What AARP Membership Is and Who It Serves
AARP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on issues affecting people aged 50 and older. Founded in 1958, AARP has grown to include millions of members across the United States. The organization provides information, resources, and advocacy on topics like healthcare, financial planning, caregiving, and retirement. AARP is not a government agency, though it does work on policy issues that affect older adults.
Get Your Free Guide to DMV Renewal Identification Numbers →
Membership in AARP gives individuals access to various resources and discounts offered through the organization. These resources include magazines, newsletters, online articles, webinars, and information about programs. Members can also receive discounts on certain products and services through partnerships AARP has established with various companies.
It's important to understand that AARP membership and government benefit programs like Medicare or Social Security are separate things. While AARP provides information about these programs, membership does not automatically connect you to government benefits. AARP may provide educational materials about how to navigate these programs, but the organization itself is independent.
The organization serves several purposes: it distributes information about aging-related topics, advocates for policy changes at local and national levels, and connects members with discounted offers. Understanding what AARP actually does can help people decide whether membership meets their needs.
Practical Takeaway: Before considering AARP membership, think about which of these services would be most useful to you: informational resources about aging topics, discounts on products or services, or staying informed about policy issues affecting older adults.
Understanding the Age Requirement for AARP Membership
The primary requirement to become an AARP member is being at least 50 years old. This age threshold is the main factor that determines who can join. Unlike some organizations that have multiple membership tiers based on age, AARP maintains this single age requirement for all standard memberships.
Learn About Credit One Bank Pre-Approval Codes →
People who are 50 years old or older can explore AARP membership regardless of employment status, health condition, or other personal factors. There is no upper age limit—members can remain with AARP for life. This means a person who joins at age 50 can continue their membership at age 80, 90, or beyond.
If you are not yet 50 years old, you cannot become a regular AARP member at this time. However, AARP does offer some online resources and information that may be available to younger individuals who want to learn about retirement planning or aging-related topics. The main membership benefits and services are reserved for those who meet the age requirement.
The age requirement exists because AARP's mission focuses specifically on issues relevant to people in their later years. The organization structures its programs, advocacy, and resources around the concerns and needs of this age group. This targeted approach allows AARP to concentrate its efforts on topics most pertinent to its membership base.
Some people may wonder if they can join early or if there are exceptions to the age rule. The 50-year age requirement is consistent across AARP's main membership offerings. There are no special circumstances that waive or lower this requirement for standard membership.
Practical Takeaway: If you are turning 50 soon or have recently turned 50, you now meet the age requirement to explore AARP membership. Write down your birth date and have it available if you decide to look into joining, as you'll need to confirm your age.
Annual Membership Costs and Payment Options
AARP membership costs $16 per year for the standard membership option. This is the primary cost associated with joining. The annual fee is relatively modest compared to many other membership organizations. Members typically pay this fee once per year to maintain their active membership status.
Free Guide to Dental Implant Options and Pricing →
AARP also offers a three-year membership option, which costs approximately $43 for the full three-year period. This works out to about $14.33 per year if you choose to pay upfront for three years at once. This option can be useful for people who prefer to pay less frequently or who want to lock in the rate for a longer period.
Payment methods for AARP membership are flexible. You can pay by credit card or debit card through their website or phone. AARP also accepts payment through mail if you prefer not to pay online. When you join, you will receive information about which payment method works best for your situation.
Some people receive offers for discounted first-year membership rates, sometimes as low as $12 for the first year instead of the standard $16. These promotional offers appear periodically, though they are not always available. The regular annual renewal price remains $16 unless another promotion is running at the time of renewal.
It's worth noting that the membership fee is separate from any discounts or services you might purchase as a member. For example, if you use AARP's discount on a hotel stay or purchase AARP-branded insurance products, those transactions involve separate costs beyond your membership fee. The membership fee itself only covers your membership status and access to member resources.
Practical Takeaway: Calculate whether the potential discounts you plan to use would save you more than $16 per year. Common areas where members find savings include insurance products, travel discounts, and restaurant deals. If you can save $16 or more in a year, the membership fee essentially pays for itself.
What Is Included in AARP Membership
AARP membership includes access to The Magazine, a bimonthly publication that covers topics relevant to people 50 and older. Articles typically address health, finance, caregiving, travel, and lifestyle topics. Members receive this publication in print form at their mailing address. The Magazine also has online versions that members can read on their computer or mobile device.
Learn How to Make Tiramisu From Start to Finish →
Members receive AARP Bulletin, a monthly newsletter with news updates and information about policy issues affecting older adults. This publication focuses on current events, research, and updates about programs that may be of interest to members. Both The Magazine and the Bulletin are included with membership at no additional cost.
Online access to AARP.org includes articles, videos, and tools about various topics. The website contains information about Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, health and wellness, caregiving, and work. Members can also access interactive tools and calculators on the website to help them think through various situations they might encounter.
Discounts are another significant membership benefit. AARP has partnerships with various companies that offer member discounts on products and services. These may include discounts on hotels, rental cars, restaurants, technology products, and insurance. The specific discounts available can change, and not all offers apply in all locations.
Members also receive information about AARP's advocacy work at state and federal levels. The organization sends out alerts about policy issues and sometimes provides information about contacting elected officials on topics AARP is working on. This keeps members informed about efforts to influence laws and regulations affecting older adults.
Some AARP Local offices sponsor in-person events and programs. These may include workshops on topics like technology, health, or financial planning. Availability of local programs varies depending on where you live, but members who want to attend educational events in their area may find opportunities through their local AARP chapter.
Practical Takeaway: After joining, spend time exploring AARP.org and reviewing the discounts available in your area. Look specifically at categories where you already spend money—groceries, hotels, restaurants, insurance—to see if any discounts apply to your regular purchases or services you're considering.
How to Become an AARP Member
The process to become an AARP member begins by visiting AARP.org or calling AARP's phone number. You can join online through their website or by telephone. Both methods lead to the same membership outcome; the choice is simply which method is more convenient for you.
How To Stop Dog Biting Through Training →
When joining online, you will enter personal information including your name, date of birth, mailing address, email address, and phone number. You'll need to verify that you are at least 50 years old by providing your date of birth. This information helps AARP confirm that you meet the age requirement and also sets up your member account.
You'll select which membership length you want—one year or three years. Then you'll choose your payment method and provide payment information. Your credit card or debit card will be charged for the membership fee. You'll receive a confirmation email with your membership information.
After payment is processed, you will receive a membership card