The search for an organization that mirrors AARP's membership model while championing conservative principles has led to the rise of several prominent alternatives. While the AARP maintains that it is nonpartisan, its political advocacy and endorsements have led many to seek out groups that better align with right-leaning viewpoints. The primary focus of these alternatives is often on limited government, lower taxes, and free-market solutions, rather than the broad-based advocacy and lobbying for programs that AARP is known for.
Leading Conservative Alternatives to AARP
The most commonly cited conservative alternative is the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC). Founded in 2007, AMAC was created specifically to counter what its founder viewed as AARP's liberal agenda. AMAC's platform emphasizes conservative values such as faith, family, and freedom, and it actively advocates for policies like preserving American values, election integrity, and making tax cuts permanent. Beyond advocacy, AMAC provides a suite of member benefits very similar in type to those offered by AARP, including discounts on travel, insurance, and prescription drugs.
Another significant player is the 60 Plus Association, an American conservative advocacy group founded in 1992. This organization is defined by its strong stance on free markets, less government intervention, and lower taxes. The 60 Plus Association is known for its advocacy for privatizing Social Security and healthcare programs, as well as its opposition to the estate tax. The group's benefits package is not as extensive as AMAC's, focusing more on its political mission, though it does offer some member discounts.
A third option is The Seniors Coalition (TSC), a public advocacy group established in 1990. TSC has a long history of grassroots lobbying and focuses its advocacy on protecting Social Security benefits, controlling government spending, and eliminating the "death tax". While its advocacy efforts are robust, its membership benefits are generally less robust than those offered by AMAC.
Comparing AARP vs. AMAC vs. 60 Plus Association
| Feature | AARP | AMAC | 60 Plus Association |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Stance | Officially nonpartisan, but perceived as liberal-leaning; does not endorse candidates | Openly conservative; advocates for conservative values and policies | Strictly conservative; advocates for free-market solutions and less government |
| Focus Issues | Broad advocacy on aging, healthcare, financial security, and consumer protection | Focuses on conservative values, election integrity, Social Security reform, and tax cuts | Emphasizes free enterprise, tax reduction (especially the estate tax), and entitlement reform |
| Membership Age | Primarily 50+, though no age restriction exists for membership | Primarily 50+, but open to individuals of any age | No minimum age mentioned; focus is on seniors' issues |
| Membership Benefits | Extensive discounts on travel, insurance (via UnitedHealthcare), dining, and tech | Similar breadth of discounts on insurance (multiple carriers), travel, and retail | Some member benefits offered, but less emphasis than on advocacy |
| Medicare Plans | Offers plans through a partnership with UnitedHealthcare | Provides advisory services with access to multiple carriers | Focuses more on general Medicare reform advocacy |
How to Choose a Conservative Senior Advocacy Group
When deciding which organization is the best fit, potential members should consider several factors beyond just their political alignment. While all offer advocacy from a conservative perspective, the specific issues they prioritize and the level of member benefits they provide can vary significantly. For instance, someone prioritizing robust member discounts and advisory services might find AMAC a more compelling option. A person more concerned with advocating for specific political reforms, such as the repeal of the estate tax, might be better suited for the 60 Plus Association.
It is also important to look at the organizations' histories and approaches to advocacy. The Seniors Coalition has a long track record of grassroots action, while AMAC has built a large, community-focused membership base. Evaluating the specific issues, advocacy methods, and resources each group offers is essential for making an informed decision. For those who want more than just a membership, some groups have associated foundations that provide further educational resources, such as the AMAC Foundation.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the individual’s specific needs. For some, joining both a conservative organization and a more general discount provider like AAA might offer the best of both worlds. The emergence of these alternatives provides a wider array of choices for mature Americans seeking representation that truly resonates with their personal values and priorities.
Conclusion
For those seeking a conservative alternative to AARP, the market offers several well-established organizations. The Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) is perhaps the most direct counterpart, mirroring AARP's benefits model while offering a distinctly conservative platform. For those prioritizing free-market principles and limited government in their advocacy, the 60 Plus Association and The Seniors Coalition present strong, politically focused options. By evaluating each group's advocacy focus, benefits, and membership structure, individuals can find an organization that aligns with their political values and provides the resources they need during their mature years. The availability of multiple options ensures that seniors can find representation that accurately reflects their diverse perspectives on national issues and retirement concerns.
Other Conservative Senior Groups
In addition to the main players, other, smaller conservative senior groups also exist, though their benefits and reach may be less extensive. These organizations cater to specific niches or interests. Examples include:
- American Seniors Association: A conservative advocacy group focusing on national issues impacting seniors, though smaller than AMAC.
- National Association of Conservative Seniors: A conservative-leaning organization that also offers member discounts.
- Christian Seniors Association: An organization that combines Christian values with senior advocacy and benefits.
Resources
For those interested in exploring further, the website for the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) is a good starting point to compare services and philosophy against AARP. https://amac.us/
