"Fake" IDs and the AARP

A few days ago, I went to get the mail expecting random junk and maybe some packages for me containing such awesome things as textbooks or Legos I bought from ebay. While I did indeed get some of those things, among the pieces of random junk mail was something I did not expect: a membership card to the AARP.

Yes, the AARP. As in the American Association of Retired Persons. The lobbying organization for people over 50. In fact, my mother got one of the same letters not too long after she turned 50.

I was baffled. My name was spelled correctly, right down to the middle initial. The address was correct too, including the 1/2. I can only wonder where they got my info. You see, at the ripe young age of 22, I'm not even half way to the age of 50. I'm still in college. I don't even have a "real" job that I can think about retiring from. I live in an apartment with my boyfriend and no kids. My father still has yet to reach this magical age. My mother barely has. I am confused.

Andrew says I should pay the membership dues, because they're not too expensive, and I can also get sweet deals on things such as hotels, and health insurance, as once I graduate or turn 24, whichever comes first (I'm betting on the latter), I won't be eligible for my dad's coverage OR Medicare. The only question I have is if you actually have to BE 50 or older to enjoy the fruits of this magic card. It says nowhere on the enclosed papers that you do.

Then the challenge is whether or not anyone will accept that card from me. The bouncers atbars barely accept my drivers license as proof that I'm old enough to be there. If most of them wonder if my real ID is a fake, I don't know anyone that would believe I could possibly be a member of the AARP.

It is something to think about, though. And if nothing else, it gives me a new story to tell and something to laugh about.