Digital Gee

Okay, the marketing boys at AARP are driving me nuts. I get something in the mail every week or two, and so far I've just tossed 'em. So I'll come here and ask my fellow 50+ers, is AARP worthwhile?

And, just to keep everything on topic, I'll wish you all a fine ride today.

spry

AARP,
Great for discount coupons on Depends and Golden Corral trough dining.Sort of like joining the Turtle Club.

pastorbobnlnh 

Go ahead Gary, you're a joiner! Why hold back?

LastPlace

All I will say is that if you think you are getting mail now......just wait. You will never lack for something in your mailbox.

There is some useful information in there on ocassion.

Red Baron

I joined just to stop the junk mail from them - cut it about 60%
Plus fees are returned in Motel discounts.

Mojo Slim

I feel I am at a difficult period in my life. I subscribe to only two magazines: AARP and RollingStone . . . and Paul McCartney was on the cover of both of them this year.

linux_author

- i get better discounts from sources other than AARP... plus, AARP spends its members' monies lobbying against individual taxpayer control of Social Security contributions - not something i agree with...

- but the choice is up to you... i'd rather be a member of Rotary International than AARP... (am not a member of either organization)...

centexwoody 

Two reasons to join**:

1) to get the AARP discount...However, I find it about the same as the AAA discounts for lodging, rental cars , etc. I'm too young to get the 65+ discount so for myself, I can't quite justify joining it (yet).

2) to participate in the AARP political advocacy*...the 'grey panthers' are a potentially powerful political lobby and being an AARP member might (note the 'might') get some access into the advocacy planning, political agenda for the organization

* note: I'm not promoting the political agenda of AARP, just noting that it IS a lobby for the interests of 50+'ers, 60+ers, all retired persons. Whether that political advocacy is effective, or in alignment with your own political views, is a completely different question.

** remember that your eligibility for membership will not go away - in fact you will become ever more qualified to be a member as times goes by...but you're also not retired, yet, either...

ticwanos

I hear ya!

NOS88

They are a powerful lobbist group. I would only consider joining if I like their politics. Most of the research and studies they do on aging and aging related issues are available without becoming a member. It is those studies in which I find their real value. They had some information about planning living spaces that were very helpful to my parents when building their home five or so years ago.

centexwoody 

+ 1 to the research arm of the group

As for the political lobby bit, I've not done any research into them.

They DO sponsor research and provide info on the effects of aging in many dimensions just as NOS88 describes.

ctyler

I was a member but am no longer. Don't think it's worth it.

In addition their support of the recent Drug Bill really turned me off of them.

DnvrFox

AS far as discounts, when you reserve, just ask for the "senior" rate. At almost all motels, it will be the same as AARP or AAA.

Even better, at Choice Hotels (Quality, Sleep Inn, COmfort Suites, etc., ) if you ask for the 65+ rate (if you are 65) you get an even better rate. No AARP required.

I do think that they perform a useful service in reminding folks (i.e. politicians) that there ARE seniors out there, and they shouldn't be forgotten.

You will never find an organization with which you agree 100% on all issues. But, I pay my dues.

I have never read their magazine, althoug it does look well done. I simply can't bring myself to open it. I guess I am not yet ready to admit I am a true AARP'r!

bkaapcke

The very act of signing up is a tacit admission that you ARE old. Brian aint ready yet.

Tom Bombadil

Haven't joined.

+1 to the comments about being able to get the same or better discounts using other promotions. I'm about to turn 52, haven't found a single situation yet where I could have gotten a better price had I had an AARP card on me.

TysonB

DG,

In the eloquent words of First Lady Nancy Reagan, "Just say 'No.'"

Tyson
Cushing, Oklahoma

SlowSpinner

I have just retired at 52. I have not got use to being retired. I do not want to join AARP as ot will make me feel even older.

PaulH

AARP seems lost in the 1950s when it comes to senior's issues. Even the fact that they invite you to join at a certain age, rather than upon retirement indicates a certain implicit bias regarding older people. It seems like an Uncle Tom outfit.

Paul

Trsnrtr

I don't belong to AARP because sending them money is tacitly agreeing with their various agendas and helping to support them.

To each his own, but a few bucks off a motel room seems like a pretty shallow reason to join.

Metric Man

They won't be getting any of my $$

Nightshade

I'd say join for now. Smart savvy people understand the value of the powerful political lobby that keeps
all the other lobby groups from slicing their chunk of pie from the seniors as would happen without
them there for us. Like'm or not AARP is many voices instead of one voice.

Digital Gee

I've decided not to join AARP. Thanks for the input!

pastorbobnlnh 

Now that you've settled that--- what will you join?

CrossChain

One last consideration..........AARP has a dating service that will match you up with a like-minded woman. You'll have to specify which shade of blue hair you prefer. Also, teeth; if you require she have her own teeth you may reduce your number of possibilities. Of course, this assumes you also have some teeth. I don't believe Paulie found his long blond biker chick at AARP, but you can specify large, self-supported bust, small waist, etc. and see what comes up.

jaws

+1


I've never been turned when I've asked for the Senior discount at a motel, movie, resturant, etc. even when I was in my 50's.... maybe I look like a Senior