AARP Endorses ARC

AARP is the voice for some 2.6 million Florida members and the 50 and over population as a whole. Now AARP is joining in the fight to protect senior citizens’ rights in regards to pets.

“We believe that older folks are being hurt by these policies,” said AARP Florida State Director, Bentley Lipscomb. The policies Mr. Lipscomb is referring to are the “no pets” rules imposed by housing associations.

AARP stands firmly behind the medical research that demonstrates that older people who have a pet live longer, go to the doctor less often, recover more quickly from illnesses and have a more positive outlook than those who do not have a pet.

As a result, AARP is hosting two informational sessions in Sarasota to inform and educate residents about this issue and what can be done. One issue to be discussed is the petitioning of Sarasota residents and the ordinance that is going to be presented to Sarasota County government.

“It is a basic constitutional right to petition the government and this is an opportunity for community residents to exercise this right and have their voice heard,” adds Lipscomb. AARP’s stance is that people shouldn’t have to choose between their pet and their home.