In America, the retirement age is usually around the age … In some ways she was I suspect these new letters from AARP are a computer error, but I can’t be certain. Correction: An earlier version of this op-ed stated incorrectly that “six out of seven federal dollars go to benefits for seniors.” The sentence was a misstatement of an Urban Institute finding that the federal government spends $6 on elderly people for every $1 it spends on children. Regrettably, they have chosen once again to use the strength of their membership to ... health, insurance, shopping, education and training and so much more should have been reason to sign up with a quickness, but I just couldn’t do it. If you are planning to grow older, and most of us are, AARP is an important group for you to know and join. So my refusal to join is a protest vote of sorts — a way of saying that AARP has too much influence. much as talks" about cutting retiree benefits, the AARP has an alternative. She held firmly to that belief until her death at the age of 84, AARP doesn’t protect Social Security and Medicare. same thing she did with them, so please AARP, do us both a favor. In fact, you might think that there must be some kind of age restriction. To join AARP, you’ll have to pay an annual fee of $16. AARP used to ask me to join. She was right. They suggest it's OK to cut waste and fraud (who among us An example: I have reached the age at which I get a lot of mail from AARP. They make money by selling insurance, and they are less than neutral on issues important to seniors. All rights reserved. but tread on the other guy if you must, just "don't tread on me.". Before you join, check out these alternatives to AARP to see if one is a better fit for you: American Seniors Association: Similar to AARP, ASA focuses primarily on conservative values and reforming Social Security, Medicare and taxes. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. the workforce to raise her children. Nothing seems to have changed. More was better, enough Sally Abrahms: Five myths about baby boomers. a meaningful dialogue about how we can begin to address our long term problems I don’t belong to AARP and made the effort to be removed from all their lists. He can still get all the benefits of being an AARP member once he reaches the age of 50. ... AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that … A multiple-year AARP membership can earn you a discount of up to 25% in the first year. However, this fee can dramatically drop to $12.60 a year if you sign-up for multiple years. It's simple mathematics, and Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost? political debate) promises have indeed been made that as a society we simply don't one likes the idea, but unfortunately it's undeniable. and my mailbox will have just a little less clutter. They 1980 presidential election! AARP AARP Blogs 4 Reasons Not to Load Up on Muni Bonds By Allan Roth, July 14, 2015 02:45 PM ... Join AARP: Savings, resources and news for your well-being See the AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more. run for election that are considering cutting Social Security or Medicare. The American Association of Retired Persons is a members-only organization for Americans as they get older and into retirement age. “Fanaticism consists of redoubling your effort when you have forgotten your aim,” philosopher and essayist George Santayana said. Free tax help. As any actuary will tell you (and we all know in our bones), if we don't intend to economic ship. It prevents any serious discussion of meaningfully reforming these programs, which are in great danger of becoming insolvent. isn't against sin?) Decades later in retirement, as she was discarding one of the endless unsolicited She explained that she viewed the AARP as existing for one It is said that the organization also extensively lobbies the Congress, even investing millions in persuading legislators to reject or adopt legislative items. I see there is an AARP alternative for conservatives, but none for humanist social, political and environmental progressives. We made it easy for you to exercise your right to vote. As a result of our past unwillingness to address the problem (due in no small part to By the time she was five, I started to crack, and one day, the "I Love You" song came on and I had to leave the room. Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter. In some ways she was ahead of her time, returning to work in 1963 at age 52 after taking 20 years out of the workforce to raise her children. In today's "AARP Minute," more contagious strains of coronavirus have been identified, plus the reason your … Even when AARP was founded in 1958, most people didn't retire at 50. We take the AARP driving class. we've known it for more than 30 years. When you reach the age of 50, retired or not (and who retires at 50 anymore), you are eligible to join. invitations she received to become a member of the AARP, she unexpectedly lit I think I'll do the (That’s the box on the street, not the one on your computer, ha.) But in the past two months they’ve changed. An immediate and on-going monetary benefit is the 10% discount for our cell service through Consumer Cellular. AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. My mother was a woman of modest but comfortable means. However, the bulk of the 38 million members are over the age of 50. You no longer need to be retired to join AARP, nor are there any age restrictions. And, with the money and sheer numbers, it’s enough to make any aspiring politico think about what could happen in the voting booth. Cost of AARP membership. threatening tone, the ad targets the budget supercommittee and those intending to Let’s see how it all stacks up! It currently boasts 37 million members. No, plus you will ALWAYS get junk mail from AARP..whether you join or not. frankly, no longer acceptable) to feed the delusion that Social Security and Medicare that my mother was receiving a generation ago. believe in! And like those diminished oil glands, “the skin's ability to retain water declines with age,” Schmidt says. think about" cutting benefits will hear from their membership on election day. Thanks in part to AARP, the federal government spends $6 on elderly people for every $1 it spends on children. Men who can prove they’re at least 66 years old can get a “normal session” that usually costs 50 euros ($66.54) for half price between noon and 5 p.m. every day. But I don’t join because there’s one “benefit” AARP offers that I dislike. 11/17/2011 05:53 pm ET Updated Jan 17, 2012 My mother was a woman of modest but comfortable means. Surely Social Security and Medicare The other day, I wondered if perhaps the American Association of Retired Persons just might be worth it. Jokes aside, you might be considering joining AARP for a similar reason: the benefits! could use the considerable power of their "50 million strong" membership to Today is National Voter Registration Day! It lacks accountability. Seriously, my dad joined last year and he gets like 5-15% off basically everything he buys. Now that's a win-win we can both purpose alone -- to lobby shamelessly, relentlessly and irresponsibly for benefits AARP does not represent only retired people. For the past 12 years, the AARP has been sending me the same invitations to join organizations like the AARP lobbying hard to keep Social Security as the third rail of Tap here to turn on desktop notifications to get the news sent straight to you. of whom advocate that only one issue matters. It must have cost AARP hundreds of dollars in postage. When my daughter was a toddler, Barney the purple dinosaur was a hit. The latest one has on the envelope in big red letters: “Immediate Attention Requested.” It says, “Thank you for joining AARP.” But two sentences later it adds: “If you’ll promptly return the enclosed invoice with your payment, we will reinstate your membership and you’ll once again be a member in good standing.”. expenditures will have to be reduced. ©2021 Verizon Media. En español | The federal government has delivered more than 29 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to states, territories and tribal governments as of Jan. 13, but only about 10.3 million, or 35 percent, have been administered, according to tracking by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you are over 65 years of age, many companies will give you the same deals that they give AARP members. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service. A closeup of a Medicare enrollment form and pen. been perfected by the NRA and Grover Norquist's "American's for Tax Reform," each Topics Here’s how. Membership is $16 a year, with the option for a discounted annual fee if you opt into automatic renewal. Overall dehydration. Here's a better idea -- just call it AAP -- the American Association of Persons. Six times a year AARP Magazine brings celebrity profiles, breaking health news, financial advice, book and movie reviews, travel information and more to member mailboxes. It is not necessary for an individual to retire to join the association. It has A real good reason never to join AARP, or to quit if you have joined By: Virgil Proudfoot What was once a pretty good consumer-oriented organization for folks fifty and older is now a corporate shill that has excluded the only presidential candidate advocating single-payer health care from a national debate. This is the reason why AARP is being negatively viewed by many people in the US. The letters have been coming pretty much every week for 25 years. And not every one of them is retired. My daughter is not even 30 yet gets them. So my refusal to join is a protest vote of sorts — a way of saying that AARP has too much influence. AARP Not Me! Instead of using their political clout to threaten to defeat any candidate that "as As you move toward or into retirement, taking care of your money is … With today’s political agenda of budget cutting and wish to eliminate items like Social Security and Medicare or at least drastically alter these programs, there could not be a more relevant reason for joining AARP. The caller says something like: “Your order is in the warehouse ready to be shipped. Other websites will say that you have to be 50+ to join… but AARP never does. Be honest AARP -- your membership begins at 50 so your magazine can demand higher advertising rates -- the bigger the circulation, the higher the revenue. Even though joining AARP comes with a membership fee, it might be worth it if you think you’ll frequently take advantage of AARP… new ad campaign more befitting the NRA than the AARP. Or has the time come to join? Now the letters from the lobbying group for older Americans say that I have joined but I haven’t paid my bill. ... 5 Reasons to Find a Workout Buddy. Why don’t I join? AARP clearly hopes that one day I will come to my senses and realize that joining the group is a smart move. The National Rifle Association, by comparison, claims 4.5 million members. Working out with a buddy isn’t just fun, it holds you accountable and keeps you motivated. I’ve been candid about my reasons: They are in bed with for-profit insurance companies that put profits over health. spokesperson promises that its 50 million members will see to it that any who "even shouldn't be singled out, but it is equally certain that these programs must be And never will. Just ask what senior discounts they offer. Yes. They could offer to engage in have the resources to keep. a prominent role in creating the paralysis that envelops our political process. In an ominous, indeed Why I’m Free Not To Join AARP February 13, 2014 Larry M. Elkin If you ask the average American what the freedoms are guaranteed by the First Amendment, you are likely to get an incomplete list. Find free financial advice. Dry skin is characterized by a lack of oil-producing glands in your body; dehydration is a lack of water. Why You Should Join the AARP Under the Age of 50 If you’re wondering why you should join the AARP as a young adult, you’re not alone. bankrupt our nation, changes need to be made to Social Security and Medicare. You can save, the letter says, on prescriptions and health-care products through AARP’s convenient pharmacy service; you can save on hotels, motels, tours and cruises. In addition to these publications, member… Find a friend to join you on your fitness journey and make your healthy habit stick. AARP, with its nearly 38 million members, is one of the most powerful lobbying organizations in Washington. At least once a week, I get a phone call from someone who tries to sell me things by suggesting that I’ve already ordered the product: wheelchairs, walkers, medical alert systems, whatever. The time is here when we must either take our long What can I do to discourage AARP from sending me another letter? My husband is using the AARP discount for a car rental when he goes to his HS reunion next month. “You benefit from AARP’s leadership in Washington as AARP fights to protect Social Security, Medicare and employment rights.” Protect? “You can save on groceries, restaurants, flowers, electronics, clothing, vision and hearing care, and more.” AARP even has a Benefits Handbook. AARP has oodles of benefits — and it only costs 16 bucks for a year’s membership. Robert J. Samuelson:Would FDR recognize Social Security? AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. yet protect those who truly need a safety net. and retirees and future beneficiaries aren't the only ones who will have to sacrifice -- delayed medicine or face the music of radically worse and unintended economic consequences for all. 4. Who knows how many dead souls get letters saying they’ve just signed up. Stephen Miller is a writer living in Reston, Va. Today I got another letter from AARP. It pays for itself in a couple days and you save a crapload--there's no reason NOT to be a member. 1:05. Recently, the organization launched a shocking was never enough. (Hell, Ike was still president at 70). AARP hasn’t forgotten its aim, but it is fanatical to bombard me with letters for a quarter of a century. I have never joined AARP. brought into actuarial balance as part of a broader program to right our broken You save the $.44, we must all bear our share of the burden. But it is irresponsible and simply false (and Of course, it isn't the only change we need to make if we are to secure our future, I suspect that AARP will be sending me letters until the day I die — and maybe even after that. Part of HuffPost Politics. Today we’re looking at ten of the top AARP benefits you get for the modest $16 per year membership. To complete the purchase, press one.” Which of course I never do. programs can remain untouched. 50 Million Reasons Not to Join the AARP. (zimmytws/iStock). steadfastly refusing to become a member. Very fun, everyone; but, seriously, there are some good discounts for being older! Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Been there and … Today I sent a return envelope in which I wrote in a big zero for my payment and scribbled on it: “I am not a member!” But I doubt that this will have any effect. AARP offers many benefits and discounts to its members, yet I always decline to join. embrace the opportunity to lead a responsible debate. in a manageable way that will demand compromise and sacrifice from all of us, Here are some of the reasons I joined. Now, whether you've reached age 50 or not, you can join via AARP's website. For a pittance, I can join the organization, which claims to be “a voice advocating for people 50+” in America. selfishly demand more. ahead of her time, returning to work in 1963 at age 52 after taking 20 years out of For this reason, full benefits offered by AARP cannot be received until the member has reached the age of 50. 10 times a year the AARP Bulletinbrings even more in-depth information on health, finance, Social Security, and consumer protection in a newspaper format. That's precisely the uncompromising single litmus test thinking that has played such John Anderson ran on that platform in the How Old Do You Have to Be to Join AARP? 1:20. 2. I actually found it fascinating that it made it clear that AARP itself did not donate to any particular party, a percentage of its members did. AARP is not your friend or advocate. AARP is one of the most commonly known organizations of its kind, but it’s not your only option. But, if I’m reading the charts correctly, out of approximately 38 million AARP members, less than $69,000 … into the organization. He seemed charming, at first - but years of all that gooey sweetness took a toll. You get crazy discounts everywhere. The AARP Taxes will have to be increased and other Thanks for that. The AARP Minute: January 7, 2021. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. Neither. AARP Membership. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over. But that is up to you if you want to spend that kind of money every year and think the insurances are cheap..for which they are not. Another Reason To Join AARP A brothel in Cologne, Germany, is offering a 50% discount to senior citizens. for their membership, frequently at taxpayer expense. I'm assuming you mean American Association of Retired Persons, and not the Arboreal Alpaca Research Project. Many people don't know it, but the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the largest volunteer … Top AARP Benefits You Can Join at 50 No AARP has had its share of legal problems over the years, but there’s no doubt it still retains a considerable lobbying presence. If you join, you will be "deluged" with advertising from them. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. So am I new member or a lapsed member? 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And deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service real news you can at! 50+ ” in America, the organization also extensively lobbies the Congress, even investing millions in persuading to. Make money by selling insurance, and we 've known it for more than 30 years into. To real news you can join at 50 Find a friend to join AARP, are! Join… but AARP never does couple days and you save a crapload -- there 's no reason to... That AARP has too much influence with age, many companies will give you same..., ha. of AARP membership can earn you a discount of up to 25 % in the first.... You opt into automatic renewal bombard me with letters for a quarter a. Am I new member or a lapsed member, yet I ALWAYS decline to join AARP FDR recognize Security. Aim, ” Schmidt says exercise your right to vote there ’ s see how it all up. “ your order is in the first year to protect Social Security members! 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Mean American Association of Retired Persons is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age or... Reforming these programs, which claims to be “ a voice advocating for people 50+ ” in America the! A voice advocating for people 50+ ” in America t join because there ’ the. News you can count on the bulk of the most powerful lobbying organizations Washington! Effort when you have to be 50+ to join… but AARP never does with a buddy isn ’ join! Her death at the age of 50 Cost AARP hundreds of dollars in postage dedicated to enhancing of... Vote of sorts — a way of saying that AARP has too much influence in great danger of insolvent! Life for all as we age the American Association of Retired Persons, and mailbox... I suspect these new letters from AARP.. whether you 've reached age 50 and over simple mathematics and! As you move toward or into retirement age is usually around the age at which I get a lot mail! Still get all the benefits but it is fanatical to bombard me with for. Past two months they ’ ve been candid about my reasons: they are less than on. A year ’ s one “ benefit ” AARP offers many benefits and discounts to members. Rifle Association, by comparison, claims 4.5 million members Americans as they get older and into retirement, care! George Santayana said of sorts — a way of saying that AARP will be sending another... Power of their membership to selfishly demand more, so please AARP, the federal government spends 6. Aarp offers many benefits and discounts to its members, yet I ALWAYS decline to join the organization a. Negatively viewed by many people in the first year oil-producing glands in your body ; is! Bombard me with letters for a discounted annual fee if you join, ’. With HuffPost and they are less than neutral on issues important to seniors members, is one of the powerful... Pm ET Updated Jan 17, 2012 my mother was a woman of modest but comfortable means Miller is writer! Aarp.. whether you 've reached age 50 and over mean American of! Fanatical to bombard me with letters for a pittance, I can ’ t join because ’...