What is AARP and Who Can Join?
AARP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. Founded in 1958, AARP has evolved into a powerhouse for older Americans, offering a wide array of programs, services, and advocacy efforts. While its mission is focused on the 50+ demographic, membership is open to people of any age, typically for a small yearly fee. This is a common point of confusion, as many people assume the organization is only for retirees or people entering their senior years.
Membership cost details
While is AARP free for people over 50 is a common question, the answer is that there is an annual cost for membership. The standard yearly price is often around $20, but the fee can vary based on multi-year commitments or special promotions. Many people find that the savings from just one or two discounts can often offset the cost of the annual fee, making the membership a worthwhile investment.
- Introductory offers: Special promotions, especially when enrolling in automatic renewal, can lower the first-year cost significantly.
- Household memberships: A standard membership includes a free secondary membership for another adult in the same household, regardless of their age.
- Multi-year discounts: Committing to a multi-year membership, such as three or five years, can also lower the average annual rate.
What are the benefits of an AARP membership?
The value of an AARP membership goes beyond simple discounts. It provides access to a comprehensive suite of resources designed to improve financial stability, health security, and personal fulfillment for the 50+ community.
- Insurance Programs: AARP partners with various providers to offer members access to different insurance products, including health, life, and property insurance.
- Financial Resources: Members can access financial planning tools, fraud prevention resources, and retirement information.
- Health and Wellness: The organization offers discounts on vision and dental plans, prescription drugs, and hearing care programs.
- Advocacy and Lobbying: AARP actively lobbies on behalf of its members for important issues like Social Security, Medicare, and age discrimination.
- Travel and Entertainment: Members can enjoy discounts on rental cars, hotels, cruises, and restaurants.
- Publications: All members receive subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin, two of the most widely read publications in the US.
How to decide if an AARP membership is worth it
To determine if the membership fee is a worthwhile expense, you should evaluate your own spending habits and lifestyle. The key is to analyze whether your potential savings outweigh the cost. For example, if you frequently travel, dine out, or use insurance products offered through AARP partners, the annual fee could pay for itself very quickly. However, if you are not likely to use these benefits, the value proposition may be less clear.
AARP vs. other senior-focused organizations
When considering AARP, it can be helpful to compare its offerings to other organizations that serve older adults. Organizations vary in their mission, cost, and the specific benefits they provide.
| Feature | AARP | Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) | National Council on Aging (NCOA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Annual fee (e.g., $16-$20), with discounts for longer terms or auto-renewal. | Annual fee, varying based on term length. | Does not require a membership fee for accessing resources. |
| Primary Focus | General advocacy, discounts, and resources for 50+. | Conservative advocacy and discounts for 50+. | Benefit programs for low-income seniors and policy advocacy. |
| Political Stance | Nonpartisan, but actively lobbies on issues affecting seniors. | Positions itself as a conservative alternative to AARP. | Nonpartisan, providing resources and advocacy. |
| Key Benefits | Discounts on travel, dining, insurance, and publications. | Member discounts, publications, and advocacy. | Resources for health, finance, and benefits access, often free. |
| Eligibility | All ages can join; benefits primarily for 50+. | 50+. | N/A (focuses on resources, not membership). |
Maximizing your AARP benefits
Once you decide to join, there are several strategies to ensure you get the most value from your membership. By being proactive and organized, you can ensure that the benefits far outweigh the modest annual cost.
- Review the full list of benefits: AARP's website has a comprehensive, searchable list of all discounts and programs. Take time to explore all the categories, from travel and dining to health and technology.
- Sign up for online access: Create an online account to manage your membership, access a digital card, and browse deals. This also allows you to control your communication preferences to minimize unwanted mail.
- Download the AARP Now App: The mobile app provides a convenient way to find local deals, access your digital card, and get the latest news on the go.
- Use it for big purchases: Don't forget to check for AARP discounts on major purchases like insurance, car rentals, or hotel stays, as these can provide the most significant savings.
- Utilize free resources: Beyond discounts, AARP offers valuable educational resources, free online games, and tools for financial planning and fraud prevention that don't require an extra purchase.
Conclusion
In summary, while is AARP free for people over 50 might be a question on many minds, the answer is a simple no. AARP is not free but does require a very reasonable annual membership fee. This fee, however, unlocks a vast ecosystem of discounts, resources, and advocacy services specifically designed for the 50+ demographic. The key to determining the value lies in assessing your personal spending habits and making a conscious effort to utilize the available benefits. For many, the savings on travel, insurance, and other everyday expenses can quickly cover the cost, making it a worthwhile investment for a healthier, more financially stable retirement. For those seeking alternatives or free resources, other organizations like the NCOA and various local centers also provide support. Ultimately, the decision depends on what benefits you value most.
For more information on the extensive resources available to you, visit the National Council on Aging website.
