The question of how much it costs to access AARP's brain health program, Staying Sharp, has a simple answer with a few key details. The program is offered in two main tiers: a free option for registered users of aarp.org and a full-access, no-additional-cost version for AARP members. Understanding the distinction is crucial for maximizing your experience.
The Free Access Tier for Registered Users
For individuals who are not AARP members, but are interested in improving their brain health, a significant portion of the Staying Sharp content is accessible for free. To get started, all you need to do is create an account on aarp.org. This simple process provides you with access to several valuable resources without any membership fee.
What's included in the free tier?
- Cognitive Assessments and Lifestyle Check-Ins: The core of the Staying Sharp program is its assessment suite. These tests are available to all registered users at no cost and can be taken every 30 days to help you track your progress.
- Selected Content: You can explore a selection of articles, videos, and challenges based on the six pillars of brain health.
- Games: A variety of brain games are available to help keep your mind active in a fun and engaging way.
This limited, free access is an excellent way to explore the program and determine if the full benefits of an AARP membership are right for you.
The Full Access Tier for AARP Members
For those who hold an active AARP membership, the cost of Staying Sharp is already covered within your annual membership dues. This means you gain full, unrestricted access to the entire program without any extra monthly or annual fees.
What's included with full member access?
- Comprehensive Interactive Learning: Members can dive into a vast library of interactive learning modules.
- Expanded Content: All articles, videos, recipes, and exclusive challenges are unlocked, providing a comprehensive and deep dive into brain health.
- Full Library of Activities: The full spectrum of activities, beyond the limited selection for free users, is available for exploration.
- Access via Apps: AARP members also get full, unlimited access to the content via the dedicated Staying Sharp mobile apps.
Comparison: Free Registered User vs. Full AARP Member
To help you decide which option is best, here is a breakdown of the key differences in access and content.
| Feature | Free Registered User | Full AARP Member |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Included with AARP membership fee |
| Cognitive Assessment | Yes (every 30 days) | Yes (every 30 days) |
| Lifestyle Check-Ins | Yes | Yes |
| Articles & Videos | Limited selection | Full access to all content |
| Games & Activities | Limited selection | Full access to all content and games |
| Exclusive Challenges | Limited access | Full access to all interactive challenges |
| Mobile App | Preview access | Full access via app |
| AARP Rewards | Earn points | Earn 50% more points on activities |
What if I signed up through UnitedHealthcare?
If you are enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan, you may also have access to the full benefits of Staying Sharp. This is often provided at no additional cost as a feature of your health plan. In this case, you would access the program through the UnitedHealthcare platform, such as uhcrenewactive.com.
Debunking the Myth of a Separate Subscription
Some older sources, including a 2016 press release, mention a standalone subscription cost for Staying Sharp ($5.99/month or $35.99/year). It is important to note that this information is now outdated. According to the official AARP Help Center, full access is a benefit of AARP membership, and a free limited tier is available for non-members. Always rely on the official AARP website for the most current information regarding costs and access.
How to Get Started with AARP Staying Sharp
Regardless of whether you are a member or a non-member, getting started is a straightforward process.
If you are an AARP Member:
- Visit the official AARP Staying Sharp website.
- Log in using your AARP member account.
- Accept the program's legal disclaimer to activate.
If you are not an AARP Member:
- Go to the aarp.org website and create a free online account.
- Fill out the registration form with your information.
- Once your account is created, visit stayingsharp.aarp.org and activate your access by accepting the legal disclaimer.
Is AARP Staying Sharp Worth It?
Whether Staying Sharp is worth it depends on your needs and your existing relationship with AARP. For AARP members, the program is a high-value, no-extra-cost benefit that provides extensive resources for brain health. Given that many people are already members for other benefits, the addition of Staying Sharp makes membership even more valuable.
For non-members, the free, limited version is an excellent way to get started with cognitive assessments and explore the program's approach to brain health. It offers a low-risk opportunity to engage with helpful content before deciding if a full AARP membership is a worthwhile investment for you.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of how much does AARP Staying Sharp cost has a very positive answer for members and an equally encouraging one for non-members. Full access is a free, included benefit for AARP members, while a limited version is free for anyone who signs up for a free aarp.org account. This structure allows a wide audience to engage with and benefit from AARP's brain health resources, making it a accessible tool for healthy aging.
