Really? I Didn't Know AARP Did That!

Turning 50 is definitely one of those “milestone” birthdays! It is often accompanied by black balloons, the aging jabs from friends and co-workers, and the quips about reaching half a century. Maybe you received an invitation to join AARP in your mailbox…which is usually shared along with a heavy groan “Why are they sending me this? I’m not old yet.”

But why this response? Why is aging viewed as negative and something to dread? Think of everything you know now that you didn’t know when you were younger. Think of the skills you’ve developed in your lifetime. Think of the lessons you’ve passed on to your children, grandchildren and great children. Think of the impact you have made with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. Think of the full and fulfilling life you have built simply by getting older and acquiring knowledge! It is an amazing accomplishment to celebrate. And that’s what we do at AARP!

The truth is, we can spend nearly half of our lives over the age of 50. That’s a lot of living and a lot of learning along the way! So, it helps to have a wise friend and a fierce defender such as AARP in your corner and in your community so your money, health and happiness live as long as you do.

Looking for fun AARP events in YOUR community? Visit www.aarp.org/nearme

AARP is thriving in Maine with more than 200,000 members. AARP continues to be a champion for older Americans, fighting for and equipping each individual to live their best life. Our mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age. And this manifests itself in many ways based on input from our 38 million members across the county. Here are some of the ways AARP is in your corner:

Top Ten Things You May Not Know About AARP (in no particular order):

• Support in Your Caregiving Journey Get the family caregiving support you need, when you need it! Your caregiving journey can be challenging in all kinds of ways. AARP Family Caregiving is here to help you get answers, connect with other family caregivers and find resources close to home. So you can take care of what matters most. Visit www.aarp.org/caregiving

• We have fun! Join us for our monthly coffees and make new friends while you hear from community leaders. Registration is appreciated. Learn more here: https://states.aarp.org/maine/coffees

• Looking for a New Volunteer Gig? Getting involved in your community is easier than you think. If you can share a status, you can lend a hand. If you can log on, you can give back. Because when you volunteer virtually with AARP, you can help your community without leaving home. AARP ME has a variety of volunteer opportunities to get you started. We’re looking for community engagement volunteers, speakers bureau members, Driver Safety and Tax-Aide volunteers, and advocates! We’ll provide the support you need to make it easy and fun. And later this year, we hope to return to in-person volunteer activities. Get involved here.

• Thrive in the Work Place There’s a moment you realize you’re ready for what’s next in your career. Maybe it’s when you’re trying a new scone recipe and think… “I could open a cafe.” Or maybe you’re helping a coworker and say… “I could teach a course on this.” Whatever your moment is, it’s never too early to plan for a career that lives longer. For skills training, resume tips, and jobs listings, visit www.AARP.org/work

• Veterans Served Us, We’re Here to Serve You When you’re a military veteran, more than 40,000 organizations are available to serve you and your family. But it can be hard to know which ones are right for your needs. AARP offers free, valuable resources to help you navigate your options. Check out our veteran employment and fraud prevention resources, caregiving tools, and access to discounts. AARP is on a mission to support veterans. Visit www.aarp.org/veterans

• Savvy Ways to Save Is retirement on your horizon? Maybe you have questions about living on a budget or managing your debt. And there’s always more to learn about savings, investing, taxes and insurance. Get on the right track for you with a variety of AARP money-related resources including the AARP Money Map that creates a free action plan to help you to manage debt, set a budget, and create financial goals. Visit www.aarp.org/money

• If You Can Spot a Scam, You Can Stop a Scam New frauds and scams seem to crop up weekly. Identity theft, investment fraud and other scams rob millions of Americans of their hard-earned money. At the AARP Fraud Watch Network, you’ll learn how to proactively spot scams, get guidance from fraud specialists, and feel more secure knowing that we advocate to protect consumers and enforce the law. Visit the Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call toll-free at 877.908.3360 (Mon-Fri, 7 am to 11 pm). You can also join our volunteer-led monthly Zoom calls in Maine to ask questions and learn about the latest scams. Click here to learn more.

• Stay connected, Learn and Have Fun! Want to connect, learn something new or just have fun? AARP offers dozens of free, virtual events in ME and across the country. Topics including cooking demos, music concerts, yoga, paint and sip, lectures, tours, exercise classes and so much more! Signing up for an AARP ME virtual program is super easy! Visit aarp.org/me for registration links or in the events tab of our Facebook page at @aarpmaine. You can also find a complete calendar of national opportunities at our Virtual Community Center at: local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center

• Something to Talk About: The AARP ME Fraud Watch Speakers Bureau-Is your organization looking for a virtual speaker? The AARP ME Fraud Watch Speakers Bureau offers free, presentations to your organization’s audience of 10 more on ways to stay safe from scams and fraud. Talks run 30 to 60 minutes and will be delivered via Zoom. We’re also looking for volunteers! To book a presentation or volunteer as a speaker, send an email to me@aarp.org.

• What You Need to Know to Vote in 2024 - Do you know where and how to vote in Maine? We can help! Visit our complete voting guide here: https://states.aarp.org/maine/election-voting-guide

We’re in your corner to empower you to choose how you live as you age. And this list is only the beginning. Whether you’ve just received your AARP membership invite in the mail, got it 20 years ago or won’t be getting it for another 20 years, we invite you to use all of the free resources AARP puts at your fingertips for you and your loved ones.

With so much life to live ahead of you, the younger you are, the more you need AARP. We are proud to serve as a one-stop resource for the age 50+ population and their loved ones in the Pine Tree State. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/me or follow @aarpmaine on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).