I’m not sure I was even 50 years old when I received my first invitation to join AARP – the American Association of Retired Persons. Or at least that’s what they used to be called. I honestly couldn’t find the title on their website now.
In the About Us section of the web, we do find this description:
“AARP empowers people to choose how they live as they age. More than 100 million Americans are aged fifty and older, and people want their money, health, and happiness to last as long as they do. We are a wise friend and fierce defender, focusing on the priorities of older Americans.”
Founded in 1958, “…with the intention to: 1) enhance the quality of life for older persons, 2) promote independence, dignity and purpose for older persons, 3) lead in determining the role and place of older persons in society and 4) improve the image of aging. Membership dues are $2.”
Membership fees have risen, but not by much – my renewal for 2024 is $16. Admittedly, I have not explored the entirety of the website and benefits. There are many and they are diverse. I do receive and read the official magazine, which comes every two months or so, with cover features on people from my generation – Brooke Shields, Jon Bon Jovi, Kevin Costner. So, I should relate to this, right?
However…am I the only GenXer who doesn’t feel like they should belong to AARP? First off, how are we 50+? When did that happen? And the AARP Bulletin is chock full of ads for large button cell phones, walk-in/sit-down tub/showers, Life Alert alarms…like it’s still 1980.
Granted, I pay the membership fee each year, mostly because I’m convinced that the organization probably does advocate for seniors and offers other good benefits. I just haven’t gone down the rabbit hole of membership to find out for sure.
And the resistance might be that I just don’t want to admit I qualify for the membership in the first place. Anyone with me?
Let me know if you are a member of the official old persons org and what your experience has been. Worth the price? What’s your favorite benefit?
