AARP membership has no maximum age
Despite a common misconception that AARP membership ends at a certain age, the organization has no upper age limit. Once you become a member, you can maintain your membership for the rest of your life by simply continuing to pay your annual dues. AARP's advocacy and services are designed to support individuals as they age, making it a lifelong resource for its members.
The idea that AARP membership stops is likely based on the fact that its core mission is for those 50 and older. However, this demographic focus does not translate into an age cap for membership. AARP offers different types of memberships, but all are renewable for life.
Eligibility for all ages, but with some restrictions
It's a little-known fact that AARP membership is open to anyone age 18 or older. While this may seem counterintuitive for an organization focused on the 50+ demographic, AARP's goal is to engage individuals at all stages of life. The younger you join, the more time you have to take advantage of the various discounts and resources.
However, it's crucial to understand that not all benefits are available to every member. Some services, particularly insurance products, are legally restricted to those who have reached the age of 50.
This tiered system means:
- Members under 50 can access the vast majority of discounts on travel, dining, and other products and services.
- Members 50 and older have full access to all benefits, including age-restricted insurance offerings.
Types of AARP memberships and their continuity
Membership in AARP is based on annual renewal, not a person's age. The organization has offered various membership types over the years, but the concept of a membership ending has never been part of the program.
- Standard Annual Membership: This is a recurring yearly membership that you must renew to maintain access to benefits.
- Multi-year Membership: Members can sign up for multi-year terms (e.g., three or five years) at a discounted annual rate.
- Lifetime Membership (No Longer Offered): In the past, AARP offered a lifetime membership option, but this is no longer available to new members. Existing lifetime members continue to enjoy their benefits.
Annual vs. Multi-Year AARP Membership
When you join or renew AARP, you have a choice of membership terms. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which is right for you.
| Feature | Annual Membership | Multi-Year Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal | Renews automatically each year unless canceled. | You select a specific term (e.g., 3 or 5 years). |
| Cost | Costs slightly more per year than multi-year options. | Offers a discounted rate on the annual price. |
| Commitment | Low-commitment, with easy cancellation. | Longer-term commitment with upfront savings. |
| Price Lock | Price may increase at the time of renewal. | Locks in your discounted rate for the entire term. |
| Benefits Access | Full access to eligible benefits for the year. | Full access to eligible benefits for the entire term. |
How to end your AARP membership
If you decide you no longer want to be an AARP member, you can cancel at any time. There is no specific age at which the membership expires on its own. You can cancel your membership online or over the phone and may be eligible for a prorated refund on the unused portion of your annual dues.
Here are the steps for canceling your membership:
- Log in to your AARP account on their website.
- Navigate to the "My Account" section.
- Go to the "Account Details" or "Membership Payment Details" tab.
- Follow the prompts to cancel your automatic renewal or contact AARP directly to end your membership.
Conclusion
In short, AARP membership does not have an expiration based on a person's age; it is a lifetime benefit for those who continue to renew it. While the organization's advocacy efforts focus on individuals 50 and older, anyone aged 18 and up can join and access most benefits. The distinction lies in eligibility for certain age-restricted products, such as insurance, which are reserved for the 50+ demographic. Membership continues as long as you pay your dues, and can be ended at any time by the member. This flexible structure ensures that AARP can serve a wide range of people at all stages of their adult lives.
