From Legacy to Lifeline: AARP Celebrates Social Security at 90 Years (09-14-25)

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Cathleen Simlar, Senior Communications Manager, AARP Michigan.
This year marks the 90th anniversary of Social Security, which has helped generations of Michiganders retire with dignity after a lifetime of hard work. It’s one of the most successful initiatives in American history, and a new AARP survey shows it’s still doing exactly what it was built to do. AARP is proudly honoring the legacy of Social Security—while fighting to protect and strengthen Social Security for older Americans today, and for our children and grandchildren. More than one in five U.S. residents - 69 million Americans - receives Social Security. Social Security lifts 511,000 Michiganders out of poverty every year. Without Social Security, 36.3% of people over 65 in Michigan would live in poverty. With Social Security, the poverty rate is 8.7%. For more than 834,000 Michiganders, Social Security is their primary source of income. Social Security benefits add $49.6 billion to Michigan’s economy every year. The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) trust fund, which pays retirement and survivor benefits, is projected to be depleted in 2033. The Disability Insurance (DI) trust fund is not expected to be depleted within the 75-year projection period.

Online Resources:
AARP Pledge to Fight for Social Security
AARP Michigan
AARP Retirement Basics


About AARP: AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.