AARP's Core Mission and Advocacy
At its heart, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering older Americans to choose how they live as they age. The initial goal was to provide health insurance for retirees, and while that mission has expanded significantly, advocacy remains a central pillar. AARP has a long history of lobbying at federal and state levels, focusing on crucial issues that impact the 50-plus population, such as:
- Protecting Social Security and Medicare benefits
- Lowering prescription drug costs
- Fighting age discrimination in the workplace
- Supporting family caregivers through various resources and policy changes
- Promoting financial resilience and security for older adults
This advocacy work is not just an ancillary service but a core benefit of membership, as it leverages the collective voice of millions to influence policy that directly affects seniors' well-being and financial stability.
Extensive Discounts and Cost-Saving Benefits
For many, the most tangible benefit of an AARP membership is the wide array of discounts. The organization has carefully cultivated partnerships to offer members savings across numerous categories. These discounts alone can easily offset the modest annual membership fee, which is as low as $12 for the first year with auto-renewal.
Travel and Entertainment
Travelers can find significant savings on many aspects of their trips. This includes discounts on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia. For entertainment, members can save on things like movie tickets, local attractions, and even get access to free virtual screenings and events.
Insurance Products
AARP partners with trusted providers to offer a variety of insurance products, which are often age-restricted and thus not available to members under 50. These include:
- Auto Insurance: Special rates and savings through partnerships with companies like The Hartford.
- Homeowners Insurance: Discounts available for bundling policies with auto insurance.
- Health Insurance: Access to different Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans, through UnitedHealthcare.
- Life Insurance: Term, permanent, and guaranteed acceptance life insurance options through New York Life.
Prescription and Wellness Savings
Health and wellness are major focuses. Members can access deeper discounts on prescription medications through the AARP Prescription Discounts program, regardless of existing insurance coverage. Vision and hearing benefits are also available, including discounts on glasses at retailers like LensCrafters and free hearing tests. AARP also provides extensive online resources for staying healthy, including fitness videos and expert health news.
Valuable Information and Financial Resources
Beyond discounts, AARP provides a vast library of informational and educational resources to help members navigate the complexities of aging.
Financial Planning and Fraud Protection
From webinars and guides on retirement planning to tools for money management, AARP aims to help its members achieve financial security. Crucially, AARP offers a dedicated fraud resource center to help protect members from common scams and financial exploitation, a growing concern for many seniors.
Publications and Community Engagement
Membership includes subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, providing curated content on health, finance, and lifestyle topics. AARP also fosters community engagement through its website and app, offering online games, forums, and local events to help combat social isolation.
AARP vs. Alternatives: A Comparison
While AARP is the most well-known organization for seniors, others exist, often with different political leanings or specializations. The value of AARP often lies in its scale and comprehensive offerings.
| Feature | AARP | Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) | National Council on Aging (NCOA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission | Nonpartisan advocacy for people 50+ | Conservative advocacy for people 50+ | Nonpartisan resource for financial, health, and wellness support for older adults |
| Discounts | Very extensive, covering travel, retail, insurance, etc. | Competitive, with similar offerings in travel and insurance | Less focused on consumer discounts, more on resource access |
| Advocacy | Powerful lobbying on issues important to its large base | Focus on conservative issues like lower taxes and less government | Focus on program access (e.g., benefits enrollment) and policy |
| Resources | Broad resources on health, finance, caregiving, volunteering | Similar resources, but tailored to a conservative perspective | Strong focus on financial stability, healthcare access, and benefits programs |
Community Service and Volunteering
Another key purpose of AARP is providing opportunities for members to remain active and engaged in their communities. Through the AARP Foundation, members can participate in several high-impact volunteer programs.
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: Free tax assistance for low-to-moderate-income taxpayers, with a focus on those 50 and older.
- AARP Foundation Experience Corps: An intergenerational tutoring program where older volunteers help elementary school students improve their reading skills.
- Workforce Development: Programs like BACK TO WORK 50+ assist unemployed older adults in developing job skills and finding employment.
These programs not only help the community but also provide a strong sense of purpose and social connection for the volunteers themselves.
Conclusion: The Multifaceted Value of AARP
To answer the question, what is the point of having AARP, one must consider its multi-pronged approach. It is not merely a discount card but a comprehensive network offering financial benefits, valuable educational resources, powerful political advocacy, and meaningful community engagement opportunities. While the monetary savings can be substantial for frequent users, the real value lies in the broader support system AARP provides for healthy aging and financial stability. Whether for discounts, advocacy, or community involvement, millions find that an AARP membership offers a worthwhile investment in their future. For more information on the wide range of services and benefits, you can visit the official AARP website at https://www.aarp.org.
