AARP is an independent non-profit foundation based in Washington, District of Columbia. Established in 1958 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the foundation's mission is to help people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities, and fights for the issues that matter most to families, such as health care, employment, and income security, and protection from financial abuse. The assets of the foundation are managed by the board of directors.AARP's investment portfolio is valued at $4.11 billion, with investments in private equity, real estate, hedge funds, infrastructure, real assets, publicly-traded equity, fixed income, and cash.