The Purpose of a CARP Membership
CARP, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, is a national, non-profit, and non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and rights of Canadians as they age. A CARP membership empowers older Canadians by giving them a collective voice on critical issues, driving social change in areas like health, financial security, and freedom from age-based discrimination. Members' fees support this advocacy work.
Advocacy at the Forefront
CARP advocates for policies that benefit older Canadians, working with all political parties. They mobilize members through polls, petitions, and communication with officials, leading to legislative changes. Advocacy areas include:
- Financial security: Protecting CPP stability, fighting mandatory RRIF withdrawals, and supporting GIS.
- Pension reform: Securing changes like pension splitting and protecting retirement income.
- Mandatory retirement: Successfully campaigned for its repeal.
- Healthcare access: Focusing on long-term and home care, and access to doctors.
- Combating ageism: Promoting equitable health care access.
Benefits of Being a Member
A CARP membership offers tangible benefits through exclusive discounts and offers.
Exclusive Discount and Value-Added Offers
Members save on various products and services. Examples include:
- Insurance programs: Benefits and savings on home, auto, and travel insurance.
- Home and health products: Discounts on home health care items and medical alert systems.
- Travel and entertainment: Savings on hotels, car rentals, and tours.
- Financial services: Offers on services like the CHIP Reverse Mortgage.
- Media access: Subscription to Zoomer Magazine is often included.
Community Involvement and Local Chapters
CARP fosters a community through local chapters across Canada. These chapters connect members and support local initiatives. They hold events on relevant topics like fraud prevention and health issues. This network supports change locally and nationally.
How to Join CARP
Joining is simple via the official website. The annual fee is affordable, often recouped through savings. While benefits target those 50+, there's no age limit to join.
Membership Options
CARP offers different plans, sometimes including Zoomer Magazine. Partners may offer special promotions like free initial memberships.
CARP vs. Other Senior Organizations: A Comparison
CARP has a unique Canadian focus. AARP, a US organization, has different priorities.
| Feature | CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) | Other Organizations (e.g., AARP) |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic Focus | Canada only | Primarily the United States (AARP) |
| Advocacy | National, non-partisan, focused on Canadian healthcare, finance, and ageism | Varies by organization; AARP focuses on US federal issues like Social Security and Medicare |
| Benefits | Exclusive discounts with Canadian partners on insurance, travel, etc. | Extensive discount programs, often with US-based companies |
| Community | Active local chapters across Canada | Varies; AARP also has local chapters and community engagement |
| Funding | Membership fees and affinity partnerships; does not receive government funding | Varies; AARP also generates significant revenue from partnerships and selling insurance |
Is a CARP Membership Worth It?
A CARP membership's value depends on individual priorities. It supports a Canadian advocacy group and offers discounts that can easily exceed the annual fee. This blend of advocacy and financial benefits is appealing to many older Canadians.
Conclusion
A CARP membership benefits older Canadians through advocacy, member perks, and community. It provides discounts and a voice on crucial issues like healthcare and financial security. The annual fee is a worthwhile investment for savings and purpose. Learn more at the official CARP website.
