What are the true benefits of AARP?

With nearly 38 million members, AARP is a well-known organization, but many people are still unsure about what an annual membership truly offers. To determine if it's right for you, it's crucial to look beyond the surface-level reputation and understand what are the true benefits of AARP. This guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the discounts, resources, and advocacy work that define an AARP membership.

Quick Summary

An AARP membership provides a wide array of discounts on travel, dining, and insurance, alongside valuable resources for financial planning, career support, and health and wellness. In addition to these tangible perks, AARP also serves as a powerful nonpartisan advocate for older Americans on legislative issues like Medicare and Social Security.

Key Points

• Extensive Discounts: AARP members gain access to a wide array of discounts on travel, dining, and shopping that can easily exceed the cost of the annual membership fee.

• Valuable Resources: Membership includes access to important resources on health, finances, and career, such as supplemental insurance options, prescription discounts, and retirement planning tools.

• Powerful Advocacy: AARP acts as a strong nonpartisan advocate for older Americans, lobbying for legislation related to Medicare, Social Security, and lower prescription drug costs.

• Community Engagement: The AARP Foundation offers volunteer-based community programs, such as free tax assistance via Tax-Aide and intergenerational literacy programs.

• Eligibility for All Ages: While AARP focuses on the 50+ population, anyone age 18 and older can join and access most benefits, though some insurance products have age restrictions.

• Free Household Membership: Each paid AARP membership includes a free secondary membership for another adult in the same household.

Unpacking the Discount Offerings

The most recognizable aspect of an AARP membership is the extensive list of discounts and savings. For a relatively low annual fee, members gain access to a variety of perks that can quickly offset the cost of membership, especially for those who use them regularly.

Travel and Leisure Savings

If you are a frequent traveler, AARP membership can offer significant savings. These aren't limited to a single provider but span across multiple services.

• Car Rentals: Members can save up to 30% off base rates with Avis and Budget, often including additional benefits like free car upgrades or adding a second driver at no extra cost.
• Hotels and Resorts: Discounts are available at a variety of hotel chains, including Hilton, Radisson, and Best Western. Savings can be anywhere from 5% to 20% and sometimes include late checkout.
• Cruises and Flights: Deals can be found on specific travel packages, such as discounts on round-trip flights with British Airways or on vacation packages booked through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.
• Entertainment: Access discounts on a variety of entertainment, including free online movie screenings, virtual concerts, and savings on event tickets through Ticketmaster.

Everyday Savings

The discounts extend beyond large travel purchases to include everyday expenses, making membership a practical choice for budget-conscious individuals of any age.

• Dining: Members can save at popular restaurant chains like Denny's, Outback Steakhouse, and Bonefish Grill. Discounts typically range from 10% to 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Technology and Wireless: Savings are available on cell phone service and accessories through partners like AT&T and Consumer Cellular.
• Shopping: AARP provides online resources for coupons at retail stores and groceries, and offers discounts on other items, such as a Walmart+ annual membership.

Comparing AARP vs. Other Membership Programs

Feature	AARP Membership	AAA Membership	Costco Membership
Primary Focus	Advocacy for 50+, health resources, travel/dining discounts	Roadside assistance, travel discounts, insurance	Bulk retail, travel, exclusive warehouse deals
Advocacy Efforts	Strong nonpartisan lobbying for seniors' issues (Medicare, Social Security, etc.)	Limited political advocacy, primarily related to travel and vehicle safety	No political advocacy
Eligibility	Open to anyone 18+, benefits focus on 50+	All ages, focus on drivers and travel	All ages, bulk purchasing focus
Key Discounts	Travel, dining, insurance, prescriptions	Roadside assistance, travel, insurance, auto repair	Bulk goods, gas, pharmacy, travel
Core Value	Combines discounts with significant political and social resources	Safety and savings for drivers and travelers	Exclusive low prices on a wide range of goods

Health, Financial, and Career Resources

Beyond the discounts, AARP offers a suite of informational resources and support programs designed to address the needs of older adults.

Health and Wellness

AARP has numerous resources dedicated to promoting well-being in the aging population. These programs cover a range of health topics to help members live healthier, more independent lives.

• Insurance: Access to AARP-endorsed insurance products for Medicare, dental, vision, life, and long-term care through partner companies like UnitedHealthcare and Delta Dental.
• Prescription Discounts: A free prescription discount card, managed by Optum Rx, offers savings on FDA-approved medications at thousands of pharmacies.
• Brain Health: Educational programs like Staying Sharp and engaging online games are designed to help members maintain cognitive function.
• Driver Safety: The AARP Smart Driver course helps members refresh driving skills and may lead to discounts on auto insurance premiums.

Financial Planning and Fraud Protection

Financial security is a major concern for many approaching or in retirement. AARP provides tools and services to address this head-on.

• Financial Tools: Members can access resources like income tax calculators, financial health check-ups, and guidance on navigating Medicare and Social Security.
• Fraud Watch Network: This network provides up-to-date information on scams and offers resources to protect members from fraud and identity theft. The program also uses volunteers to help educate the public.

Career and Workforce Programs

With many older adults choosing to work longer or start new careers, AARP provides support to help members stay competitive in the job market.

• Job Board: An online job board features employers who have pledged to hire from diverse age groups.
• Training Programs: Resources like the Digital Skills Ready@50+ and Work for Yourself@50+ help unemployed or underemployed older adults gain new skills.

AARP's Powerful Advocacy and Community Impact

Perhaps the most significant, though often unseen, benefit of AARP membership is the organization's powerful advocacy on behalf of older Americans. AARP lobbies at the federal and state level on key issues, shaping policy for its members and the broader 50+ population.

Legislative Priorities

For decades, AARP's political clout has been used to influence legislation on critical issues. The organization's nonpartisan stance means it works with politicians from both sides of the aisle to achieve its goals.

• Healthcare: AARP actively campaigns for lower prescription drug costs, improvements to Medicare coverage, and access to affordable health insurance.
• Economic Security: The organization supports the protection of Social Security and advocates for policies that help workers save for retirement.
• Age Discrimination: AARP pushes for legislation and corporate changes to combat ageism in the workplace and media, promoting age-friendly hiring practices.

Community Service Initiatives

Through its foundation, AARP also runs a number of volunteer and community programs that directly assist older adults and their communities. One of the most well-known is the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, which provides free tax preparation services for low-to-moderate-income taxpayers. For more information on the foundation's volunteer opportunities and initiatives, visit the AARP Foundation website.

Conclusion: Is AARP Membership Right for You?

Ultimately, deciding if AARP is worth it comes down to your personal priorities and lifestyle. The organization offers far more than just discounts; it provides a valuable ecosystem of resources, information, and advocacy for those approaching or in their retirement years. For a relatively small annual fee, members gain access to savings that can often recoup the membership cost, along with subscriptions to informative publications and access to robust support programs. Beyond the tangible benefits, membership contributes to a powerful voice advocating for the well-being of older Americans in the political arena. It is this combination of practical savings, empowering resources, and influential advocacy that constitutes the true value of an AARP membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age requirement for an AARP membership?

Contrary to a common misconception, you do not have to be retired or over 50 to join AARP. Anyone age 18 or older can purchase a membership. While the organization's mission focuses on the 50+ population, younger members can still access the vast majority of benefits and discounts.

Can I add a spouse or household member to my AARP membership?

Yes, a significant benefit of an AARP membership is the inclusion of a free second membership for another adult in your household. This allows both of you to enjoy the discounts and resources for the price of a single membership.

Does AARP influence government policy?

AARP has a long and influential history of lobbying at both the state and federal levels. As a nonpartisan organization, it advocates for policies and legislation that affect Americans aged 50 and older, focusing on issues such as Social Security, Medicare, and prescription drug costs.

Is the AARP Prescription Discount Card only for members?

The AARP Prescription Discount card is available to anyone, regardless of membership status, but members typically receive deeper discounts. The card can offer savings on many FDA-approved medications at a large network of pharmacies.

What are some of the lesser-known benefits of AARP?

In addition to travel and dining discounts, AARP offers lesser-known benefits like free online games and movie screenings, discounts on pet insurance, and access to career and financial planning resources.

How can AARP help with financial planning for retirement?

AARP provides numerous resources to aid with retirement planning, including money management tools, information and guidance on Social Security and Medicare benefits, and educational materials to help members achieve financial security.

What types of insurance can I get through AARP?

AARP partners with various providers to offer members access to different types of insurance, including supplemental health insurance (Medicare Advantage), dental, vision, life, auto, and homeowners insurance.