AARP Membership Reviews: 17 Benefits, Cost & How It Works

The AARP is an interest group that lobbies for the interest of aged Americans. With a friendly AARP membership cost, members get to enjoy numerous benefits from the organization.

The elderly are often overlooked in America, treated as pariahs by some people, this should never be. The elderly represent over 15% (65 years and above) of the American population. And should be treated with the respect they deserve.

Organizations like AARP exist, for this reason. To ensure that the aged in America are not misplaced. And also to help them transit swiftly and enjoy their aging process.

Everyone must get old, doing so shouldn’t be a bad experience. AARP guards make sure of this with its state and national lobbying to affect the lives of middle-aged Americans and they do this with a cost-friendly membership fee.

If you have ever wondered if AARP membership is worth the trouble, how much AARP membership cost and its benefits this article will give you an insight.

What is AARP?
What is the Membership Cost Of AARP?
Benefits Of AARP Membership
How Does It Work
Final Thoughts:
Recommendations

What is AARP?

AARP (formerly called the American Association of Retired Persons) is a United States-based interest group focusing on issues affecting those over the age of fifty.

According to the organization, it had over 38 million members as of 2018. The magazine and bulletin it sends to its members are the two largest-circulation publications in the United States.

AARP was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus (a retired educator from California) and Leonard Davis (later the founder of the Colonial Penn Group of insurance companies). It is an influential lobbying group in the United States. AARP sells paid memberships and markets insurance and other services to its members.

AARP evolved from the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA), which Andrus had established in 1947 to promote her philosophy of productive aging, and to promote health insurance for retired teachers. After ten years, she opened the organization to all Americans over 50, creating AARP. Today, the NRTA is a division within AARP.

What is the Membership Cost Of AARP?

AARP Membership fee is as little as $12 for your first year with automatic renewal and $16 per year after that; it’s risk-free and can be canceled at any time.

AARP also offers multi-year membership plans. Save 10% off the annual rate if you sign up for three years and 21% if you enroll in a five-year membership term.

Benefits Of AARP Membership

As a paid member of the AARP you are entitled to certain benefits that includes discounts on products and services organization enlisted as AARP partners.

Below Are Some Of These Benefits:

#1. Eyewear, Vision Exams And Hearing Care

Through AARP® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed, members and their families receive exclusive discounts at participating providers nationwide, plus savings on complete pairs of glasses (frames and lenses) at LensCrafters, Target Optical, and Glasses.com. If you plan to visit a retail location, call for operating hours, and schedule a safe visit.

Members can also take advantage of a free hearing test by phone once a year.

The National Hearing Test offers a validated method to check for hearing impairment or loss. It’s completely confidential, and the results are available within just 10 minutes.

Also, AARP Hearing Center offers various resources and advice for recognizing and managing hearing loss, protecting your ears, and more.

#2. Free Online Movie Screenings

AARP offers free online movie screenings through the Movies for Grownups program. You can check out the available screenings and sign up to participate. Plus, get our critic’s picks of the best movies and series to stream while you’re at home.

#3. Sharable Benefits

You can add a spouse or partner to your membership for free, so you can both take advantage of the benefits.

#4. The help with Tools and Inspiration For Job Seekers

Ready for a new job? A second career? Or even part-time work? The AARP Job Board is a job search tool focusing on experienced workers. You can also scan job listings and apply for opportunities. Narrow your results with filters for part-time work, full-time work, location, and more.

#5. Insurance and Auto Services

Through the AARP auto and Home Insurance Program from the Hartford, members get access to insurance coverage and exclusive benefits.

For being a member, you get special discounts, including savings of up to 20% on your home policy and up to 5% on auto policy when you double.

However, it’s important to note that AARP is not an insurance company, nor do they employ insurance agents.

AARP also offers more than just insurance. They also let you shop new automobiles with the latest safety feature from home.

#6. Travel

AARP travel center is powered by Expedia and they help you safe money on hotel, car rentals, cruises and vacation packages, plus a variety of other travel discounts.

Car Rentals: Members get up to 30% off car rentals from Avis and Budget Rent A Car, as well as an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability), discounted GPS rates, and an additional driver at no cost. There’s also a 43% discount on Zipcar memberships.
Hotels: Your membership offers discounts at several hotel chains, including Hilton, Wyndham, and Radisson.
Planning: The AARP Travel site has tons of vacation ideas for every budget, plus destination guides and travel tips to help you plan your next trip.

#7. Restaurants

Members of AARP get 15% off their check or carryout order at Denny’s, plus 10% off at Bonefish Grill, Chart House, Corner Bakery Cafe, Outback Steakhouse, and McCormick & Schmick’s. Some locations may be closed at this time, operating with limited hours or at reduced capacity. Call to check if a location is open.

#8. Entertainment

With $2 less than the original fee, AARP members enjoy access to Audible and select AARP articles from AARP library.

AARP also offers free online movie screenings through the Movies for Grownups program. You can check out what screenings are available in your area and sign up to take part. Plus, get their critic’s picks of the best movies and series to stream while you’re at home.

They also give you access to free online games and free reading materials from their library for members who love to read. The reading material is majorly their award-winning AARP magazine.

#9. Home And Technology

AARP members can get 5% off domestic and international UPS shipping, discounts on qualified wireless plans from AT & Consumer Cellular and 15% off SimpliSafe ® home security systems.

Also, AARP offers quick, easy guides for all of your tech needs that can be purchased at a 40% discount for members — there are guides to using your iPhone or iPad and how what and where to watch TV for less.

#10. Health and Wellness

Members get access to the AARP® Staying Sharp program, which provides evidence-based information and actions you can take to maintain and improve your brain health as you age. Choose from articles, recipes, activities, videos, and fun brain games designed to fit into your daily routine. This benefit complements their eye and ear care health and wellness program.

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#11. Finances

They offer many online tools to help you manage your finances better, while planning your future. You will get answers to all your questions surrounding Social Security Number and lots more.

They also provide tips and guides that will help you spot and avoid fraudulent programs targeted at you.

#12. Comprehensive Health Insurance For Pets

Members save up to 10% on premiums when signing up online, plus receive a Visa® Prepaid Card (up to $35) to help cover wellness expenses. Plans are accepted at every veterinarian in the U.S. and Canada.

#13. Resources To Care Givers

Whether you’re a new or continuing caregiver, you’ll find help to manage your journey with practical tips, real-world support, and access to resources to help you and your loved one.

#14. Rails And Tours

Members save up to $100 per person on tours of seven days or more to all continents. Options include land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, value tours and more.

#15. Clothing And Accessory: Free Coupon Book

Members get a free Tanger coupon book with up to $1,000 in savings offers from brand-name retailers when they show their AARP membership card at Tanger Shopper Services.

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#16. Members Get 20% Off Gift Baskets

Members shopping at 1-800-Baskets.com save 20% on purchases or $20 when they spend $79.99 or more. Discount does not apply to wine.

AARP2: 20% off

AARP3: $20 off $79.99 or more.

#17. Medicare Supplement

Supplemental insurance coverage for those enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

How Does It Work

For any person who is up to 50 years and above, and is interested in becoming a member of the AARP, you can purchase a standard membership for $16 a year. Also, you can choose its auto-renewal and multiyear membership and save some bucks.

As a bonus, your membership allows you to add a spouse or partner for free, so both get a membership card and can take advantage of AARP’s benefits. That’s a good deal if you ask me!!

Additionally, AARP offers membership to those below 50 that have shown interest. However, they are made associate members. And as an associate member, you get all benefits not restricted by age.

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Final Thoughts:

When you consider the multiple benefits of AARP membership against its cost, its obvious that it’s totally worth it.

AARP Membership Reviews 2023: 17 Benefits, Cost & How It Works

Table of contents

What is AARP?

What is the Membership Cost Of AARP?

Benefits Of AARP Membership