The American Association of Retired Persons, also known as AARP, is one of the most popular nonprofit advocacy organizations in the United States. Its main role is to advocate for the needs of over 50s. With a significant membership base of around 38 million, the AARP has established itself as a key player in the senior citizen space in America.
Since 1958, the organization has offered a range of benefits to its members, including health insurance and auto insurance products, advice on social security healthcare, and general advocacy.
Their mission statement is about empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Through various initiatives such as policy lobbying, including around Medicare, AARP has focused on improving the well-being of older Americans. People join AARP to support these initiatives and benefit from many products and services.
But despite the AARP's claim of being nonpartisan, some older people have expressed concerns about the organization's perceived political leanings. Concerns include that AARP's lobbying might favor certain political goals, possibly not in line with what most members want. They also question if AARP's leaders' political ties affect important decisions, like who gets key roles in the organization. Some conservative organizations claimed the AARP was left-leaning too.
Recognizing this representation gap, several conservative-leaning groups that oppose the Democrats have emerged as possible alternatives to the AARP. These organizations aim to provide similar services but focus on conservative values.
American Seniors Association (ASA)
The American Seniors Association (ASA), headquartered in Florida, was established in 2009 in response to the AARP's support of Obamacare, positioning itself as a "conservative alternative" for American seniors over 50.
ASA primarily advocates for conservative values and offers services that bear some resemblance to those of the AARP, which include:
- Various insurance products.
- Discounted pricing on travel and entertainment services.
- Budget car rental options with 25% discounts.
- Selected pet products and pet insurance.
- Discounts on senior living products.
ASA prioritizes advocacy on key issues affecting seniors today, focusing on rebuilding respect for elders, reforming social security and Medicare, and addressing concerns related to censorship and government spending control.
While ASA shares some political similarities with the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), it's important to note that benefits and issue focus may vary slightly between the two organizations.
Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC)
The Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) is another organization that some view as a conservative alternative to the AARP. It offers a variety of features, some of which overlap with offerings from the AARP, including:
- Deals with insurance companies, including low rates on car insurance.
- Prescription drug plans.
- Discounts on hotels, car loans, cell phone plans, and other leisure activities.
- A members-only credit card for AMAC members.
- Social security advisors.
However, AMAC distinguishes itself through its alignment with conservative values.
Founded by retired insurance agency owner Daniel C. Weber in 2007, it emerged as a response to perceived shortcomings in the AARP's advocacy efforts, such as its opposition to Obama's Obamacare campaign and criticism of AARP's perceived policy endorsements.
But healthcare and senior citizen rights aren’t the only things on the group’s radar. Most recently, AMAC’s CEO has been vocal about “protecting the rights of American children”. AMAC members believe there is an “unprecedented attack” on parents’ rights, and the group has taken steps to have their voices heard. The CEO is vocal about the group’s advocacy and frequently participates in interviews and podcasts.
60 Plus Association
The 60 Plus Association, also known as the American Association of Senior Citizens, positions itself as an alternative to the AARP, claiming to be non-partisan. However, it aligns with low taxation, free enterprise, and limited government values often associated with conservative voters.
The organization has previously published materials regarding the erosion of American values. It is also critical of President Joe Biden, his family, and his policies. They also have several pieces supporting ex-President Donald Trump and claim seniors appreciated his leadership. As such, while the organization self-identifies as non-partisan, the type of content published by the 60 Plus Association might appeal to Republican voters with conservative leanings.
Unlike AARP, ASA, and AMAC, the 60 Plus Association is primarily an education and outreach network for seniors. It aims to inform seniors about the available help while educating them about the issues affecting them and their children.
As such, the organization doesn’t offer the insurance products and discounts you might expect when you become a member of one of the other conservative alternatives available. If you’re looking for special insurance deals or travel discounts, you’d be better off considering one of the alternatives available.
The 60 Plus Association relies on donations to fund its ongoing activities.
AgeGroup
AgeGroup is an international organization for senior citizens looking for innovative solutions, products, and services from a wide range of providers. Here at AgeGroup, we don’t concern ourselves with politics. We concern ourselves with serving your needs instead of an agenda.
Our content is politically neutral, and we create products that benefit the modern elder. We also work with companies of all shapes and sizes to bring you innovative products and services. This means you’ll have access to the latest products from innovative startups that might be unable to afford the high advertising costs associated with AARP, whose ads can reach over $1,000,000.
We put you at the core of what we do. So, if you’re interested in a company that looks after you rather than politicians, make sure to check us out.
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