Senior Organizations and the Benefits of Joining For Elder Care

With the age of the average American on the rise, so too is the number of senior-focused organizations around the country. Most of us are familiar with the biggest names like the AARP – but what do senior organizations actually do for older adults? We’ve all received the mail, flyers and pamphlets, but what sets senior organizations apart from one another – and what effect can they have on your life?

That’s the question we’re out to answer. Read on to learn about the different kinds of senior-oriented social and advocacy organizations you can join.

Finding Senior-Focused Groups

There are groups dedicated to just about everything you can think of – but did you know that there are senior-focused groups for almost any interest? It’s true. No matter what’s important to you – be it faith, physical fitness, birdwatching, you name it – there’s a group out there for you.

How do you find them? Asking likeminded friends and family is always a good place to start. But if you’re looking for a little more variety, check out this page. It lists national and local groups dedicated to a diverse range of interests, including Christian studies, croquet, board games and educational travel. It also includes advocacy groups that lobby for senior rights.

The Importance of Socialization

For most folks, a healthy social life is important – but maintaining these social networks becomes harder as life’s responsibilities and changing health concerns get in the way. Joining a group is a great way to combat isolation, which is a leading factor in both mental and physical illness in older adults.

To learn more about how aging interacts with our evolving understanding of mental health, read this report from the CDC.

Senior Advocacy Groups: AMAC vs. AARP

The largest senior advocacy group in the nation is the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). This is the first thing that pops into people’s mind when they think “senior organizations”, and for good reason. They’ve pumped millions into lobbying efforts to expand the social safety net for seniors. The AARP is so ubiquitous that some 35% of retirees are members (although being retired hasn’t been a requirement for membership since the 1990s).

As the biggest senior organization, the AARP has the most reach and influence – which it uses to offer unique benefits and pressure government officials to put seniors’ interests first. That being said, we’re not here to advertise any organization – far from it! Our goal is to make you aware of all the options. Part of that responsibility is telling you about alternative advocacy groups.

Instead of joining the AARP, some advocates opt to create their own groups that align with their economic or political principles. Perhaps the best known of these groups are the American Seniors Association (ASA) and the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC). Per Sound Mind Investing, AMAC “combines conservative political advocacy with a robust benefits catalog.” We encourage you to consider the benefits they offer and make the best choice for you.

Have Questions? We Have Answers

If you’re curious about how we interact with senior organizations or just want to learn about what we offer, contact us today. A member of our team is ready to provide prompt answers to your inquiry.