As a senior over 55 years old, do you think AARP membership makes a contribution to fight against ageism?

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.