AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) never was a perfect fit for me. I was retired only one year, and have been in my post-retirement job since 2001. When their magazine, Mature Years, first came out, it was all about how to choose the best cruise line or the retirement village with the most amenities. I was raising a young son, not really in a position to take advantage of either of those suggestions. I don’t remember seeing any articles about Grandparents as Parents.
Now, since 2002, Mature Years is AARP The Magazine. I visit their website and glance at the mag for their Movies for Grownups suggestions, but that’s about it. For the most part I am completely out of the demographic that is their target market. When did that happen?
The last issue was about being wary when choosing a dating partner off the internet. Nuff said. It was a sad story about a man who bilked a woman out of $300,000 before she caught on.
This month, the feature article, title on the cover right under the masthead: “Best. Sex. Ever. Even in your 70s – We show you how.”
Oh my.
Also listed was bargain travel, of course, and a piece titled “9 Mysteries of your Body Explained.” Now this was meant for us older folks, I assume. The mysteries included, “Why I have the sweats,” “What happened to my toenails,” “Where did these spots come from?” “Why are my feet so fragrant?” “Is my nose getting bigger?” and four more too gross or graphic to mention here.
And guess what. Shania Twain is the big 5-0. Shania Twain!
Yes, AARP The Magazine is for the younger generation. That’s for sure.
So funny! Love your sense of humor. AARP should write about grandparents raising grandchildren, though. Huge demographic.
Obviously planned by someone closer to 50 than 80! Our world is obsessed with sex. Well said, my friend; however, with all your interests, I think you will be forever young.
Yes, I opted out of AARP very quickly. Never felt they aimed at REAL seniors.