The AARP was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus with the purpose of empowering people to choose how they live as they age. It wasn’t that long ago that mandatory retirement based solely on a person’s age was common. There were popular beliefs about how you should act or how you should spend your time after retirement. Today’s senior can continue to work as long as they want to if they are able to do the job. The goal of AARP is for everyone to remain physically and intellectually active throughout their lifetime.
Some of the Benefits
So, what are some of the benefits that your senior, and you as the senior caregiver, receive as a member of AARP?
- With a membership of over 18 million, AARP has become the most powerful watchdog for those over 50 years of age. AARP is constantly monitoring the legislative branch of our government for new proposals that will impact the senior population adversely or positively. They are vigilant about protecting Social Security benefits, including Medicare and Medicaid, on which so many seniors depend. AARP serves the same function on the state and local level. They inform their membership via email or printed publications of any new legislature so that you can let your representative know how you feel it will impact you.
- Free tax advice for seniors.
- Discounted insurance plans, including health, auto, and home.
- Travel discounts on hotels, resorts, cruises, airline flights, etc.
- Entertainment discounts for restaurants, movies, tickets, etc.
- Employment placement advice and job board to help you search for a job.
- Volunteer opportunities around the country.
The AARP website has a complete listing of companies that offer discounts to members. In addition, there are articles of interest to seniors and the senior caregiver. There are frequent webinars also available on a wide range of subjects. The topics on the website range from how to transition from brown or blonde hair to white hair as we age to advice on investing or how to avoid being the victim of a scammer. There is also advice on driving, to help us continue being safe on the road, and diets a senior might enjoy over the summer.
All Kinds of Help
AARP does not forget the senior caregiver either. There is information on dementia and how it affects your senior but also how you will need to adapt the care you provide. There are articles on caregiver burnout and how to prevent that from happening. There is advice on the different types and levels of elderly home care available and how to help both the senior and the family caregiver to prepare for outside assistance.
How about playing games online? AARP has free games available, from crosswords to jigsaw puzzles and card games. There are games for fun, but there are also some that help to keep your brain stimulated. AARP also has a book section on their site with recommended reading on topics for seniors and the senior caregiver, with a link to purchase at an AARP member discount. There are free videos to watch on the site that cover every topic. Some are informational and some provide support for the senior or the elderly home care provider.
Plenty to Do
Literally, the AARP website will keep the user busy for hours just looking at what is available to help the senior or their caregiver navigate the later years of life. In addition, AARP has two print publications that members receive. The AARP magazine is a lifestyle magazine that focuses on aging issues like relationships, health and fitness, entertainment and celebrity interviews, book reviews, etc. The second publication is the AARP bulletin, which focuses on in-depth analysis of issues related to aging, such as Medicare, finances, and Social Security.
So Much Is Offered
There is so much information available on the AARP website and in its printed publications. Accessing the expert help and advice will help anyone over 50, regardless of what their personal concerns and needs are. The cost of membership is less than $20 a year, and you will easily recover that cost in discounts over the year if you use your AARP membership card.
Plus, if you are a member of AARP, your spouse receives free membership. If you decide that you don’t want to join or you are a senior caregiver, the website is available to all users. It will be invaluable to you as you make your journey through this part of your life.]]>