A Deeper Look into AARP Member Benefits
An AARP membership extends far beyond the free magazine subscription and discount card. The organization leverages its massive membership base to secure deals and provide a wealth of resources across numerous categories, many of which can have a significant positive impact on your finances and quality of life.
Savings on Travel and Entertainment
For those who love to travel or simply enjoy a night out, AARP offers substantial discounts that can make trips and outings more affordable. Members can access special rates and offers through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia, which includes hotels, flights, cruises, and car rentals. Specific deals include:
- Discounts on hotel stays at major chains like Best Western and Choice Hotels.
- Savings of up to 35% on car rentals with Avis and Budget.
- Exclusive savings and perks on cruise lines and vacation packages.
- Discounts on expedited U.S. passport services through RushMyPassport.
- Additional perks, such as discounted roadside assistance through Allstate.
For local fun, members get deals on dining at national restaurant chains, up to 40% off movie tickets at select theaters, and free online games and movie screenings.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness Resources
Staying healthy as you age is paramount, and AARP provides a suite of resources to help members achieve their wellness goals. These benefits include partnerships with health providers and exclusive programs.
- Insurance Products: Access to a variety of insurance options through partner companies, including dental plans from Delta Dental, vision plans from VSP, and Medicare plans from UnitedHealthcare.
- Prescription Discounts: The AARP Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx offers a free card for savings on medications, with deeper discounts available for members.
- Fitness Programs: Access to workout videos, online classes (such as Pilates), and information from fitness experts.
- Hearing and Vision Care: Members can save on eyewear at retailers like LensCrafters and Target Optical and access a free annual hearing test.
- Online Tools: Useful resources like the BMI Calculator and the 'Staying Sharp' brain health program.
Financial Planning and Fraud Protection
AARP offers a variety of financial tools and resources designed to help members protect their assets and plan for a secure retirement. This includes access to financial planning tools, fraud prevention assistance, and educational content on managing money effectively.
- Identity Theft Protection: Information and resources to help members prevent and report fraud and identity theft, which can be a particular concern for seniors.
- Retirement Planning Tools: Members can utilize free retirement calculators and financial guidance resources to make informed decisions about their savings and future.
- Financial Products: Special member rates on savings and CDs through partners like Barclays.
- Tax Assistance: Discounts on tax preparation services.
Career and Family Caregiving Support
Recognizing that many older adults remain in the workforce or take on new careers, AARP provides resources to help them succeed. This includes a job board with employers committed to age-diverse hiring, skills training, and resume review services. For the millions of Americans who act as caregivers, AARP offers a dedicated resource center with essential tools, articles, and support.
Comparison: AARP vs. Other Senior Organizations
When deciding if AARP is the right fit, it's helpful to see how it compares to other organizations aimed at seniors. While AARP is the largest and most well-known, others like the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) or the National Council on Aging (NCOA) also serve this demographic, often with different focuses.
| Feature | AARP | AMAC | National Council on Aging (NCOA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Broad benefits, discounts, and advocacy for 50+. | Benefits and discounts with a politically conservative focus. | Resources for low-income seniors and vulnerable populations. |
| Political Stance | Non-partisan, though leans liberal in public perception. | Openly promotes itself as politically conservative. | Focused on programs and resources, less overtly political. |
| Membership Cost | Standard $20/year; lower with auto-renewal or multi-year terms. | ~$16/year; membership tiers available. | Primarily a resource organization; no membership fee for benefits. |
| Main Benefits | Wide range of discounts (travel, dining), insurance access, publications. | Insurance, travel discounts, magazine, and advocacy. | Information on financial aid, health programs, and caregiver support. |
How to Maximize Your Membership
To ensure your AARP membership provides real value, consider these tips:
- Use the App: The AARP Now app provides instant access to your digital card, local events, and nearby discounts wherever you are.
- Add a Household Member: A free second membership is included, so your spouse or partner can also enjoy the benefits.
- Explore Benefits Online: The AARP website has a comprehensive, categorized list of all benefits and discounts, which is regularly updated.
- Take Advantage of Insurance Discounts: Compare rates with AARP's insurance partners for potential savings on auto, home, or life insurance.
- Look for High-Value Offers: Focus on discounts that offer substantial savings, like travel deals or bundled insurance, which can quickly outweigh the annual membership fee.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It for You?
An AARP membership is more than just a list of discounts; it's an access point to a network of benefits, information, and advocacy services designed to support a fulfilling life after 50. The real value, however, depends on how you use it. For a modest annual fee, members gain access to a treasure trove of financial, health, and lifestyle resources that can provide significant savings. By taking advantage of even a few key discounts, such as those on travel or insurance, the membership fee can be easily justified. Ultimately, for those who are proactive in leveraging the resources available, the answer to "what do you really get with an AARP membership?" is a resounding amount of support and savings. For a full list of official member benefits and to learn more, visit AARP's Member Benefits Page.
