AARP's Official Stance on Guns and Gun Policy

AARP does not take a position for or against gun control as an organization. AARP's official policy is to remain neutral on Second Amendment issues and gun regulation debates. This means AARP does not lobby for stricter gun laws or for fewer restrictions on firearms.

AARP's stated reason for this neutrality is that gun ownership and gun policy involve deeply held personal beliefs that differ widely among its members. Because AARP's membership includes people across the political spectrum—some who strongly support gun rights and others who support gun restrictions—the organization chose not to advocate for one side of this debate.

What AARP does address are specific safety issues that affect older adults, such as firearm storage practices that reduce accidental injury and suicide risk. AARP has published educational materials about safe storage and has supported research on injury prevention, but this is distinct from taking a stance on gun control policy itself.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP maintains official neutrality on gun control and does not lobby for stricter or looser gun regulations.
  • AARP's membership includes people with different views on gun rights, which is why the organization does not advocate for one position.
  • AARP does publish information about firearm safety and storage practices to reduce accidental injury and suicide risk among older adults.
  • Individual AARP members and staff may hold personal views on gun policy, but these are not AARP's organizational position.

Why AARP Chose Neutrality on This Issue

AARP represents millions of older adults with different political views and different relationships to gun ownership. Some members own firearms for hunting, sport shooting, or self-defense. Others do not own guns and support restrictions on gun sales or ownership. AARP determined that taking a side on gun control would alienate a significant portion of its membership and undermine its ability to advocate on issues where there is broader agreement among older adults.

This neutrality approach is consistent with how AARP handles other divisive political issues. The organization focuses its advocacy on matters where there is substantial consensus among its members, such as Medicare, Social Security, prescription drug costs, and age discrimination in employment.

What AARP Does Address Related to Guns

Although AARP does not take a position on gun control policy, the organization has addressed specific safety concerns related to firearms. AARP has published educational resources about safe firearm storage, particularly in homes where there are grandchildren or where an older adult may be at risk of suicide.

Research shows that older adults have the highest suicide rate of any age group in the United States, and firearms are involved in a significant portion of these deaths. AARP has supported efforts to educate older adults and their families about find storage practices and about recognizing warning signs of suicide risk. This work is framed as injury prevention and mental health support, not as gun control advocacy.

AARP has also supported research on firearm injuries among older adults and has made information about this research available to members. Again, this is presented as health and safety information rather than as a position on gun policy.

How Individual AARP Members and Staff May Differ

AARP's organizational neutrality does not mean that individual AARP members, employees, or even some state AARP chapters do not hold personal views on gun control. Many do. However, these personal positions are separate from AARP's official organizational stance.

Some AARP staff members and members have publicly supported gun control measures, while others have publicly opposed them. AARP as an organization does not endorse or oppose these individual positions. The distinction between personal belief and organizational policy is important to understand when you see news coverage of AARP and gun issues.

How to Find AARP's Positions on Other Policy Issues

If you want to know AARP's official position on a specific policy issue, AARP publishes a list of its advocacy priorities on its website. This list includes issues where AARP has taken a clear stance, such as protecting Social Security and Medicare, lowering prescription drug costs, and preventing age discrimination.

You can also contact your state AARP office directly if you have questions about AARP's positions. State offices sometimes have more detailed information about how AARP's national policies explore in your area.

Understanding AARP's Role as an Advocacy Organization

AARP is a membership organization that uses its size and resources to advocate for policies that benefit older adults. However, AARP's power to influence policy depends on maintaining credibility with elected officials and with the public. Taking a strong position on a divisive issue like gun control could reduce AARP's influence on other issues where the organization has broader support.

This is a strategic choice, not a statement about the importance of gun safety or gun rights. Different advocacy organizations make different choices about which issues to prioritize and which to avoid. Some organizations focused on older adults do take positions on gun control, while others, like AARP, do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has AARP ever changed its position on gun control?

AARP has maintained its neutral stance on gun control for many years. The organization has not shifted to supporting or opposing gun control measures. However, AARP's work on firearm safety and suicide prevention has expanded over time as research on these topics has grown.

Does AARP support background checks or other specific gun regulations?

AARP does not take an official position on specific gun regulations like background checks, waiting periods, or restrictions on certain types of firearms. These are gun control policy questions, and AARP remains neutral on them.

Can I find out what individual AARP leaders think about gun control?

Some AARP leaders have spoken publicly about their personal views on gun policy, and you can find these statements through news coverage or social media. However, these personal views are not AARP's organizational position. If you want to know AARP's official stance on an issue, look for statements from AARP's national office or your state AARP chapter.

Does AARP's neutrality on guns mean the organization does not care about gun safety?

No. AARP's neutrality on gun control policy is separate from its commitment to safety. AARP publishes information about safe firearm storage and supports research on preventing firearm injuries. The organization straightforward does not take a position on whether there should be more or fewer legal restrictions on guns.