What Is AARP and How Does Membership Work?
Founded in 1958, AARP is a non-profit, non-partisan organization initially known as the American Association of Retired Persons, but later rebranded simply as AARP. Its mission is to empower people 50 and older, though membership is open to anyone over 18 years old. A standard yearly membership costs $15 to $20, with discounts for automatic renewals and multi-year plans. AARP's large membership and reputation enable it to negotiate significant discounts with various companies and hold political influence on issues affecting older Americans, such as Medicare and Social Security.
The Diverse Benefits of an AARP Membership
An AARP membership offers a wide array of benefits across numerous categories. For many members, the most significant draw is the extensive list of discounts and savings. These can often be enough to offset the annual fee with just a single use.
Travel and dining discounts:
- Car Rentals: Discounts of up to 35% with Avis and Budget, plus savings on Zipcar memberships.
- Hotels: Savings of 5% to 20% or more at major hotel chains like Best Western and Wyndham.
- Cruises and Flights: Discounts and onboard credit on select cruise lines and savings on certain airfare.
- Restaurants: Discounts of 10% or more at popular dining spots such as Denny's, Outback Steakhouse, and Carrabba's.
Insurance programs:
- Auto and Home: AARP endorses insurance programs from providers like The Hartford, with members reporting significant savings by bundling policies.
- Health: Members can access AARP-endorsed dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance plans.
- Medicare: AARP offers Medicare-eligible members supplemental and Advantage plans through UnitedHealthcare.
Entertainment and shopping:
- Electronics and Technology: Exclusive discounts on cell phone service from providers like Consumer Cellular.
- Movies and Events: Members can receive discounts on movie tickets and access free online screenings through the Movies for Grownups program.
- Shopping: Savings on popular services like Walmart+ annual memberships and discounts from various retailers.
Informational resources and advocacy:
- Publications: All members receive subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, which cover topics from health to financial planning.
- Advocacy: AARP is a powerful advocate on Capitol Hill for issues concerning older Americans, like Social Security and Medicare.
- Financial and Health Tools: Online resources are available to help with financial planning, job searching, fraud prevention, and wellness.
Is AARP Membership Worth the Cost? Pros and Cons
To help determine if an AARP membership is a wise investment, consider the primary advantages and potential drawbacks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Significant Savings: A single discount on a rental car, insurance policy, or large purchase can easily outweigh the annual membership fee. | Discount Dependency: The membership is only cost-effective if you actively use the benefits. An unused membership is an unnecessary annual fee. |
| Free Secondary Membership: Your annual membership includes a free secondary membership for another adult in your household, effectively doubling the potential value. | Discount Restrictions: Some benefits, particularly certain insurance products, may have age restrictions or limitations. |
| Powerful Advocacy: Your membership fee supports AARP's robust lobbying efforts on behalf of seniors, influencing legislation related to Medicare and Social Security. | Political Stance: AARP's political lobbying may not align with everyone's views. Other senior advocacy groups, such as AMAC, position themselves as conservative alternatives. |
| Abundant Resources: Access to online financial tools, health resources, magazines, and educational events can provide significant value beyond just financial savings. | Unclear Value for Non-Users: If you don't use the discounts, the value of the advocacy and publications alone might not justify the cost for every individual. |
Who Should Consider an AARP Membership?
An AARP membership can be valuable for many people, not just those over 50. Consider your lifestyle and spending habits when deciding if it's right for you.
- The Frequent Traveler: With discounts on flights, hotels, cruises, and rental cars, those who travel often can recoup their annual fee quickly.
- The Insurance Shopper: Individuals looking for lower rates on auto, home, or health insurance can explore AARP-endorsed plans, which often come with special member pricing.
- The Regular Diner: If you frequently eat at chains that offer AARP discounts, such as Outback Steakhouse or Denny's, the savings can add up over the year.
- The Advocacy Supporter: For those who value supporting a powerful non-profit that advocates for seniors' issues on a national scale, the membership fee is a contribution to a cause they believe in.
- The Savvy Shopper: Someone who is constantly on the lookout for deals will find value in the various shopping, tech, and entertainment discounts available.
- The Financial Planner: Access to financial tools and resources can help with retirement planning and wealth management, providing value beyond simple discounts.
How to Maximize the Value of an AARP Membership
To ensure your AARP membership is worth the cost, proactively engage with the benefits. Start by logging into your account on the AARP website to browse the full list of discounts and services. Check for AARP deals before booking travel, making a large purchase, or dining out. Consider whether a single major discount, like on your car insurance, is enough to justify the annual fee. If so, all other benefits are essentially free. For those under 50, remember that while most discounts are available, certain age-restricted benefits, like some insurance products, may be limited. For additional insights, exploring the AARP membership guide from SeniorLiving.org can provide further detail on the latest benefits.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether an AARP membership is worth the cost depends on your individual lifestyle and needs. With an affordable annual fee, the potential for savings on travel, insurance, and dining is significant and can easily cover the membership cost for those who use the benefits regularly. However, if you do not foresee yourself using these discounts, the value proposition diminishes. The membership also offers non-monetary benefits like advocacy and informational resources, which hold value for many members. For an individual or couple seeking to maximize savings and stay informed on issues important to older Americans, an AARP membership presents a strong value proposition, even for those under 50.
