of he following events have affected your life or your
spouse/partner’s life in the last 2 years? (redesigned question wording since 2010)
2012 MOS
25
For External Release
Incidence of Volunteering by AARP Members
Total Membership
Volunteer for neighbor
66%
Volunteer with
organization
54%
*C
Categories
g
are not dependant
p
upon
p one another
(i.e. someone can volunteer with AARP and not
have volunteered in their neighborhood)
S1.Q7. In the last 12 months , have you volunteered any of your time for a nonprofit organization, a charity, school, hospital,
religious organizations, neighborhood association, civic or any other group?
S1.Q8. Aside from an organized group, In the last 12 months , have you given
your time without pay to help your community or someone in need who is and not a member of your family?
2012 MOS
26
For External Release
Incidence of AARP Member Volunteering by Age
Group
Incidence of Volunteering by Age
100%
80%
Overall
74%
77%
50-59
60-69
70+
76%
70%
69%
69%
66%
61%
54%
60%
58%
55%
50%
40%
20%
0%
Any volunteer work
Volunteered with
organization/church/etc
S1.Q7. In the last 12 months , have you volunteered any of your time for a nonprofit organization, a charity, school,
hospital, religious organizations, neighborhood association, civic or any other group?
S1.Q8. Aside from an organized group, In the last 12 months , have you given
your time without pay to help your community or someone in need who is and not a member of your family?
Volunteered for neighbor
2012 MOS
27
For External Release
Incidence of AARP Member Volunteering by Age
Group
Incidence of Volunteering by Age
100%
Any volunteer work
Volunteered with organization/church/etc
Volunteered for neighbor
77%
80%
76%
74%
69%
69%
66%
70%
61%
58%
60%
54%
55%
50%
40%
20%
0%
Overall
50-59
60-69
S1.Q7. In the last 12 months , have you volunteered any of your time for a nonprofit organization, a charity, school,
hospital, religious organizations, neighborhood association, civic or any other group?
S1.Q8. Aside from an organized group, In the last 12 months , have you given
your time without pay to help your community or someone in need who is and not a member of your family?
70+
2012 MOS
28
For External Release
Incidence of Volunteering among Multicultural
AARP Members
Incidence of Volunteering by MME
Overall
Hispanic
AA/Black
Asian
100%
77%
74%
80%
71%
66%
65%
57%
60%
59%
54%
53%
49%
40%
40%
40%
20%
0%
Any Volunteering
Volunteered with organization/church/etc
S1.Q7. In the last 12 months , have you volunteered any of your time for a nonprofit organization, a charity, school,
hospital, religious organizations, neighborhood association, civic or any other group?
S1.Q8. Aside from an organized group, In the last 12 months , have you given
your time without pay to help your community or someone in need who is and not a member of your family?
Volunteered for neighbor
2012 MOS
29
For External Release
Incidence of Volunteering among Multicultural
AARP Members
Incidence Of Volunteering By MME
100%
Any Volunteering
80%
Volunteered with organization/church/etc
77%
74%
71%
66%
65%
59%
60%
Volunteered for neighbor
54%
57%
53%
49%
40%
40%
40%
20%
0%
Overall
Hispanic
AA/Black
S1.Q7. In the last 12 months , have you volunteered any of your time for a nonprofit organization, a charity,
school, hospital, religious organizations, neighborhood association, civic or any other group?
S1.Q8. Aside from an organized group, In the last 12 months , have you given
your time without pay to help your community or someone in need who is and not a member of your family?
Asian
2012 MOS
30
For External Release
Incidence of Charitable Contributions among
AARP Members
Charitable org
82%
Church/ religious
72%
Political advocacy 32%
* categories arenot dependant upon one another
(i.e. someone can donate politically and not have
given to their church)
Question S1Q9: In the last 12 months, have you or anyone in your
household contributed money to:?
2012 MOS
31
For External Release
Incidence of Charitable Contributions among
AARP Members by Age
Incidence of Contributing Money By Age
Overall
50-59
60-69
70+
100%
89% 90% 90% 91%
82%
79%
80%
81%
83% 83%
72%
66% 68%
60%
40%
32%
32%
34%
27%
20%
0%
Any donation
Church/Religious org
Question S1Q9: In the last 12 months, have you or anyone in your
household contributed money to:?
Charitable org
Political/advocacy org
2012 MOS
32
For External Release
Incidence of Charitable Contributions among
AARP Members by Age
Incidence of Contributing Money By Age
Any donation
Church/Religious org
Charitable org
Political/advocacy org
100%
90%
89%
82%
80%
91%
90%
83%
81%
83%
79%
72%
68%
66%
60%
40%
32%
34%
32%
27%
20%
0%
Overall
Question S1Q9: In the last 12 months, have you or anyone in your
household contributed money to:?
50-59
60-69
70+
2012 MOS
33
For External Release
Incidence of Charitable Contributions among
Multicultural AARP Members
Incidence of Donating Money by MME
Overall
Hispanic
African American
Asian
100%
89%
91%
85%
88%
85%
82%
80%
72% 72%
72%
76%
78%
70%
60%
39%
40%
32%
27%
29%
20%
0%
Any donation
Church/Religious org
Question S1Q9: In the last 12 months, have you or anyone in your
household contributed money to:?
Charitable org
Political/advocacy org
2012 MOS
34
For External Release
Incidence of Charitable Contributions among
Multicultural AARP Members
Incidence of Donating Money By MME
100%
Any donation
Church/Religious org
89%
85%
82%
Charitable org
91%
85%
Political/advocacy org
88%
78%
76%
80%
72% 72%
72%
70%
60%
39%
40%
32%
29%
27%
20%
0%
Overall
Question S1Q9: In the last 12 months, have you or anyone in your
household contributed money to:?
Hispanic
African American
Asian
2012 MOS
35
For External Release
Civic Engagement among AARP Members
Civic Engagement Activities
87%
Any of the activities
79%
Voted in a Presidential election
77%
Voted in a State or local election
28%
Contacted public official to voice opinion
25%
Contributed money to a candidate or political party
19%
Met with an elected official
16%
Participated in a political event or town meeting
13%
Wrote letter or called radio/TV to voice opinion
9%
Social Media to express opinions
Volunteered with group to influence government
8%
Worked on candidate/party campaign
8%
0%
S1Q10 In which of the following activities have you participated in the last 5
years, including the last presidential election in 2008?
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
2012 MOS
36
For External Release
Civic Engagement among AARP Members Over
Time
Civic Engagement Activities
2010
2012
Any of the activities
87%
V t d in
Voted
i a Presidential
P id ti l election
l ti
79%
Voted in a State or local election
77%
36%
Contacted public official to voice opinion
28%
24%
Contributed money to a candidate or political party
25%
12%
Met with an elected official
19%
20%
Participated in a political event or town meeting
16%
14%
Wrote letter or called radio/TV to voice opinion
13%
6%
Social Media to express opinions
9%
7%
Volunteered with group to influence government
8%
Worked on candidate/party campaign
8%
0%
20%
40%
60%
S1Q10 In which of the following activities have you participated in the last 5
years, including the last presidential election in 2008?
Estimates from previous waves of Member Opinion Survey have been recalculated so as to be consistent with the calculation used in 2012.
80%
100%
2012 MOS
37
For External Release
Civic Engagement among AARP Members by Age
Incidence Of Participating In Civic Engagement Activities by Age
(Top 5 items of 10)
Overall
100%
87%88%
87%
83%
80%
82% 81%
79%
76%
50-59
60-69
70+
77% 79% 79%
73%
60%
40%
32%
28%29%
24%
25% 27%
21%
26%
20%
21%
19%18% 18%
0%
Any of the
activities
Voted in a
Presidential
election
Voted in a State
or local election
S1Q10 In which of the following activities have you participated in the
last 5 years, including the last presidential election in 2008 ?
Contacted
public official to
voice opinion
Contributed
money to a
candidate or
political party
Met with an
elected official
2012 MOS
38
For External Release
Civic Engagement among AARP Members by Age
Incidence Of Participating In Civic Engagement Activities by Age
(Top 5 items out of 10)
100%
Any of the activities
Voted in a Presidential election
Voted in a State or local election
Contacted public official to voice opinion
Contributed money to a candidate or political party
Met with an elected official
87%
83%
80%
79% 77%
88%
87%
82%
79%
76%
73%
81%
79%
60%
40%
28%
25%
29%
32%
27%
21%
18%
19%
20%
21%
26%
24%
18%
0%
Overall
50-59
S1Q10 In which of the following activities have you participated in the last 5
years, including the last presidential election in 2008?
60-69
70+
2012 MOS
39
For External Release
Civic Engagement among Multicultural AARP
Members
Incidence of Participating in Civic Engagement Activities
(Top 5 activities of 10)
100%
87%
88%
Overall
83%
80%
77%
Hispanic
African American
Asian
81%
79%
77%
75%
74%
70%
70%
63%
60%
40%
34%
28%
25%
24%
21%
21%
19%
16%
20%
19%
19%
14%
13%
0%
Any of the
activities
Voted in a
Presidential
election
Voted in a State
or local election
S1Q10 In which of the following activities have you participated in the last 5
years, including the last presidential election in 2008?
Contacted public
official to voice
opinion
Contributed
money to a
candidate or
political party
Met with an
elected official
2012 MOS
40
For External Release
Civic Engagement among Multicultural AARP
Members
Incidence of Participating in Civic Engagement Activities
(Top 5 activities of 10)
100%
Any of the activities
Voted in a Presidential election
Voted in a State or local election
Contacted public official to voice opinion
Contributed money to a candidate or political party
Met with an elected official
88%
87%
80%
83%
81%
79%
77%
77%
75%
74%
70%
70%
63%
60%
40%
34%
28%
25%
19%
21%21%
20%
24%
19%
14%
19%
16%
13%
0%
Overall
Hispanic
S1Q10 In which of the following activities have you participated in the last 5
years, including the last presidential election in 2008?
African American
Asian
2012 MOS
41
For External Release
Grand Parenting,
Parenting Caregiving,
Caregiving and Community
2012 MOS
42
For External Release
Incidence of Grandchildren among AARP Members
Incidence Of Grandchildren
100%
80%
60%
40%
32%
30%
12%
20%
8%
9%
9%
0%
None
One
Question S1Q11: How many grandchildren do you have? Question S1Q12:
Are you the primary caregiver for any of your grandchildren?
Two
Three
Four
Five or more
2012 MOS
43
For External Release
Incidence of Grandchildren among AARP Members
by Age
Overall
100%
50-59
80%
60-69
70+
12%
20%
15%
8%
overall
50-59
60-69
70+
% of grandparents by age who are a primary
caregiver for at least one grandchild
60%
57%
49%
40%
30%
32%
31%
27%
20%
14%
23%
20%20%
16%
19%
20%21%
12%
11%
0%
None
1 to 2
−
Question S1Q11: How many grandchildren do you have? Question S1Q12: Are
you the primary caregiver for any of your grandchildren?
3 to 4
5 or more
−
┼
2012 MOS
44
For External Release
Incidence of Grandchildren among Multicultural
AARP Members
Overall
100%
Hispanic
80%
AA/Black
Asian
12%
22%
22%
20%
overall
Hispanic
AA/Black
Asian
% of multicultural grandparents by age who are
a primary caregiver for at least one grandchild
60%
47%
36%
32%34%
40%
30%29%28%
20%20%18%22%
20%
19%17%18%
14%
16%
0%
None
1 to 2
−
Question S1Q11: How many grandchildren do you have? Question S1Q12:
Are you the primary caregiver for any of your grandchildren?
3 to 4
−
5 or more
┼
2012 MOS
45
For External Release
Incidence of Caregiving Activities among AARP
Members
Providing Caregiving Activities For Loved One
64% No
A ti it
Activity
Any Activity
36%
Question S1Q13: Which of the following kinds of help do you currently
provide a spouse/partner, parent, grandparent, older relative, or other
adult who cannot do things for themselves?
Caregiving Activity
Grocery shopping
Providing transportation or helping arrange
transportation
Managing finances
Doing housework
Preparing meals
Giving medicines or injections
Getting dressed
Arranging/supervising services from an
agency such as nurses/aides
B thi or showering
Bathing
h
i
Dealing with incontinence or adult diapers
Getting in and out of bed
Feeding
Getting to and from the toilet/bathro- om
Percent Doing
21%
20%
17%
16%
15%
7%
5%
5%
4%
4%
4%
4%
3%
2012 MOS
46
For External Release
Incidence of Caregiving Activities by Member Age
and by Multicultural
100%
Overall
50-59
60-69
70+
100%
Overall
Hispanic
AA/Black
Asian
80%
80%
60%
60%
40%
36%
40%
36%
40% 41%
34%
36%
37%
40%
20%
20%
0%
Age Segments
0%
MME Segments
Question S1Q13: Which of the following kinds of help do you currently
provide a spouse/partner, parent, grandparent, older relative, or other adult
who cannot do things for themselves?
2012 MOS
47
For External Release
Technology
2012 MOS
48
For External Release
Self-Described Comfort Level with Technology
among AARP Members by Age
Comfort Level Of Using Technology By Age
100%
Overall
50-59
60-69
70+
80%
60%
40%
29%
24%
21%
27%
20%
15%
18%
36%
33%
32%
31%
26%
19%
14%
21%
16%
10%
7%
12%
4%
7%
0%
Extremely
Comfortable
Very Comfortable
Question S2Q18: In general, how comfortable are you in trying new technologies
(new devices, software, internet upgrades, new sites, social networking)?
Somewhat
Comfortable
Not Too
Comfortable
Not At All
Comfortable
2012 MOS
49
For External Release
Self-Described Comfort Level with Technology
among AARP Members by Age
Comfort Level Of Using Technology By Age
100%
Extremely Comfortable
Very Comfortable
Somewhat Comfortable
Not Too Comfortable
Not At All Comfortable
80%
60%
40%
21%
20%
36%
33%
32%
31%
29%
27%
19%
15%
18%
12%
26%
21%
24%
16%
10%
14%
7%
4%
7%
0%
Overall
50-59
Question S2Q18: In general, how comfortable are you in trying new technologies
(new devices, software, internet upgrades, new sites, social networking)?
60-69
70+
2012 MOS
50
For External Release
Self-Described Comfort Level with Technology among
Multicultural AARP Members
Comfort Level Of Using Technology By MME
100%
Overall
Hispanic
Black/AA
Asian
80%
60%
40%
20%
34%34%
33%
30%
19%18%
17%
15%
25%
25%
23%
21%
19%
16%16%17%
12%
10% 9%
7%
0%
Extremely
Comfortable
Very Comfortable
Somewhat
Comfortable
Question S2Q18: In general, how comfortable are you in trying new
technologies (new devices, software, internet upgrades, new sites, social networking)?
Not Too
Comfortable
Not At All
Comfortable
2012 MOS
51
For External Release
Self-Described Comfort Level with Technology
among Multicultural AARP Members
Comfort Level Of Using Technology By MME
100%
Extremely Comfortable
Very Comfortable
Somewhat Comfortable
Not Too Comfortable
Not At All Comfortable
80%
60%
40%
34%
33%
25%
21%
20%
34%
30%
19%
15%
19%
25%
23%
18%
16%
12%
17%
16%
10%
17%
9%
7%
0%
Overall
Hispanic
Question S2Q18: In general, how comfortable are you in trying new
technologies (new devices, software, internet upgrades, new sites, social networking)?
AA/Black
Asian
2012 MOS
52
For External Release
Electronic Device Ownership among AARP
Members by Age
Device Ownership By Age
100%
Overall
50-59
60-69
70+
80%
69%
66%
65%
59%
57%
60%
50%
48%
40%
34%
31%
24% 24%
20%
19%
20%
13%
14%
20%
17%
13%
8%
8%
%
0%
Desktop computer
Laptop computer
Ereader
Ipad/Tablet
None
2012 MOS
Question S2Q19: Which of the following items do you currently have?
53
For External Release
Electronic Device Ownership among AARP
Members by Age
Device Ownership By Age
Desktop computer
100%
Laptop computer
eReader
Ipad/Tablet
None
80%
69%
66%
65%
59%
57%
60%
50%
48%
40%
34%
31%
24%
20%
19%
20%
24%
20%
17%
14%
13%
13%
8%
8%
0%
Overall
50-59
60-69
70+
2012 MOS
Question S2Q19: Which of the following items do you currently have?
54
For External Release
Electronic Device Ownership among
Multicultural AARP Members
Device Ownership By MME
100%
Overall
Hispanic
Black/AA
Asian
80%
64%
59%
60%
54% 55%
52%
48%
44%
39%
40%
27% 28%
21%
19%
20%
15%
15%
11%
20%
16%
14% 13%
8%
0%
Desktop computer
Laptop computer
Ereader
Ipad/Tablet
None
2012 MOS
Question S2Q19: Which of the following items do you currently have?
55
For External Release
Electronic Device Ownership among
Multicultural AARP Members
Device Ownership By MME
Desktop computer
100%
Laptop computer
eReader
Ipad/Tablet
None
80%
64%
59%
60%
55%
54%
52%
48%
44%
39%
40%
28%
27%
20%
21%
20%
19%
14%
15%
13%
16%
15%
11%
8%
0%
Overall
Hispanic
Black/AA
Asian
2012 MOS
Question S2Q19: Which of the following items do you currently have? N=
56
For External Release
Frequency of Internet Use among AARP Members
Frequency of Going Online
100%
80%
60%
45%
40%
20%
17%
20%
6%
5%
3%
1%
2%
Every few
mnths
Less Often
0%
Several
times a day
Once a day 3-5 days/wk 1-2 days/wk
Question S2Q20: About how often do you go online, including access from
home, work, mobile, or someplace else?
Every few
wks
Never
2012 MOS
57
For External Release
Frequency of Online Activities among AARP
Members
Online Uses
Every
day
3-5
days/wk
1-2
days/wk
1-2x a
month
Less than
1x a month
Never
Check Email
70%
14%
7%
4%
2%
4%
Get news/info
40%
17%
13%
9%
10%
11%
yg
game
Play
25%
11%
8%
6%
12%
37%
Social network
19%
8%
9%
7%
11%
46%
Banking
13%
16%
17%
15%
7%
31%
Watch TV/movies
11%
5%
6%
8%
17%
53%
Health/med info
9%
11%
18%
28%
22%
12%
Shop for deal
4%
7%
14%
26%
28%
21%
M k purchase
Make
h
1%
3%
8%
34%
36%
18%
Donate to charity
1%
1%
2%
11%
29%
56%
Question S2Q21: Thinking about what you do online, how often do you use
the internet for each of the following? *of those who are online
2012 MOS
58
For External Release
Frequency of Online Activities among AARP
Members by Age
By Age
Overall
50-59
60-69
70+
22%
Watch TV/movies
4%
Donate to charity
46%
Banking
38%
Health/med info
70%
Get news/info
36%
Social network
25%
Shop for deal
12%
Make purchase
44%
Play game
90%
Ch k Email
Check
E il
0%
20%
Question S2Q21: Thinking about what you do online, how often do you use
the internet for each of the following? *of those who are online
40%
60%
80%
100%
2012 MOS
59
For External Release
Frequency of Online Activities among
Multicultural AARP Members
By MME
Overall
Hispanic
AA/Black
Asian
22%
Watch TV/movies
4%
Donate to charity
46%
Banking
38%
Health/med
ea t / ed info
o
70%
Get news/info
36%
Social network
25%
Sh
Shop
ffor d
deall
12%
Make purchase
44%
Play game
90%
Check Email
0%
20%
Question S2Q21: Thinking about what you do online, how often do you use
the internet for each of the following? *of those who are online
40%
60%
80%
100%
2012 MOS
60
For External Release
Cell Phone Ownership among AARP Members
Cell Phone Ownership And Smart Phone
Ownership
Not sure
1%
No
8%
Yes
91%
Question S2Q23/Q24: Do you or any adults in HH have a working cell phone?
Is the cell phone a smart phone such as a blackberry, iPhone, or Droid?
Of cell
phone
h
owners:
31% have
a smart
phone
h
2012 MOS
61
For External Release
Phone Utilization by AARP Members
Phone Utilization Within Household
Not sure, 1%
Cell phone
mainly, 22%
Landline
mainly, 21%
Question S2Q25: Which of the following best describes how you and other
adults in your HH receive all of the phone calls in the HH?
Use both cell
phone and
landline
phone
equally 56%
2012 MOS
62
For External Release
Cell Phone Ownership among AARP Members
by Age
Cell Phone Ownership By Age
Overall
96%
100%
91%
50-59
60-69
70+
95%
85%
80%
49%
60%
31%
40%
35%
15%
20%
0%
Have a cell phone
Question S2Q23/Q24: Do you or any adults in HH have a working cell
phone? Is the cell phone a smart phone such as a blackberry, iPhone, or
Droid?
Have a smart phone
2012 MOS
63
For External Release
Cell Phone Ownership among Multicultural AARP
Members
Cell Phone Ownership By MME
Overall
100%
91%
90%
Hispanic
Black/AA
Asian
92%
83%
80%
60%
46%
38%
31%
33%
40%
20%
0%
Have a cell phone
Question S2Q23/Q24: Do you or any adults in HH have a working cell phone?
Is the cell phone a smart phone such as a blackberry, iPhone, or Droid?
Total and African American data are weighted. Hispanic data are based on unweighted oversample only.
Have a smart phone
2012 MOS
64
For External Release
Demographics
2012 MOS
65
For External Release
Home Ownership among AARP Members
Members Who Report Owning Their Home
100%
80%
60%
88%
88%
85%
40%
83%
20%
0%
2003
2006
2010
2012
Question S3Q27: Do you own or rent your primary residence?
*no answer responses are not included and data is weighted to reflect membership
Estimates from previous waves of Member Opinion Survey have been recalculated so as to be consistent with the calculation used in 2012.
2012 MOS
66
For External Release
Community Rating by AARP Members
Members Rating of Their
Community For 2012
100%
Members Rating of Their
Community
Very Good
Excellent
80%
2%
100%
Poor
10%
Fair
80%
60%
27%
Good
38%
37%
Very Good
60%
35%
40%
38%
Excellent
40%
20%
20%
24%
22%
2006
2010
23%
23%
0%
0%
Question S3Q28: How would you rate your community as a place for older people to live? *no answer responses are not included and
data is weighted to reflect membership
Estimates from previous waves of Member Opinion Survey have been recalculated so as to be consistent with the calculation used in 2012.
2012
2012 MOS
67
For External Release
Gender Ratio among AARP Members
100%
Members Gender
Male
Female
80%
60%
49% 51%
49% 51%
2000
2003
54%
52%
48%
46%
52%
48%
40%
20%
0%
2006
2010
Question S3Q29: Are you male or female? *no answer responses are not
included and data is weighted to reflect membership data
Estimates from previous waves of Member Opinion Survey have been recalculated so as to be consistent with the calculation used in 2012.
2012
2012 MOS
68
For External Release
Age Distribution among AARP Members
Members Age Breaks
100%
50-59
60-69
70+
80%
60%
40%
37%
40%
32%
28%
30%
38%
36% 36%
33%
40%
27%
22%
20%
0%
2003
2006
2010
2012
Question S3Q30: What is your age? *no answer responses are not included and data is weighted to reflect
membership and data is weighted to reflect membership
Estimates from previous waves of Member Opinion Survey have been recalculated so as to be consistent with the calculation used in 2012.
2012 MOS
69
For External Release
Employment Status among AARP Members
100%
Members Employment Status
Working
Retired
Other*
80%
60%
49%
49%
49%
42%
40%
40%
49%
12%
40%
39%
38%
20%
50%
12%
10%
10%
8%
0%
2000
2003
2006
2010
2012
*other includes unemployed, homemakers, and other
Question S3Q32/31: What is your current employment status and have you retired from a previous career? *no
answer responses are not included and data is weighted to reflect membership
Estimates from previous waves of Member Opinion Survey have been recalculated so as to be consistent with the calculation used in 2012.
2012 MOS
70
For External Release
Incidence of Disability, Handicap, or Chronic
Disease among AARP Members
Members Impacted By Disability/Chronic Disease
100%
80%
67%
60%
40%
25%
13%
20%
0%
Member
Spouse
Question S3Q35: Does any disability, handicap, or chronic disease keep you or your
spouse from participating fully in work, school, housework, or other activities?
*no answer responses are not included and data is weighted to reflect membership
Neither
2012 MOS
71
For External Release
Education Level among AARP Members
2012 Education Levels
Education Trends for Members
100%
HS Grad Or Less
Some Post HS
5%
College Graduate Or More
22%
80%
24%
60%
16%
40%
36%
32%
31%
33% 33% 35%
35% 35%
31%
33% 33%
7%
38%
36%
33%
29%
25%
20%
0%
2000
2003
2006
2010
2012
Some HS or Less
Tech/Vocational School
4 Year College Grad
Question S3Q36: What is the highest level of education you have achieved? *no answer responses are not
included and data is weighted to reflect membership
Estimates from previous waves of Member Opinion Survey have been recalculated so as to be consistent with the calculation used in 2012.
HS Grad
Some College
Postgrad Work
2012 MOS
72
For External Release
Race/Ethnicity Status among AARP Members
Members Race/Ethnicity Status
100%
Non-White
Hispanic
Black/AA
Asian
Other
80%
60%
40%
20%
14%
13%
10%
9%
2%
8%
5%
1%
3%
2%
8%
7%
6%
1%
3%
3%
1%
3%
3%
8%
2% 3%
3%
1%
3%
0%
2000
2003
2006
2010
Question S3Q37/39: Are you of Spanish, Latino, or Hispanic origin? What race do
you consider yourself? *no answer responses are not included
Estimates from previous waves of Member Opinion Survey have been recalculated so as to be consistent with the calculation used in 2012.
2012
2012 MOS
73
For External Release
Marital Status among AARP Members
100%
Members Who Are Married Or Living
With Partner
2012 Marital Status
80%
6%
61%
61%
59%
58%
14%
59%
60%
3%
1%
40%
56%
19%
20%
0%
2000
2003
2006
2010
2012
Married
M i d
Widowed
Wid
d
Separated
S
t d
Partner
Divorced
Never Married
Question S3Q40: What is the highest level of education you have achieved? *no answer
responses are not included and data is weighted to reflect membership
Estimates from previous waves of Member Opinion Survey have been recalculated so as to be consistent with the calculation used in 2012.
2012 MOS
74
For External Release
2011 Pre-Tax Annual Household Income
among AARP Members
Members Income Trends
100%
<$25K
$25-$75K
>$75K
80%
60%
51%
50%
49%
47%
48%
40%
30%
%
27%
22%
20%
27%
24%
30%
%
28%
24%
22%
20%
0%
2000
2003
2006
2010
Question S3Q43: What was your total pre-tax household income from all sources in 2011? *no answer
responses are not included and data is weighted to reflect membership
Estimates from previous waves of Member Opinion Survey have been recalculated so as to be consistent with the calculation used in 2012.
2012
2012 MOS
75
For External Release
For
o More
o e Information,
o at o , including
c ud g additional
add t o a products
p oducts from
o tthe
e
2012 Member Opinion Survey, please visit:
http://www.aarp.org/memberopinions.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that
helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial to them and
y as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for p
public office or make contributions to
society
either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for
Americans 50+ and the world's largest-circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news
source for the 50+ audience; AARP VIVA, a bilingual lifestyle multimedia platform addressing the
interests and needs of Hispanic Americans; and national television and radio programming
including My Generation and Inside E Street
Street. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that
provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from
thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org
2012 MOS
76
For External Release