Understanding AARP Membership: What It Is and What It Offers
AARP is a nonprofit organization founded in 1958 that focuses on issues affecting people age 50 and older. As of 2023, AARP had approximately 37 million members, making it one of the largest membership organizations in the United States. AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 or older, and the organization provides information and resources about health, finances, caregiving, and other topics relevant to older adults.
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The organization operates through a combination of national programs and state-level advocacy. AARP publishes magazines, maintains online resources, and hosts local chapter meetings in communities across all 50 states. The organization also engages in legislative advocacy on issues like Social Security, Medicare, and prescription drug costs.
AARP offers different types of memberships and benefit packages. A standard membership includes access to AARP Magazine (published monthly), the AARP Bulletin (a newsletter covering news and policy), and various online resources and tools. Members also receive information about products and services that have partnered with AARP, though these are optional purchases.
The organization also maintains the AARP Foundation, which is a separate charitable entity focused on community service, research, and programs for low-income older adults. Foundation programs include food security initiatives, tax assistance programs, and caregiver support resources.
Practical Takeaway: AARP is a membership organization that provides information and advocacy on topics affecting people age 50 and older. Before joining, consider what specific topics or resources matter most to you—whether that's health information, financial planning guidance, or local community connections—so you understand what the organization offers.
The Membership Process: How to Join and What to Expect
Joining AARP involves providing basic personal information and choosing a membership type. The most common option is the standard membership, which requires being age 50 or older. To join, you can visit AARP's website, call their membership line, or complete a form at a local AARP chapter meeting.
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When you join, you will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, email address, and phone number. AARP uses this information to verify your age and send you membership materials and communications. You can choose whether to receive communications via email, mail, or both.
Membership comes with a cost. As of 2024, the standard annual membership fee is $16 for the first year, with renewal at $20 per year. Some people may be offered promotional rates, such as $9 or $12 for the first year. AARP also offers lifetime membership options for a one-time payment, which range from approximately $200 to $500 depending on age and promotions.
After joining, you will receive a membership card in the mail within 1-2 weeks. This card provides access to certain discounts at stores and restaurants that have partnered with AARP. Your membership also gives you online access to member-only content on AARP's website, including articles, tools, and interactive resources.
You can manage your membership online through your AARP account. This includes updating your personal information, managing your subscription to AARP Magazine, viewing your member discounts, and controlling your communication preferences. If you want to pause your membership or make changes, you can do this through your online account or by calling AARP's customer service.
Practical Takeaway: The membership process is straightforward and takes less than 15 minutes to complete online. Have your date of birth and address ready, and know that you will receive physical materials by mail after you join. You can manage most membership changes online afterward.
AARP Membership Benefits: Discounts, Resources, and Programs
AARP members receive several categories of benefits. The most visible are retail discounts at national chains and local businesses. These include discounts at restaurants like Denny's and Applebee's, hotels like Best Western and Choice Hotels, car rental companies, and pharmacies. Discounts typically range from 5% to 15%, though the percentage varies by business and offer.
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Members also receive discounts on services related to insurance and financial products. AARP has partnered with insurance companies to offer member discounts on auto and home insurance, life insurance, and supplemental health insurance products. These are optional purchases, and AARP members are not required to buy insurance through these partners. The organization receives a commission from these insurance providers, which helps support AARP's operations.
Beyond discounts, membership includes access to information resources. AARP publishes monthly magazines and online articles on topics like health, caregiving, grandparenting, home and garden, technology, and financial planning. The organization also maintains calculators and planning tools, such as retirement savings calculators, Social Security estimators, and caregiving resource guides.
Members can access AARP's online community forums, where members discuss topics and share experiences with peers. Local AARP chapters in many communities offer in-person events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities. These vary by location but may include health seminars, tax preparation assistance, driver safety classes, or social activities.
AARP also offers programs specifically designed to address community needs. The Tax-Aide program provides free tax preparation assistance to low-income individuals and people with disabilities. The Caregiver Resource Center offers information and support for people caring for family members. The Foundation's money management program provides financial counseling.
Practical Takeaway: AARP membership benefits are most valuable when you actively use them. Research which retail discounts are available at places you already shop or eat, read the magazine or online content on topics that interest you, and explore whether local programs in your area match your needs or interests.
Understanding AARP's Advocacy and Representation Role
A significant part of AARP's mission involves advocacy—working to influence policy on issues affecting older adults. AARP employs lobbyists at federal and state levels and engages in public awareness campaigns about policy issues. The organization takes positions on Medicare policy, Social Security, prescription drug costs, age discrimination, retirement security, and other topics.
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AARP's advocacy positions are shaped by member input and organizational priorities, though not all members agree with every position the organization takes. For example, AARP has supported certain Medicare expansion proposals and has taken positions on Social Security policy. On some issues, AARP's stance may differ from other organizations that also focus on older adults' concerns.
Membership does not require you to support all of AARP's advocacy positions. You can be a member and disagree with specific policy stands. However, when AARP uses its voice in policy discussions, it often cites its large membership as a reason policymakers should pay attention to its positions.
AARP publishes its policy positions and advocacy work on its website and in member communications. Members can review what positions the organization is taking and can provide feedback through member surveys and forums. AARP also advocates at the state level through state offices and chapters, which may focus on state-specific issues like nursing home regulation or prescription drug pricing.
AARP also engages in research on topics affecting older adults. The organization publishes studies and reports on issues like caregiving, financial security, health trends, and retirement planning. This research is often cited by policymakers, media, and other organizations when discussing policies affecting older adults.
Practical Takeaway: Understand that AARP's advocacy work is one component of the organization. Being a member means you are joining an organization with specific policy positions and a voice in legislative debates. Review AARP's stated positions on issues you care about before joining to understand whether the organization's priorities align with your own.
Exploring AARP's Health and Financial Information Resources
AARP provides extensive information on health topics through its website, magazine, and online tools. Health topics covered include managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, medication information, preventive care, mental health, hearing and vision health, and aging-related changes. The organization publishes articles written by health journalists and reviewed by medical professionals, though these are meant to provide information rather than replace individual medical advice.
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The organization maintains a searchable database of medications where members can look up specific drugs, learn about side effects and interactions, and understand how medications work. AARP also publishes information about vaccine recommendations, cancer screening guidelines, and preventive care based on guidance from organizations like the CDC and professional medical organizations.