What are the benefits of AARP at 55? A Comprehensive Guide

While AARP is known for its focus on the 50+ population, anyone over the age of 18 can join and access many of its benefits. This guide answers the key question: What are the benefits of AARP at 55?

Quick Summary

An AARP membership at age 55 provides access to a wide array of discounts on travel, insurance, and dining, along with valuable resources for financial planning and wellness, even before being fully eligible for all senior-specific products.

Key Points

• Access at 55: At 55, you can join AARP, accessing a broad range of benefits designed for the 50+ population, though some age-restricted insurance products are not yet available.

• Extensive Discounts: An AARP membership unlocks significant discounts on travel, dining, shopping, and auto services, helping you save money on everyday and leisure expenses.

• Health and Wellness Resources: Members get discounts on prescriptions, vision and hearing care, and access to online fitness programs and brain-boosting games.

• Financial and Career Support: AARP provides tools and information for retirement planning, fraud protection, and offers a job board with opportunities for experienced workers.

• Advocacy and Community: Beyond tangible benefits, AARP advocates for older Americans and provides publications like AARP The Magazine and local event listings to foster community engagement.

• Cost-Effective: With a low annual membership fee, the potential savings on travel and other purchases can easily exceed the cost, making it a worthwhile investment.

Demystifying AARP at 55

Many people mistakenly believe that AARP membership is only for retired individuals. The reality is that anyone over the age of 18 can join, and those aged 50 and older unlock even more exclusive benefits. Joining at 55 is a strategic move that can provide significant savings and access to resources that support a healthy, financially secure transition into retirement. From travel and dining to health and financial services, the perks begin to amplify as you approach the traditional retirement age.

Travel and Leisure Perks for the 55+ Crowd

Traveling often becomes more frequent as individuals move closer to retirement. An AARP membership can make your travel budget stretch significantly further with a suite of discounts and offers.

• Hotels and Lodging: Members can receive discounts of 10% or more at popular hotel chains such as Wyndham and Best Western. Some hotel packages even include perks like late checkout.
• Car Rentals: Save up to 35% on base rates with major car rental companies like Avis and Budget. Plus, enjoy benefits such as free car upgrades and adding an additional driver at no cost.
• Cruises and Vacation Packages: The AARP Travel Center, powered by Expedia, offers members special deals on cruises, vacation packages, and more. This can include onboard credit or cash rebates.
• Airfare: In addition to standard discounts, special savings are available on select airlines, with past offers including substantial savings on British Airways flights.

Savings on Daily Expenses: Dining and Retail

AARP benefits aren't limited to big-ticket purchases. Members can enjoy discounts on everyday expenses like dining out, shopping, and gas, making a noticeable difference in their monthly budget.

• Restaurant Discounts: Save up to 15% at a variety of national chain restaurants, such as Denny's, Bonefish Grill, and Outback Steakhouse. Local deals are also available through the AARP app.
• Shopping and Groceries: Discounts are offered at various retailers, including savings on an annual Walmart+ membership. The AARP Grocery Coupon Center also provides access to printable coupons from leading brands.
• Gas and Auto Services: Save on vehicle maintenance with discounts at places like Valvoline Instant Oil Change. Linking your AARP membership with certain loyalty programs, like Exxon Mobil Rewards+, can also boost your savings at the pump.

Health and Wellness Advantages

Maintaining health becomes a priority for many at age 55. AARP offers resources and discounts to help members stay active, healthy, and informed.

• Prescription Drugs: The AARP Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx program is a free card available to anyone, but members receive greater discounts on medications.
• Vision and Hearing Care: Members can save on eyewear at retailers like LensCrafters and Target Optical and access discounted hearing aid products from HearUSA.
• Wellness Programs: AARP provides access to workout videos from fitness experts and wellness challenges through its rewards program, which can earn you points redeemable for gift cards.
• Brain Health: Online games, puzzles, and access to resources like a free chapter from the book Keep Sharp help stimulate brain health.

Financial and Career Support

Turning 55 is a pivotal time for financial planning and career decisions. AARP provides tools and services to assist members in navigating this stage of life.

• Insurance: At age 50, members become eligible for exclusive auto and home insurance benefits through The Hartford. AARP also offers endorsed insurance options for life, dental, long-term care, and vision.
• Financial Tools: Gain access to resources for money management, including tax calculators and identity theft protection services. There are also options for AARP-branded credit cards.
• Job Resources: For those seeking new employment or staying in the workforce, AARP offers a job board with thousands of opportunities for experienced workers, along with career training and resume review services.

Community and Advocacy

Beyond tangible discounts, AARP provides a sense of community and acts as a powerful advocate for older Americans.

• Publications: A membership includes subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, providing curated content on health, finance, and lifestyle.
• Local Events: Access information on local events, from movies to classes, through the AARP Virtual Community Center and the AARP Now app.
• Advocacy: AARP lobbies on behalf of its members for issues like Social Security, Medicare, and age discrimination.

AARP vs. Other Options for Ages 55+

Feature	AARP	AAA	Store/Company-Specific Discounts
Membership Eligibility	Ages 18+ for most benefits, 50+ for insurance	All ages; core focus on auto	Varies by company; some start at 55+
Discounts	Wide range: travel, dining, insurance, tech, etc.	Primarily auto services and travel	Limited to that specific company's offerings
Cost	Low annual fee; special rates available	Higher annual fee, often tiered	Varies or often free with signup
Benefits Scope	Comprehensive lifestyle coverage, including financial and wellness resources	Focused on roadside assistance and specific travel perks	Very limited; does not offer comprehensive support

How to Maximize Your Membership at 55

To make your AARP membership worth the investment at age 55, take a proactive approach. Start by downloading the AARP Now app to find local discounts and events. Explore the travel booking tools on the website to plan your next vacation, and compare insurance rates with endorsed providers like The Hartford. Engaging with the rewards program through quizzes and challenges can also lead to more savings. For those planning their next career step, take advantage of the free resume review and job board. Ultimately, the value comes from actively engaging with the diverse range of benefits available.

Conclusion

For those wondering what are the benefits of AARP at 55?, the answer is a compelling mix of discounts, resources, and community engagement. At a low annual cost, a membership can provide substantial savings on travel, everyday purchases, and insurance, while also offering crucial support for financial and wellness goals. With many benefits specifically geared towards those 50 and older, joining at 55 positions you to make the most of the years leading up to and through retirement. The key is to be an active participant and explore the full breadth of opportunities AARP provides to maximize your return on investment.

The next step to securing your future is now.

Ready to take advantage of these benefits? Visit the official AARP website to learn more and join today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be retired to get AARP benefits?

No, you do not have to be retired to join AARP. Anyone aged 18 or older can become a member, although the organization's mission is focused on the 50+ population. Many benefits are available regardless of age.

Can I get AARP insurance benefits at 55?

While AARP membership is open to all adults, some insurance products do have age restrictions. For example, to be eligible for AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford, you must be 50 years old.

Is it worth joining AARP at age 55?

For many, yes. The potential savings on travel, dining, and other daily expenses, combined with access to valuable health, financial, and career resources, can easily outweigh the low annual membership cost.

What are some of the best AARP discounts for someone at 55?

Some of the most popular discounts include savings on hotels, car rentals, and restaurant meals. Travel-focused individuals can see significant savings on flights and cruises, while others might benefit most from discounts on cell phone plans or insurance.

Do AARP benefits automatically change when you turn 50?

The main eligibility marker for most benefits is being 50 or older, so when you turn 50, you unlock access to a broader range of products, such as certain insurance plans. Joining at 55 ensures you have full access to all 50+ benefits.

How do AARP's benefits compare to AAA's for someone in their 50s?

While both offer discounts, AARP provides a more comprehensive suite of benefits focused on lifestyle, health, finance, and advocacy for those 50+. AAA's core focus is on automotive services and travel, making AARP potentially more valuable for broader life needs.

Does AARP membership at 55 come with any free perks?

Yes, all AARP members receive a free second membership for another household member. Additionally, you get subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, and access to various free online games and resources.