I’m fairly sure that I first received my first AARP solicitation when I was only a few months shy of 50. What? How did they know my age and why would they think I was interested? Not only had I not even considered retiring, the idea of getting older was still very foreign to me. In fact, I wasn’t even willing to admit I had hit midlife, let alone become a senior. But things change and here I am 14 years later. And yes, I am now a card-carrying member of AARP. This last weekend I sat down and read one of their latest publications and that got me thinking about why I find them helpful—and what I find annoying. Interested?
#1. Discounts. Like most people I think I first decided to join based on the discounts they advertise. The frugal me is always interested in saving money. Those discounts sound great, and once in a while I’m even able to use them. This last summer I did use the membership for one of the hotels we stayed in overnight. But I honestly can’t remember a time I used the membership for anything else. I don’t eat at the restaurants (Denny’s!) that offer a discount and I’m usually a better shopper when just left on my own devises. Sure it’s nice to know I can get a discount if needed, but in the long run there are other memberships that provide the same (or even more) savings.
#2 Information & Magazines. The biggest reason I retain my AARP membership is because of their reading materials. As a big-time reader (Thom calls me an information junkie) I find both their magazine (published every other month) and their Bulletin (published every two weeks) to be filled with interesting and helpful ideas. In addition they have a very thorough website filled with dozens of categories. Not only do they emphasis physical health as we age, brain health, finances, ways to save money and current news for those over 50—most of their information is unavailable elsewhere.
#3 Financial & Retirement Advice. Featured in nearly every one of their publications and online emails are several ideas and tips about ways to increase, plan for, or save money in relation to finances. And even though their full name is AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) their focus is not just retirement. In fact, just about all adults could benefit from much of their advice. Recently there has been a series of articles suggesting that as we age many of us will need to continue working, full-time or part-time, at one job or another. And they don’t just point that out, they also offer resources to help. For example, online they offer a website for job searching for older adults, ideas of what jobs might be most suitable, and things a person can do to improve their possibilities for getting hired.
One of the main reasons I even decided to write about AARP this week came from an article on finances that was featured in their October 2019 Bulletin. In an attempt to question common myths about saving for retirement, this article offered what I considered to be very SMART advice. The number one myth? “Wealth is not a Dollar Amount.” I couldn’t agree more. By understanding that our time is usually far more gratifying than the exact amount of money we have saved, and by asking ourselves how much money we really need to be happy and content, the author reminds us of something that each of us would be wise to understand. He also discussed how cutting back expenses was often a far better strategy than trying to earn more income. While I didn’t agree with everything he said, nor should anyone, I found his advice very thought provoking.
#4 Protection for Social Security & Medicare. I’m not even old enough to start Medicare (seven months and counting!) or eligible for full retirement of Social Security, but the safety of these programs is becoming increasingly important as I age. AARP routinely monitors and reports on current legislation that affects each of them, and heavily lobbies for the rights of seniors in these and all other health related categories.
I’m usually not a big fan of heavily endorsed lobbing groups, but I must confess that I appreciate knowing that a collective approach to safeguarding the rights of older people exists. And from what I can tell, they tend to take a nonpartisan approach to government so that regardless of political party, they focus on the broadest protection possible when serving their membership.
#5 Education. While AARP does offer entertainment options (every year they hold awards for “Movies For Grownups”) travel advice, and celebrity interviews, education is clearly a focus. I can’t help but believe that some of their current vision, innovation and approach to diversity is a result of CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. Since becoming CEO in 2014 I have noticed an overall slant to aging that more closely resembles my own. Nearly every publication I receive includes news and information that apply to all people—women and men as well as those of other religions, races, educational and financial backgrounds, etc. That focus goes a longways towards reminding us that we all face many of the same challenges as we age and that we are all in this world together. I also strongly resonate with their message of fighting ageism in our country. That will benefit me and all future generations to come.
Okay, so those are the things I like about AARP. What don’t I like? Probably the biggest thing I dislike is their constant barrage of advertising. Nearly every week I get stuff in the mail promoting membership or one of their other programs. If they funneled that money back into the service they are providing it would surely be better than the constant harassment of print and online solicitation. Oh, and I’m sure it would be better for the planet not to have all that garbage in our landfills as well.
The second thing that causes concern is the flip side of their political activism. While I’ve admitted I appreciate that they are staying active to ensure my rights as a senior will be there when I can finally use them, I am concerned that they throw their weight around against other worthy programs. Surely human rights are not an either/or position? I believe it is in the best interest of us all for all people to find basic resources so that we can live a long and healthy life.
Last month I finally went ahead and signed up for a five-year membership to AARP. The first year or so I only signed up for one year at a time to make sure it had value for me, and I would recommend that to everyone. In case you are wondering, I did not receive any compensation for this post. I don’t know if AARP is for everyone but I think it is SMART for us all to share products and experiences that work well for us. I also believe it is SMART to periodically stop and carefully consider the things we spend our money and our time on—to see if the benefits outweigh the detriments. At this point, our lives are much too precious to waste on anything that isn’t advantageous. So, what about you? How do you feel about AARP?
Living here in Canada, I had never heard of AARP (or CARP for that matter). The pension plan/extended medical plan I belong to sends me a glossy magazine regularly, but little of the content in it is useful or interesting to me.
Jude
Like you I read read read to collect info and for that reason I joined AARP however I don’t like them throwing their weight around on political issues as they are very left wing oriented so I joined AMAC which also has an information packed magazine and a different political stance. I am a member of both groups. Never too much info for me. Can you tell I am a librarian?
Hi Terra! Thanks for your perspective on this. I appreciate your willingness to subscribe to both organizations–yes I’m sure it comes naturally to you as a librarian. But I do disagree that AARP is a “very left wing oriented” organization. While they certainly don’t promote a “conservative” agenda, I believe that they attempt to be as equitable as possible to all people in our country. I just don’t see that makes them very left wing. ~Kathy
I had to look up the acronym AARP. Reading further I see the name:) I should have figured it out:) “Wealth is not a Dollar Amount” is very much a philosophy you write about in your articles. Like you say, Kathy, SMART advice and I agree.
I do not think we have anything exactly like AARP in Canada. A great deal of variations in different pension plans and retirement benefits exist in our community. I did a mini scan on CARP and I read the above comments. I do not know enough about it. I think many of the retired people in my area have worked for the government (Federal and Provincial). They may have separate government retirement plans and benefits. Now I am curious about C.A.R.P. If I find out more, I will let you know.
We do face many of the same challenges, such as ageism. Like you say, Kathy, we are all in this world together.
Hi Erica! It would be interesting to do a comparison between AARP and CARP at some point in the future. That would clearly highlight some of the differences between the two countries. Surely the needs between the residents would be both different and similar between categories. Hmmm…an idea for a blog post? Just good to keep issues like that in the limelight don’t you think. ~Kathy
I am 59, my husband 65 and we are AARP members. I originally joined for the the education and information to help me help my parents and my husband. Now I use the information for myself as well. The recent webinars on Social Security and CyberSecurity were very useful. I retired this year and volunteered as an AARP Tax Guide, assisting at a local senior center. We enjoy the monthly newsletter. And finally we have taken advantage of local activities that have been free or nominal fees. Yes we receive a lot of mail but we recycle or shred these days.
Hi Jamie! Thank you so much for your input on this. And good for you for volunteering for help with taxes. That’s something I forgot to mention. They do encourage volunteerism and all the benefits that come along with that and offer several resources to find and do it. They also do quite a bit about safety–warning for scams and other security issues. Like you say, there comes a time when much of their information seem more relevant. Thanks again. ~Kathy
I had heard of the AARP, but nothing more, so I read your article with interest, Kathy, despite me being a tad too young still to even consider a membership. In our situation, it might not be beneficial anyway, as we are frugal – in terms of spending money on memberships, in the fact that we could never use the discounts (we never stay in hotels and rarely eat out), and – to copy your sentiment – that we do pretty well ourselves finding ways to save money and look after ourselves.
In my monthly expense report, the first paragraph mirrors something you read about and that inspired you: “The less you spend, the less you need to earn.”
Hi Liesbet! I so agree that you and Mark are the most frugal people I know so AARP wouldn’t benefit you well at all. And you’ve got the health insurance thing covered too so you don’t need then in that regard. But it was sort of funny/peculiar how what they write about became more and more “interesting” to me as the years went by. Who knows? Ten or fifteen years from now you might be more interested as well. ~Kathy
We have a similar organization here in Canada, with the dubious acronym of CARP. And carp they do, about a lot of things! But, basically, I like their presence, just being there, looking out for us. You are spot on, as usual, Kathy!
Hi Diane! Nice to hear from you. I actually like the name CARP better than AARP! It sounds more catchy! 🙂 And thank you for confirming that you also find them good watch dogs for your needs in Canada too! ~Kathy
I was sent information to join AARP when I was 49 and immediately threw the info in the trash! I wasn’t in the mindset of having the need to join then and for well over a decade later. The clincher for joining was being able to get an air travel discount. Since then, being a reader of info/info hound to empower consumers, I’ve found the magazine, bulletin and website have info that is either not readily available elsewhere or that surprisingly includes non-conventional thoughts and positions that I readily agree with. The membership fee is so reasonable that for what I don’t agree with, I find that my philosophy of eating the meat and throwing away the bones works for me!
Hi Bonita! Yes I also appreciate how they keep the membership fee quite reasonable. And although the magazine and bulletin have ads, they are not (IMHO) excessive like some publications. I appreciate your analogy of “I find that my philosophy of eating the meat and throwing away the bones works for me!” I agree. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Being a member of AARP is a rite of passage. Like being a girl scout or joining the PTA. I find the information useful and like you said, not as easy to find elsewhere. I also like getting a magazine that focused on me and my issues. I am also glad that they have a healthy lobby. We need that to neutralize the “other” lobbies that would like to see our benefits lessened.
Hi Kate! Now that you mention it, it is a sort of rite of passage. And as far as the magazine goes, it is one of the few that I get anymore. With so much other information on the internet, I’ve let nearly all my other subscriptions lapse. Funny how things change huh? And YES to having an organization that looks out for us! ~Kathy
I laugh when I think about AARP and my reaction still to admitting that I belong to that retirement entity. Back in the day a very funny man wrote an article for me about getting the notice about them before he turned fifty…the big enticement in those days was a red bag with AARP logo in big letters on the front of it. He was not impressed needless to say. We did finally join this summer and I have read the publication you talked about. We have United Health Care and do not use their supplemental insurance. Check around please.
Have a wonderful day.
Barbara
Hi Barbara! Yeah…I don’t exactly wear a t-shirt with a big AARP on it either! I’m guessing that it is a shock for most of us when we get that first inquiry! Just another one of those things that we get to consider as we get older about whether it adds benefits to our lives in return for the price. Of course, when renewal time comes around again we can always make another choice. ~Kathy
Becoming AARP age-appropriate myself didn’t faze me but when my oldest child mentioned he had received AARP mailings, I was stunned.
Hi Jean! Oh wow! That would get me too! Surely that was a mistake????? 🙂 ~Kathy
That is a stab in the heart! I think my oldest would qualify…I really must tell him to never tell me if he joins!
Barbara
We’ve been members for a while and keep renewing it for the same reasons you listed. We don’t use the discounts very often, but always ask if hotels offer one for AARP members (usually they do, as well as for AAA members). I enjoy the newsletter and magazine too. The membership fee seems like a small price to assure that us older folks have a voice in Washington.
Hi Janis! Did you know about the website Open Secrets that was mentioned by David in his comment? I hadn’t heard of them before and found that really interesting. I particularly liked in particular that they lobbying they did do was on social justice bills that I personally support anyway. Here’s a link: https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/lobby.php?id=D000023726 Always glad to know more about how the process works. ~Kathy
I have heard of Open Secrets, but I was unfamiliar with the chart David referred to. I think your interpretation is correct. I don’t think the actual organization contributes to political parties, but they do lobby representatives of both parties. Perhaps the squeue towards contribution by individuals to Democratic office holders/candidats is the fact that Democrats don’t typically support getting rid of certain social programs that benefit seniors.
No interest in AARP. Wish they’d stop sending me their membership crap. See https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/totals.php?id=D000023726. First graph is enough for me. The don’t represent me at all.
Hi David. Interesting. I was unfamiliar with this website until you educated me. Thanks for that. 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. But, if I’m reading the charts correctly, out of approximately 38 million AARP members, less than $69,000 was actually donated to political candidates in the 2016. So even though those who donated appear to lean heavily in one political direction, it was only a VERY tiny fraction of members who showed any preference when it came to donating money. And again, that wasn’t AARP–that was the members. On this link https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/toprecips.php?id=D000023726&type=P&sort=A&cycle=2016 it says, “This table lists candidates receiving money from this organization in 2015-2016. The organizations themselves did not donate, rather the money came from the organizations’ PACs, their individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals’ immediate families. Organization totals may include subsidiaries and affiliates.” Like I said, I found all this fascinating but I’m sure it can be interpreted in many different ways. Thanks for the input. ~Kathy
I belonged for a year or two and then let my membership lapse. I will reconsider, especially when it is time for medicare. I did like the magazine, but rarely used the discounts as I find AAA offers the same hotel deals.
Hi Michele! I’m a big believer in only paying for something you use so I agree with you. But I did look it up and saw that you have to be a member to use their supplemental Medicare insurance, so that is something to consider. And yes, AAA offers at least as good a discount for hotels. ~Kathy
I was a little shocked (insulted??) when I received my first notification from AARP and promptly tossed it in the trash. But with your review, and now that I am nearing 62, it might be time to give membership a look.
Thank you for this honest review.
Hi Leslie! I know! I suppose it shouldn’t catch us by surprise but it sure does when they first start showing up. I think I’ve been a member for a couple of years now…and if you’re married they include both spouses. Of course that doesn’t stop them from mailing both of you constant renewal notices! Some day I might just save up all their mailings and mail them back to them as a protest! ~Kathy
Kathy, I have never given any thought to AARP but maybe it’s time I did. I will be facing the Medicare supplement issue very soon and need to start processing information. Thanks for a timely post.
Hi Suzanne! If you’re a reader like me then I think you’ll appreciate the information they put out on a regular basis. They do include a lot of information about Medicare and the ongoing legislation about that and SS. It certainly becomes MUCH more important the closer we get to using those services. And I think you can sign up for the first year for $15 or so here in the U.S. so why not give it a try? ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – I have known about AARP in th US for years. What I didn’t know until today is that there is a Canadian version (CARP). Apparently, their Canadian organization does not spend as much on advertising….or I live under a rock! 😀 Either way, I will now check out CARP and see what they have to offer (for $19.95/year)!
Hi Donna! I actually checked before I published this post to see if you can get AARP in Canada and saw that you could. You’re lucky you won’t have to deal with all that junk mail though (or at least it hasn’t ramped up until you sign up???) As a reader I think you will enjoy their publications. ~Kathy
Funny, when I mentioned your post to Richard, he said that he had recently read about CARP. Could this be a sign?
Timely huh? 🙂 I would be really curious if it contains a lot of the same info as here in the U.S. Obviously all the insurance and legislation info wouldn’t apply? But all the health stuff could be really helpful along with their other tips about savings, etc. You’ll have to let me know what you think if you do sign up! ~Kathy
I’ll keep you posted!
AARP supplemental Medicare like Tom mentioned was the best for my husband. There was a better different plan for my needs. I did get a bit off my auto/home insurance via MetLife with my membership to AARP this renewal. All things to like about AARP.
Hi Haralee! Yes, AARP offers all sorts of insurance and that is part of the barrage you get even if you are already signed up. I get really good insurance for car/house through Costco that is cheaper than AARP but I do believe it all depends on your needs. Of course with that said I also believe it is critical to shop pricing every renewal (or two) because you can save a lot of money that way as well. ~Kathy
For me the biggest and best benefit from AARP is the supplemental Medicare health insurance offered thru United Health Care.
Hi Tom! Yes, my husband Thom is also signed up for their supplemental Medicare…and I probably will be too. So far they have been very good with a few issues Thom’s had. No questions. No problem. But I wouldn’t be surprised if you can sign up for that without being a member??? Does anyone know? ~Kathy