A Clear Answer: Yes, the AARP Email Newsletter is Free
Unlike AARP's print publications, which are a benefit of paid membership, AARP offers a variety of email newsletters at no cost to anyone, regardless of their membership status. The organization provides this resource to keep the public informed on issues relevant to those aged 50 and over. A free AARP.org online account is all that is required to begin receiving these electronic updates. This approach allows AARP to reach a broader audience with valuable information on topics such as health, finance, and consumer protection.
How to Subscribe to Free AARP Newsletters
Signing up for AARP's email newsletters is a straightforward, three-step process that can be completed entirely online:
- Create a Free AARP.org Account: If you don't already have one, visit the AARP website and create a free account. You will need to provide your email address and create a password.
- Verify Your Email: AARP will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Click the link in the email to confirm your subscription and activate your account.
- Select Your Newsletters: Log in to your new account and visit the newsletter subscription management page. Here, you can browse and select from a diverse list of newsletter topics that match your interests, such as finance, health, travel, and more.
Comparing AARP Free Newsletters vs. Paid Membership
While the free newsletters offer a great way to access a variety of AARP's content, they do not provide the full scope of benefits that come with a paid membership. The table below outlines the key differences between being a free subscriber and a paid member.
| Feature | Free Newsletter Subscriber | Paid AARP Member |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Starts at $15 for the first year with auto-renewal |
| Email Newsletters | Access to a wide variety of email newsletters | Same access to email newsletters as free users |
| Print Publications | No access to print magazines or bulletins | Subscription to AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin included |
| Discounts & Benefits | Very limited access, mainly informational content | Access to hundreds of exclusive discounts and member benefits |
| Advocacy | Receives updates on AARP's advocacy efforts through newsletters | Supports AARP's mission and advocacy work on critical issues |
| Digital Content | Access to select online articles and resources | Unlimited access to member-exclusive content and online features |
What to Expect in AARP's Newsletters
AARP offers a wide array of specialized newsletters to cater to different interests. For instance, the AARP Livable Communities newsletter focuses on making communities better for all ages, with updates on grants, resources, and events. The AARP Watchdog Alerts newsletter is a critical resource for staying one step ahead of scammers by delivering the latest scam news directly to your inbox. Other options include newsletters focusing on finance, health, travel, and local state-specific updates, all providing timely, relevant information without charge.
Beyond just the content, receiving these newsletters is an easy way to get a feel for the valuable information AARP provides before committing to a paid membership. For many, the free email service offers enough high-quality information and tips to be a worthwhile subscription on its own. To maximize the value of both free and paid content, consider also downloading the free AARP Now app, which centralizes much of their information.
The Takeaway for Potential Subscribers
The free AARP newsletters serve as an excellent entry point for anyone interested in topics concerning aging, finance, and health. They provide practical, actionable information without any financial commitment. The key is to understand that these email updates are not the same as the full AARP membership, which includes exclusive discounts and mailed publications like AARP The Magazine. By signing up for a free online account, you can tailor your email subscriptions to receive the content most relevant to your life, from scam prevention tips to health news and community resources. This makes the free newsletter a valuable tool for staying informed at no cost.
Conclusion
Is the AARP newsletter free? Yes, the email newsletters are completely free for both members and non-members. Anyone can sign up for an AARP.org online account and subscribe to the range of themed email newsletters that cover everything from finance and health to community development and scam alerts. This free service is distinct from the paid AARP membership, which unlocks a much broader range of benefits, including exclusive discounts and mailed subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. By offering free email content, AARP provides a valuable public service, making it easy for anyone to stay informed on important issues without any financial obligation.
Is the AARP Newsletter Free?
- The AARP email newsletters are completely free for everyone. Membership is not required to sign up for the electronic newsletters.
- Signing up is simple and only requires a free AARP.org account. You provide your email and can then manage your newsletter subscriptions online.
- Multiple newsletter topics are available. You can choose which topics interest you, including news, finance, travel, and more.
- Free newsletters differ from paid membership benefits. Unlike the emails, subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin are for paid members only.
- Unsubscribing is easy. You can manage your email preferences or unsubscribe at any time through your account or by clicking the link in any email.
