Senior Organizations: List of Groups for Older Adults

AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) may be a well-known national organization for senior citizens but it does not necessarily fit the needs of all older adults. In this post, we will take a look at senior citizen membership organizations and other types of senior organizations.

Advocacy Organizations for Seniors (not AARP)

In addition to the challenges of aging, seniors also experience issues when these challenges intersect with marginalized identities and other life challenges. Luckily, there are many senior citizen organizations other than AARP trying to meet those unique needs.

• NCBA (National Caucus & Center on Black Aging): ensures groups, policymakers, and advocacy groups include minority leadership
• SAGE (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders): aims to improve the quality of life for LGBT seniors
• NCEA (National Center on Elder Abuse): provides resources on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation
• NAPCA (National Asian Pacific Center on Aging): provides resources and support for Asian Americans and Pacific Islander elders
• NHCOA (National Hispanic Council on Aging): dedicated to improving the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and their caregivers
• The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care: dedicated to improving the quality of nursing home care
• Senior Medicare Patrol: educates seniors on Medicare abuses and fraud
• Alzheimer’s Association: dedicated to accelerating global research on Alzheimer’s as well as improving care and support
• Pension Rights Center: holds governments and businesses accountable for handing out pensions
• NICOA (National Indian Council on Aging): dedicated to improving comprehensive health, social services, and economic wellbeing for American Indian and Alaska Native elders
• The Center on Aging & Work: promotes opportunity, choice, and quality of paid and unpaid work across the lifespan, with a focus on older adults

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Travel Organizations for Seniors

Several groups offer social and financial benefits for older adults. Here is a look at a few senior-friendly travel organizations:

• ElderTreks: safaris, hiking trips, and expeditions for seniors over 50
• Singles Travel International: cruises, adventures, and tours for single seniors
• Walking the World: hiking adventures for seniors 50 and older
• Evergreen Club: bed-and-breakfast network for adults 50 and older
• Thelma & Louise: online women-only forum to plan trips and meet-ups
• Boondockers Welcome: arranges free RV parking
• The Affordable Travel Club: offers low-cost travel for seniors and baby boomers
• Kindred Tours: trips for seniors in the American southwest, international travel, and cruises
• Road Scholar: provides educational travel programs
• Senior Tours: provides tours and cruises around the globe for seniors
• Vacations by Rail: scenic rail trips in the U.S., Canada, and Europe as well as in Africa, Australia and India

Senior Discount Organizations

Many seniors do not have financial flexibility but businesses and retail establishments will try to accommodate their needs. Here are a few discount programs we know for a fact, but you should always verify before making a purchase since some locations may not offer them:

• Restaurants
  • KFC: Free small drink with a meal purchase or 20% off entire order
  • Olive Garden: Senior pricing for early-bird dinners
  • Dunkin Donuts: Free doughnut with the purchase of a beverage for all AARP members
• Groceries
  • Harris Teeter: 5% off every Thursday
  • Safeway: Discounts with savings card
  • Publix: 5% discounts at varying times
• Fun Activities
  • AMC: 30% off
  • Marriott: 10% off
  • Amazon Prime: Membership for $5.99 (instead of $12.99) per month for Medicaid cardholders
• Travel
  • Greyhound: 5% off for seniors over age 62
  • Amtrak: 10-15% discounts
  • Southwest Airlines: Discounts for seniors over age 65
• Retail Stores
  • Kohl’s: Discounts every Wednesday
  • Goodwill: 10-20% off one day each week (check with your local store for which day)
  • Target: Limited access to senior discounts with some stores offering price cuts on specific days