What age do you get AARP magazine? Membership eligibility details

With a nationwide presence and over 38 million members, AARP's publications are among the most widely circulated in the United States. This raises the question: what age do you get AARP magazine? The surprising answer is that membership is available to anyone 18 or older.

Quick Summary

You receive AARP The Magazine as a benefit of joining AARP, which is open to anyone aged 18 or older, though the organization's mission and content are primarily focused on the 50+ demographic.

Key Points

• Membership Starts at 18: Anyone aged 18 or older can join AARP and, as a member, will receive AARP The Magazine.

• 50+ is the Focus: Although membership is open to younger adults, AARP's content and mission are primarily aimed at those aged 50 and over.

• Tailored Editions: The magazine comes in different editions for readers in their 50s, 60s, and 70+, with content relevant to their life stage.

• Instant Digital Access: Members get immediate digital access to the magazine online or via the app, with physical copies arriving later.

• Publications are a Benefit: Receiving AARP The Magazine is a benefit of membership, not a separate subscription.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Membership includes a wide array of discounts, resources, and advocacy initiatives in addition to the publications.

• Spouse/Partner Included: One free secondary membership for an adult in the same household is included, allowing them to also receive the magazine.

Understanding AARP Membership Eligibility

While AARP is strongly associated with retirement and the 50+ community, its official membership is actually open to a much wider age range. Anyone who is 18 years of age or older is eligible to join and, as a member, will receive AARP The Magazine as part of their benefits.

This is a common misconception, often due to AARP's mission to empower Americans aged 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. However, extending membership to younger individuals helps the organization grow its base and build long-term relationships.

The 50+ Focus

Despite the open membership, AARP's primary focus remains on the interests and needs of those over 50. The content within AARP The Magazine reflects this focus. AARP actually publishes three different demographic editions of the magazine, with tailored content and covers for readers in their 50s, 60s, and 70+. This strategy ensures that while members of all ages receive a publication, the core audience receives the most relevant and engaging material.

The Path to Receiving AARP Magazine

Receiving the magazine is straightforward once you become a member. The process typically involves these steps:

1. Join AARP: You can sign up online or by phone. During the process, you provide your information and choose your membership term.
2. Enjoy Instant Digital Access: Upon signing up, you receive immediate digital access to the latest issues of AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin through the AARP Publications app or website.
3. Wait for Physical Delivery: Your physical membership card and the bi-monthly magazine will be mailed to you. The first issue typically arrives within 3-4 weeks, depending on when you joined in the publication cycle.

An AARP membership also includes a free secondary membership for an adult in your household, and they can also receive the magazine. For more information on membership, you can visit the official AARP website at aarp.org.

What to Expect Inside AARP The Magazine

Beyond just the age of eligibility, understanding the magazine's content is key to appreciating the value of membership. AARP The Magazine is known for its high-quality editorial, covering a wide range of topics that are relevant to its older audience, but interesting to anyone interested in healthy aging and smart financial planning.

• Celebrity Interviews: Engaging and in-depth interviews with celebrities who are also navigating the aging process, offering relatable insights and inspiration.
• Health and Wellness: Expert columns and features on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing health conditions, and understanding medical breakthroughs.
• Finances and Planning: Tips and advice on personal finances, retirement planning, Social Security, and how to make your money last.
• Travel and Leisure: Destination guides, travel tips, and stories about fulfilling travel experiences.
• Consumer Advocacy: Information and resources related to fraud prevention, consumer protection, and scams that target older adults.

Benefits Beyond the Publications

The magazine is just one of many benefits that come with AARP membership. Other perks include:

• Discounts: Savings on hotels, rental cars, restaurants, cell phone services, and more.
• Insurance Products: While some are age-restricted, AARP offers members access to a range of insurance options, including health and life insurance.
• Advocacy: AARP actively lobbies for legislation that benefits older Americans, focusing on issues like healthcare and financial stability.
• Educational Resources: Access to online courses, financial planning tools, and job search assistance.

Comparison: Benefits Under 50 vs. Over 50

Understanding the nuanced difference in benefits for members at different life stages is important. While all members get the publications and discounts, certain offerings are tied to age or life events.

Age Group	Eligibility for Magazine	Common Benefits	Age-Restricted Benefits (by law/contract)
Under 50	Yes	Publications, discounts, online resources, rewards, and free second membership	Health insurance products, Medicare supplemental insurance
Over 50	Yes	All benefits for under 50, plus access to all age-restricted insurance products	None

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to get AARP magazine?

No, you do not have to be retired. The organization officially changed its name to AARP from the American Association of Retired Persons because many of its members continue to work. You only need to be an AARP member, which is open to anyone 18 or older, to receive the magazine.

Can my spouse get their own AARP magazine subscription?

Yes, an AARP membership includes a free secondary membership for an adult in your household. They will receive their own membership card and can access the publications, including the magazine.

How soon after joining will I receive my first AARP magazine?

Physical copies of the bi-monthly magazine are sent to members and typically arrive within 3-4 weeks. However, digital access to the current issue is available instantly upon signing up.

Is it worth joining AARP before you turn 50?

For many, joining before 50 offers value through hundreds of discounts on travel, restaurants, and other services. It also provides access to valuable resources and publications that promote healthy living and financial planning, even if age-restricted insurance products are not yet available.

How much does an AARP membership cost?

The cost varies depending on the term, but it can be as low as $15 for the first year with automatic renewal. Multi-year plans are also available at a discounted annual rate.

How is the AARP magazine tailored to different ages?

AARP publishes three separate editions of the magazine with content and covers specifically tailored to readers in their 50s, 60s, and 70+. This ensures that the information is most relevant to their specific life stage.

What is the main purpose of AARP's publications?

AARP's publications, including the magazine and bulletin, serve as a trusted source of news, information, and resources. They cover topics like health, finance, lifestyle, and consumer advocacy, all aimed at empowering the 50+ demographic.

Do AARP's other publications also have tailored content?

AARP also publishes a monthly bulletin, which focuses more on news, policy, and advocacy that impacts the 50+ population. It provides timely, critical information to all members.