OVERVIEW
AARP membership costs $20 per year, or $15 for new members who choose automatic renewal, and includes a spouse at no extra cost. Members get discounts on hotels, restaurants, and eyeglasses, plus resources for retirement planning, Medicare, fraud prevention, job searching, and caregiving. AARP also lobbies Congress on prescription drug pricing, Medicaid, and Social Security.
You hit 50, and now AARP is trying to get you to join. You’re likely facing a flood of information about the organization, from AARP itself and elsewhere.
So, what exactly is AARP membership, and is it worth joining?
What Is AARP?
Formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus. An educator from San Francisco, she was one of the few women who went to college (University of Chicago) in 1900. At the time, teaching was one of the few professions open to women, and she embraced it. When she retired, she concluded that older people needed care as much as younger ones.
AARP was founded to help aging Americans find opportunities and stay healthy, and it initially set a lower age limit of 50. You can now join at any age, though the full slate of benefits is tied to the age-50 threshold. The organization also lobbies Congress and the president on behalf of older Americans, pushing for lower drug costs, Medicaid improvements, fraud prevention, and more.
Why Join AARP?
AARP membership comes with a lot of benefits, including help with retirement planning, employment, and Medicare. The organization can, for example, help you find companies willing to hire retired people, work through health issues, and plan travel.
Membership also comes with a variety of discounts and perks. You may be able to get discounts on eyeglasses, hotel rooms, restaurants, and even driving refresher courses. Discounts and benefits change over time, though, so check the current lineup before you count on a specific one.
How Much Does AARP Cost?
Joining AARP is fairly affordable. It typically costs $20 a year, but you can sometimes get it for less. If you’re a new member willing to sign up for automatic renewal, the cost is $15. That small fee could pay for itself with just a couple of discounts, and membership includes your spouse, which effectively halves the per-person price for couples.
There may also be a time cost. AARP is notorious for sending out a lot of mail, some of which might interest you and some of which won’t. Keeping up with it can feel like a chore.
What Are the Main Benefits of Joining AARP?
The biggest benefit is the discounts, which can pay for the membership several times over. They span categories most households already spend money on, from travel and dining to vision care.
But there are other benefits as well, which include:
- AARP Travel: AARP helps members find vacation ideas, compare travel options, and plan and book their next trip.
- Fraud Prevention: AARP provides fraud prevention resources, scam alerts, and access to a helpline for victims.
- Financial Planning: AARP offers financial planning resources, money management tools, and retirement guidance.
- Health and Wellness: AARP shares health news, fitness advice, and wellness resources to help members stay healthy as they age.
Also, don’t forget the advocacy AARP takes on for older Americans and their families. The organization consistently pushes for Medicare improvements and for the rights of older adults and the people who care for them.
What About Lesser-Known Benefits?
There are quite a few lesser-known benefits of joining AARP. Here are some perks people don’t always think about.
Job Board
It can be challenging for adults 50 and older to find a new job. Many companies don’t want to invest in onboarding someone they see as retiring soon. The AARP job board helps members find jobs and offers skill-building options to help them find training.
Games
Some games have been linked to slower cognitive decline and keeping your brain active. AARP offers a variety of its own online games, including crosswords, quizzes, and other brain teasers designed to help keep your mind sharp.
Recipes
A lot of people don’t know that AARP publishes free recipes. The organization frequently posts ideas for everything from chocolate cake to asparagus stir-fry, including low-sugar desserts and options for various dietary restrictions.
Caregiver Network
If you’re caring for a spouse or an aging parent, AARP offers a wealth of caregiving resources. Members can access articles and blogs filled with practical advice (with some resources available to non-members), connect with others through its caregiver network, and call the AARP Family Caregivers Support Line for guidance when they need it most.
The organization also has resources for specific groups, such as The Ethel for women 55 and older and Sisters, a newsletter for Black women 50 and older.
The AARP Foundation
The AARP Foundation has resources and services for members who are struggling financially, including advice on saving on food and health care costs, free help with taxes, and referrals to local assistance.
The Foundation also offers opportunities to give back. If you’re retired and looking to make a difference, you can volunteer your time or support its mission through donations. In addition to providing direct assistance to adults facing financial challenges, the Foundation advocates for policies and programs that improve their long-term well-being.
And this is just part of the list. Whether you want a discount on a rental car, affordable flowers for your spouse on your anniversary, or advice on navigating Social Security, AARP can help.
Reasons Not to Get an AARP Membership
The list is short. The main drawback is the sheer volume of information the organization sends, and beyond that there isn’t much of a downside if the $20 per year fits your budget, since the membership tends to pay for itself quickly.
AARP is a useful resource for older adults moving into the next stage of their lives. If that’s you, you might also be weighing other changes, such as moving to an active adult community.
FAQ: AARP Membership
What is AARP membership?
AARP membership is an annual paid membership for adults 50 and older that pairs consumer discounts with resources for retirement planning, Medicare, caregiving, and wellness. Founded in 1958 by retired educator Ethel Percy Andrus, AARP also lobbies Congress and the president on issues like drug pricing, Medicaid, and Social Security.
How much does an AARP membership cost?
AARP membership costs $20 per year, or $15 for new members who sign up for automatic renewal, and your spouse is included at no additional cost. That effectively halves the per-person price for couples.
Is an AARP membership worth it?
Yes, for most adults 50 and older, because the discounts alone typically pay for the $20 annual fee several times over. You also get retirement planning tools, Medicare guidance, and fraud prevention resources. The main tradeoff is the volume of mail AARP sends.
Do you have to be 50 to join AARP?
No. You can join at any age, though full benefits are tied to the age-50 threshold. When the organization launched, 50 was the firm lower limit. Today younger adults can sign up, but the complete slate of benefits is built for members 50 and older.
What discounts do you get with an AARP membership?
AARP discounts cover hotel rooms, restaurants, eyeglasses, rental cars, flowers, and driving refresher courses, among many other categories. Specific offers and partners change over time, so check the current lineup before you book or buy.
What benefits does AARP offer besides discounts?
AARP provides travel planning help, fraud prevention with scam alerts and a victim helpline, financial planning and retirement guidance, and health and wellness content. Members also get a job board with skill-building tools, which matters because many employers hesitate to onboard someone they assume will retire soon.
Does AARP help with Medicare and retirement planning?
Yes. Medicare guidance and retirement planning are two of AARP’s core member resources. The organization offers money management tools and help navigating Social Security, and it advocates for Medicare improvements at the federal level.
Does AARP offer support for caregivers?
Yes. AARP maintains a caregiver network, practical articles, and the AARP Family Caregivers Support Line you can call for guidance. These resources are geared toward people caring for a spouse or aging parent, and some content is available to non-members too.
Are there any downsides to joining AARP?
The only real drawback is the sheer volume of mail and information AARP sends, which can feel overwhelming. Some of it will be useful and some won’t. Beyond that, if the annual fee fits your budget, there isn’t much of a case against joining.
What should I do if I’m ready for the next stage of retirement?
Start by getting clear on the lifestyle you want, then explore communities built around it. An active adult community can offer the amenities, social calendar, and lower-maintenance living that make retirement easier to enjoy. The real estate experts at 55places.com specialize in helping active adults find the right fit.
Find an Active Adult Community That Fits Your Next Chapter
If an AARP membership is part of how you’re preparing for retirement, where you live may be next on the list. The team at 55places.com can connect you with a real estate expert who works with active adults every day and can walk you through the tradeoffs of each community, not just the amenities. Contact 55places.com today!
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