Understanding the Landscape of Senior Advocacy
For decades, AARP has been a dominant voice in lobbying for senior issues, offering a broad spectrum of discounts, services, and information. However, while AARP maintains that it is non-partisan, its policy positions and endorsements have led many to perceive it as having a liberal leaning. This perception has fueled the rise of other groups that explicitly market themselves as conservative counterparts, catering to seniors who prioritize different political philosophies.
Leading Conservative Alternatives to AARP
Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC)
Founded in 2007, the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) is perhaps the most direct and well-known conservative alternative to AARP. AMAC's mission is to offer advocacy, information, and a wide array of benefits to its members, while championing conservative values and free-market principles. AMAC is particularly vocal on issues like the preservation of American values, limited government intervention, and fiscal responsibility.
Key features of AMAC include:
- Advocacy: Strong lobbying efforts on issues like Social Security reform, healthcare policy (opposing the ACA), and tax code reform.
- Benefits: A broad range of discounts on everything from health and life insurance to travel, roadside assistance, and cell phone plans.
- Membership: Open to individuals 50 and over, with options for annual or multi-year memberships. The organization also provides members with the AMAC Magazine.
- Community: Fosters a community of like-minded individuals through its magazine and local events.
60 Plus Association
Established in 1992, the 60 Plus Association is another significant conservative advocacy group for seniors. Billing itself as the "conservative alternative to the AARP," its focus is firmly on free enterprise, less government spending, and lower taxes. Unlike AMAC, which offers a robust package of member benefits, 60 Plus concentrates more heavily on its lobbying activities.
Its primary objectives and stances include:
- Lobbying: Works to influence policy with a focus on free-market solutions for senior issues. It has notably advocated for privatizing aspects of Social Security and Medicare.
- Advocacy: Known for its vocal opposition to the federal estate tax and other tax increases.
- Funding: As a 501(c)(4) non-profit, its funding sources have been a subject of scrutiny, though it claims to be funded by millions of members.
American Seniors Association (ASA)
Another organization founded with conservative principles is the American Seniors Association (ASA). ASA's foundation rests on a set of core values, including rebuilding national values, advocating for Social Security and Medicare reform, and controlling government overspending. Like AMAC, it provides a range of member benefits alongside its political advocacy.
ASA's focus points include:
- Issue-based Advocacy: Priorities include protecting Social Security and Medicare while pushing for reforms consistent with a conservative viewpoint.
- Member Benefits: Offers a variety of discounts and services on travel, insurance, health and wellness products, and security services.
Comparison of Major Senior Advocacy Groups
| Feature | AARP | AMAC | 60 Plus Association |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Stance | Officially non-partisan, perceived as liberal | Explicitly Conservative | Explicitly Conservative |
| Primary Focus | Broad senior advocacy, consumer benefits, discounts | Conservative advocacy, robust member benefits | Limited government advocacy, free market principles |
| Membership Cost | ~$16/year (spouse extra) | ~$16-$17/year (spouse free) | Varies; often lower cost memberships |
| Key Benefits | Extensive discounts (travel, insurance, retail), publications, resources | Discounts (travel, insurance, health), magazine, Medicare advice | Primarily advocacy, limited member benefits |
Choosing the Right Organization for You
Selecting a senior advocacy organization is a personal decision that should extend beyond political alignment. Consider what you hope to gain from membership:
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Do you want advocacy, benefits, or both? AARP and AMAC provide a balance of both, with AMAC offering many comparable discounts. 60 Plus is a better fit if your primary interest is pure political advocacy.
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Evaluate the advocacy focus. Research the specific policy positions of each group. While AMAC and 60 Plus are both conservative, they might prioritize different issues. AMAC has a broader focus on American values, while 60 Plus leans heavily into free-market and tax-related reforms.
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Compare specific benefits. Some discounts may be more valuable to you than others. Compare the details of each organization's offerings on travel, insurance, and other areas to see which provides the best value for your needs. For instance, AMAC's free spouse membership can be a significant cost saver.
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Consider cost vs. value. The cost of membership is relatively low across all groups, so the most important factor is the value you receive. For some, the peace of mind of aligning with a specific political viewpoint is priceless. For others, the tangible benefits and savings are the main draw.
Ultimately, knowing that options exist allows you to make an informed choice that best suits your needs and values. With the rise of conservative alternatives, seniors no longer have to settle for an organization whose political stance they do not support to gain access to valuable benefits and advocacy.
Final Considerations
When making your decision, consider visiting each organization's website to read their mission statements and policy stances directly. This will provide the clearest picture of where they stand on the issues you care about most. For instance, more information about AMAC's mission can be found on its website: Wikipedia entry on AMAC.
