AARP: What it is and how it benefits members
Originally known as the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP is a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing the quality of life for individuals aged 50 and older. AARP's offerings have evolved significantly since its founding, providing a vast array of services, information, and advocacy efforts to empower its diverse membership. While its mission is geared toward older Americans, membership is open to anyone 18 and older, allowing younger individuals to take advantage of many benefits as well.
The core components of an AARP membership
At its heart, an AARP membership provides access to three main areas of value:
- Extensive discounts and benefits: AARP leverages its large membership to negotiate deals with a wide range of companies. These discounts cover a vast spectrum of products and services, including travel, insurance, dining, and technology. For many members, the annual savings from these discounts alone can exceed the cost of the membership fee.
- Information and resources: Members receive regular publications like AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, which offer news, lifestyle articles, and expert advice on topics relevant to healthy aging, finance, and well-being. The organization's website also hosts a wealth of free online resources, including tools for financial planning and brain-boosting games.
- Advocacy and community: AARP is a powerful lobbying force that champions issues important to seniors, such as protecting Social Security and Medicare and lowering prescription drug costs. Beyond national advocacy, AARP fosters a sense of community through local events and volunteer opportunities.
Breaking down AARP's most popular benefits
To truly assess if it is worth it to subscribe to AARP, you need to understand the practical applications of its benefits. The most widely used advantages often fall into specific categories:
- Travel: AARP offers significant discounts on hotels through its Travel Center powered by Expedia, as well as on car rentals from companies like Avis and Budget. For those who travel frequently, these savings can quickly add up.
- Insurance: Members can access a variety of insurance products, including health, auto, and homeowners insurance, often at a discounted rate through partner companies like The Hartford and UnitedHealthcare. This can be particularly valuable for those navigating the complexities of Medicare.
- Dining and shopping: Numerous national and local restaurant chains offer a 10% to 15% discount for AARP members. The program also provides discounts on shopping and technology, including cell phone plans through Consumer Cellular.
- Health and wellness: Beyond insurance, AARP provides resources for healthy living, including online fitness classes, expert health articles, and hearing and vision benefits.
Is it a good deal for you? A comparison table
To help determine if an AARP membership is a sound investment, consider a direct comparison of its benefits against potential costs and other options. The decision hinges on whether your usage aligns with the value provided.
| Feature | AARP Membership | Alternatives & Non-Members | Considerations for Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee (First Year) | $15 (with auto-renew) or $20 | Varies, many alternatives are free | If you use just a few major discounts, this cost is easily recouped. |
| Insurance Products | Access to AARP-endorsed plans (e.g., auto, Medigap) | Shop for best rates independently from all providers | You must compare the AARP-endorsed rates with market rates to see if they offer a true saving. |
| Travel Discounts | Up to 35% off car rentals; 10% off select hotels; more via Expedia | AAA, credit card travel portals, booking sites | Savings are often tied to specific vendors. If you use those brands, the value is higher. |
| Dining & Shopping | 10–15% at various chains | Senior discount days, general loyalty programs | The savings are consistent, but typically small per transaction. Evaluate your dining habits. |
| Advocacy | Supports legislative efforts for seniors | Limited individual influence | This is a non-monetary benefit; value depends on your personal belief in AARP's mission. |
| Publications & Info | Subscription to AARP The Magazine and Bulletin | Numerous free online resources, library access | The quality of the content is a significant factor. Much information is available for free elsewhere. |
| Additional Member | Free second membership for a household member | None | This doubles the potential value for couples at no extra cost. |
Evaluating the non-financial benefits
While the financial discounts are a major draw, many members find the non-monetary benefits equally or more valuable. AARP's strong advocacy on issues like Social Security and Medicare protects the financial stability of millions of older adults, whether they are members or not. Furthermore, the sense of community provided through local chapters, volunteer opportunities, and online forums can combat social isolation, a significant health concern for many seniors. The fraud prevention resources and information are also a vital, if unquantifiable, benefit. These benefits contribute to a more secure and connected life, aspects that money alone cannot always buy.
The cancellation and renewal process
AARP makes it straightforward to cancel your membership at any time, with options to do so online or by phone. This flexibility allows you to try a membership for a year and re-evaluate its worth based on your experience. For convenience, AARP offers automatic renewal, which can sometimes provide a lower rate for the first year. It is wise to track how often you use the benefits throughout the year to make an informed decision on whether to continue.
Making the final decision on an AARP membership
Ultimately, whether a subscription to AARP is worth it is a personal calculation based on your lifestyle, habits, and priorities. The organization provides undeniable value through its discounts, resources, and powerful advocacy, but its true worth is realized by those who actively use and appreciate these benefits. For frequent travelers, those with specific insurance needs, or individuals who value the advocacy work, the annual fee is likely a small price to pay. For others who do not take advantage of the discounts, the value may be less obvious. The best approach is to join for a year, maximize your use of the member benefits, and then decide if the savings and resources justify continuing your subscription. For those interested in learning more about aging with purpose and dignity, an insightful resource can be found on the AARP Foundation website, which outlines a number of community support services: AARP Foundation.
Conclusion
For a small annual fee, an AARP subscription offers a wide-ranging package of discounts, publications, and advocacy. The benefits span from practical financial savings on travel and insurance to valuable resources for health and community engagement. By evaluating your personal spending and needs, you can easily determine if the value of membership outweighs the cost, with the added flexibility of being able to cancel if it doesn't align with your lifestyle.
