The Surprising Truth About AARP Eligibility
For decades, AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) has been a household name associated with older adults. However, one of the most common misconceptions is that membership is reserved for retirees or those over a certain age. The reality is that AARP membership is open to anyone who is at least 18 years of age. This policy allows a much wider audience to take advantage of the organization's offerings than many people assume.
While the founder's original goal was to address the needs of older Americans, the modern organization has evolved to include a variety of resources that can be beneficial to members of all ages. This strategy helps AARP maintain a large membership base, giving it more power as an advocate for the 50+ population while providing value to a diverse audience.
Membership Benefits for All Ages
Once you join AARP, you gain access to a broad suite of benefits. Most of these are not restricted by age, meaning an 18-year-old and an 80-year-old can enjoy the same perks. These benefits include:
- Travel Discounts: Significant savings on hotels and car rentals from popular brands.
- Restaurant and Shopping Discounts: Access to deals at thousands of national restaurant chains and retailers.
- AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin: Subscriptions to the organization's publications, which offer articles on health, money, lifestyle, and more.
- Free Secondary Membership: The ability to add an adult household member to your membership for free.
- Financial Planning and Work Resources: Access to job boards, financial calculators, and resources for managing finances and preparing for retirement.
- Rewards Program: Participation in the AARP Rewards program to earn points for completing healthy activities, which can be redeemed for gift cards and more.
Age-Restricted Benefits: An Important Caveat
While most benefits are universally available, some specific products and services are indeed age-gated. The most significant example involves certain insurance products. For instance, to be eligible for AARP Auto and Home Insurance from The Hartford, members must be at least 50 years old. Similarly, Medicare plans through UnitedHealthcare are only available to those who are eligible for Medicare. When considering an AARP membership, it is crucial for younger applicants to review the specific terms and conditions for any age-restricted benefits they may be interested in.
How to Join AARP
The process for joining AARP is straightforward and can be completed in a few ways. For the fastest access to benefits, you can sign up online. New members can receive a digital membership card instantly.
- Online: Visit the AARP website, choose your membership term (multi-year options often offer discounts), and complete the sign-up form.
- Phone: You can also join by calling a toll-free number and speaking with a representative.
- Mail: If you receive a mail-in form, you can send it back with your payment.
Membership costs vary, but a standard annual membership typically costs around $20, with potential savings for multi-year terms or enrolling in automatic renewal.
AARP vs. Alternatives: Is it the Right Fit?
Because AARP is a prominent name, many people don't realize there are alternatives that might be a better fit, especially for those with different political leanings or priorities. One notable competitor is the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), which positions itself as a conservative alternative.
| Feature | AARP | AMAC (Association of Mature American Citizens) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | 18+ to join | 50+ to join |
| Political Stance | Non-partisan advocacy | Conservative advocacy |
| Benefit Focus | Diverse benefits, resources, and advocacy for 50+ | Benefits and advocacy with a focus on conservative values |
For some, AARP's non-partisan approach to advocating on issues like Social Security and Medicare is preferable. For others, AMAC's more direct political stance and its focus on conservative issues are more appealing. Exploring these options helps ensure you align with an organization that best reflects your values.
The Mission and Advocacy of AARP
Understanding AARP's mission provides insight into why its membership is so broad. As a nonprofit and non-partisan organization, its goal is to empower people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. The fees paid by all members, regardless of age, help fund AARP's powerful lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. These efforts advocate for issues that primarily affect the 50+ population, such as protecting Social Security and Medicare. By joining, younger members are not only gaining access to benefits but also contributing to advocacy for a demographic they will eventually join.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
So, is AARP available to anyone? The definitive answer is yes, for anyone 18 or older. However, the value proposition differs based on your age and priorities. Younger members can enjoy a wide array of discounts on travel, dining, and other purchases, which can easily justify the low annual membership fee. Older members (50+) have access to all these benefits plus a full suite of age-specific resources and insurance products.
Before joining, take a moment to consider what you hope to gain from a membership. If you are looking for discounts and want to support a non-profit organization that advocates for older Americans, AARP is an excellent choice. If you prefer an organization with a more pronounced political position, exploring alternatives like AMAC or 60 Plus might be more suitable. Regardless of your age, the key is to make an informed decision based on the facts.
Explore all the official benefits here: AARP's official membership benefits page
