I've been a member for the last 10 years. They are an effective lobby. They have a decent insurance supplemental. I agree with them only about half the time. Their target audience generally is not 50-65 year olds, by my measure. Their feedback strikes me as a steady diet of grey panthers. I'm seriously considering dropping my membership. What's your appraisal.

 

Can't say, as I'm only 47.

 

[QUOTE=RC - Ryder,Nov 2 2005, 09:50 PM] I've been a member for the last 10 years.

 

Rick started getting the mailings before he turned 50. I signed him up. They sent me my own membership card too. Not sure why.

I used it for a pretty good discount on a pair of no line bifocal (tranlation: Vintage glasses). Their discount was better than the one the store offered.

Our membership is good for another couple of years. They didn't send me anything when I turned 50.

I'm not sure where they stand on various issues, but someone has got to fight for the old folks, so I'll renew when the time comes.

 

Many people hit the doldrums when they get THE LETTER. (Your first solicitation from AARP.)

I haven't joined yet but their publications look informative and worthwhile. It doesn't cost much either does it?

 

I keep mine because the magazine has good and informative articles and the discounts are good. I've found that one night's discount in a hotel will pay for the membership for several years.

 

I'm afraid to join in fear that some day Wilford Brimley will show up at my door with oatmeal or supplies from Liberty Medical.

 

Well I guess considering that the organization consists of a all people over 50, agreeing with them half the time is probably all that can be expected.

I find that their discounts on car rentals (weekly) to be better than any of the other organizational discounts that I have, and yes even better than AAA.

I also do enjoy the magazine, and if seniors want to be activists, more power to them. They have found a secret to moving their agenda, organiztion.

They also do provide very good Medicaid supplemental coverage. This can be a godsend to those in need.

Frank fear not, I have not seen hide nor hair of Wilfred Brimley

 

^^

 

It occurs to me that the threshold question is whether there is overall value to the constitutants they are there to serve.

On one hand, not having such an organization on the national level would be one of the necessary conditions to revive the practice of sending old folks adrift on a small ice flow or tying them to a tree and waving good bye.

Being there with a stong voice when the time comes is probably the most important reason to help ensure that this organization stay viable.

OTOH, trying to get any comfort out of the range of AARP positions and the logic behind them is a no win situation. AARP is powerful, in large part, because they have cut deals and they didn't cut all of the deals with the membership at large.

If I really thought that my failing to support AARP would mean the demise of one of the most powerful voices for folks my age, I'd join in a heartbeat, then again, if everybody thought that way, we would probably all have to look forward to picking out our tree or iceflow (depending on one's climate).

I'm going to join today.

BTW, Mr Brimley was here yesterday. The cats ignored him.