As a senior over 55 years old, do you think AARP membership makes a contribution to fight against ageism?
AARP must give more confidence to people as they get older and choose how to live. We will stay close to you to support you, supply health and financial tools, volunteer chances, and present other discounts and benefits. AARP is a wise friend that helps you.
• AARP fights age discrimination.
AARP vigorously protects older workers and pushes for stronger laws and policies. We fight discrimination and help people to stay in the workplace after 50. Here are what we do and the links you can use to get help.
• Defending your rights
AARP Foundation attorneys defend seniors all over the nation against discrimination. AARP chooses cases that have a legal record. AARP presents written statements of age-related issues to the court.
• Fighting for better laws
AARP’s policy has passed legislation that fixes the 2009 Supreme Court decision. The legislation has made it harder to win an age discrimination case.
Well, it’s complicated. The AARP is generally viewed as somewhat apolitical. They are pretty open about their Medicare and Social Security lobbying; they have a relatively non-controversial and conservative approach, making them popular among older Republicans. Even their magazine and publications are generally not oriented at firebrand activism. Having an AARP membership card doesn’t necessarily mean what you hope it meant; many people just want to join for benefits and to read an excellent, relaxing magazine. They can’t get seniors and their allies out on the streets to protest against ageism without losing a lot of their conservative membership. Maybe genuine activists on the topic could develop some innovative strategies that the AARP could use to do viral marketing, engage on social media, and otherwise increase consciousness to fight ageism. AARP should be doing more of what actually benefits seniors and not just promote themselves.
The main problem is proving age discrimination. A company can set job criteria or learn about your talents and which skills you may need to learn during an interview, and then say that you must be competent in skills that you do not have. For example, a Tech Job may demand 25 years of expertise in Java, but Java was not there until January 23, 1996, so while that is achievable today, it is improbable. In my opinion, AARP is nothing more than a social organization for United Healthcare clients.