It’s hard for me to believe, but the evidence is clear. AARP, which is supposed to be the protector of seniors, is systematically taking advantage of them. They do so by regularly sending notices that “your membership is about to expire. You can get a discount, though, by paying for three years.” When, in fact, you already have a subscription good for at least a year, sometimes more.

I first noticed this when I was helping my 92-year-old mother with her bills. She had paid to extend three years on a membership that was still good through March 2019. After my protest, AARP refunded her money. They assured me there would be a note put in her file so it wouldn’t happen again.

Really? A note for one senior out of how many million? Still, after her death in February, she received another note asking for renewal. Well, at least, she is beyond their ability to touch.

My husband paid our bills for many years. It wasn’t until after his death that I looked at my AARP card. Wow! Am I covered? I’m paid through July 2024. What do you want to bet I get a notice to renew within six months? My sister reports getting the same notices and has put reminders on her calendar not to pay. We seniors sometimes forget easily, which is obviously what AARP counts on.

I’m guessing there is a corporate officer somewhere at AARP raking in a nice bonus for keeping the dollars flowing. Too bad it’s on the back of senior citizens who, I believe, deserve better.

Nancy Cuyle

Olympia