I've never had a problem with age or the idea of aging. My mother was 42 when I was born, and I never really thought of her or my Dad as being "old" even in their seventies and eighties. They never acted old. And although there is a large spread of years between me and the oldest of my siblings, again, none of us really seems old. And even as a young child I always liked being around older people.
I have even thought, and indeed spoken aloud my thoughts, about looking forward to turning 50 and getting to join The Red Hat Society. And things like Senior Discounts and AARP have actually appealed to me. I mean, I've gotta get old, anyway, right? So why not look forward to some perks?
Well, I'm beginning to get really irritated!
I'm 39. I'm five months away from turning 40. And the AARP has been knocking down my door (mailbox) trying to get me to contact them and register for all their wonderful benefits! EIGHT TIMES so far this year!!!
Five years ago I got something from them in the mail, and I sniggered and showed it to my husband and threw it away. Obviously a mistake. Two years ago I got something. Again, obviously a mistake. Last year I got one letter. I started to feel a trifle paranoid. Why were these people insisting I was 50?
Now enough is enough!! Today I got the EIGHTH letter of 2005, wondering why I haven't registered yet! It starts out "Our records show that you have not registered to receive the benefits to which you are entitled." I think I'll return their little form and see what happens. I wish there were a live person I could contact to ask why they think I'm 50. The name and address are mine. And apparently they've been able to follow me, because the first one I got was right before we bought our current home and moved into it.
I have my birth certificate. I have my memories. I have corroboration of people I've known all my life that I was actually born in 1966. I know I'm 39. I haven't slipped through some time warp. I haven't pulled a Rip Van Winkle. And for some reason, although never bothered by judgements about age before, for SOME reason, this insistance by this organization that I am 50+ has really bugged me! Maybe I'll check their website (surely they have a website?) and see if there's someone I can contact. Because for 11 more years I want the AARP to leave me alone!
4 comments:
You have a good attitude about aging, but this is funny. Reminds me of all the mail I get from the people who sell the little motorized vehicles for people who can't walk well. Now I admit my ankles swell and sometime hurt but how do they know this? I may want one some day but not today. Paula
Hello There-
Im sorry but I couldn't help but laugh at this entry, I mean really laugh. They have done the same thing to me and want to say "Hey you guys, I have 8 years left yet...go away please!" But AARP bugging you at 39 is just sooooo silly! ARe they desperate for business or something....LOL?
I love your journal so much,
Gayla
Hi! Just dropped by to introduce myself. Love your attitude! When my husband turned 50 he joined AARP. As his wife, at 46 I also got an AARP card! But since then this is how I fight it. Check out my site. I don't care to get older-I just don't want to Feel or Look older!
Darlene Here's to being ageless!
I've been getting the same, but at least mine came after I turned 50 a month or so back. "You're fully eligible. We can't understand why you're not taking advantage of this great offer!" They want to offer me something good, hand me over a good retirement package and then I'll join!
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