AARP Review: Benefits, Services, and Value for Seniors

For individuals aged 50 and older, AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons) is a nonprofit organization that offers a wide range of benefits, services, and advocacy tailored to seniors. Founded in 1958, AARP has grown into one of the largest membership organizations in the U.S., with more than 38 million members. AARP’s primary mission is to enhance the quality of life for seniors by providing them with access to financial tools, health services, discounts, and educational resources.

In this review, we will explore the key features of AARP, the pros and cons of membership, and whether it’s worth joining.

What is AARP?

AARP is a membership organization focused on advocating for people aged 50 and over, offering services and discounts to help improve the lives of seniors. The organization is also a strong advocate for policy changes affecting older adults, including Medicare, Social Security, healthcare, and retirement planning.

AARP membership provides access to a variety of benefits in areas such as travel, health, entertainment, and financial services. These benefits, along with its robust advocacy efforts, make AARP a popular choice for individuals approaching or already in retirement.

Key Features of AARP Membership

1. Discounts and Deals

One of the biggest draws of AARP is the extensive discounts available to its members. AARP partners with various companies to offer savings on travel, dining, shopping, entertainment, and healthcare. Some of the most popular discounts include:

Travel: Discounts on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages with partners like Hilton, Avis, and Carnival.
Dining: Discounts at restaurants such as Denny’s and Outback Steakhouse.
Entertainment: Savings on movie tickets, theme park admissions, and events.
Shopping: Special offers at retailers like Walgreens, Ancestry.com, and AT&T.

2. Health and Wellness Resources

AARP offers a variety of health-related resources for members, including:

AARP Hearing Care Program: Discounts on hearing aids and hearing care services.
AARP Vision Discounts: Savings on eyewear and eye exams at select retailers.
AARP Prescription Discounts: AARP members can access discounts on prescription drugs through OptumRx.

In addition, AARP provides comprehensive resources on healthcare topics like Medicare, long-term care, and healthy living to help seniors make informed decisions about their health.

3. Financial and Retirement Planning Tools

AARP offers a range of financial services to help members with retirement planning, including:

AARP Financial Tools: A suite of tools and calculators for budgeting, retirement planning, and investment tracking.
AARP Life Insurance and Annuities: Members can access AARP-branded life insurance and annuity products, provided by New York Life.
AARP Auto and Home Insurance: Members receive special rates on auto and home insurance through The Hartford.
AARP Credit Card: A co-branded credit card that offers cashback on gas, groceries, and healthcare purchases.

These financial services are designed to help seniors manage their money, plan for retirement, and navigate important life changes.

4. Advocacy and Education

AARP is heavily involved in advocacy efforts at both the state and national levels, working to protect the rights and interests of older adults. The organization advocates for legislation on Social Security, Medicare, age discrimination, and affordable healthcare.

Additionally, AARP offers a wide array of educational resources, including articles, webinars, and workshops on topics like retirement planning, caregiving, and maintaining an active lifestyle in retirement.

5. AARP Magazine and Publications

Members receive AARP The Magazine, which is the largest circulation magazine in the U.S. It provides lifestyle advice, financial tips, health information, and entertainment for older adults. AARP also offers AARP Bulletin, which covers news, policy, and other important topics relevant to seniors.

Pros of AARP Membership

1. Affordable Membership Fee

AARP membership is very affordable, costing as little as $12 per year when you sign up for automatic renewal. Even without auto-renewal, the cost is only $16 per year. For the wide range of benefits and discounts, this low price makes it accessible to most seniors.

2. Extensive Discounts

AARP’s discounts alone can easily offset the cost of membership, especially for those who frequently travel or dine out. With savings on everything from car rentals to medical expenses, the membership can pay for itself quickly.

3. Health and Financial Resources

The health and financial tools provided by AARP are invaluable for seniors looking to manage their well-being and retirement. Whether it’s getting guidance on Medicare, finding insurance options, or using budgeting calculators, AARP offers a variety of services to help older adults live healthier and more financially secure lives.

4. Advocacy on Behalf of Seniors

AARP is a powerful voice in advocating for seniors on important issues like Social Security, Medicare, healthcare reform, and retirement security. Knowing that AARP is working to protect their rights and benefits gives members peace of mind.

5. Educational Content and Publications

The information provided by AARP through its magazines, newsletters, and online resources is a valuable tool for staying informed about health, financial, and lifestyle issues that matter to seniors. AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin offer insightful articles tailored to the needs and interests of older adults.

Cons of AARP Membership

1. Not Just for Retirees

Despite its name, AARP is no longer exclusively focused on retired individuals. Anyone over 50 can join, even if they are still working full-time. While this broad membership base allows more people to access AARP’s benefits, some retirees may feel that the organization’s focus is too broad and not tailored specifically to their needs.

2. Limited Use for Some Members

While AARP offers a broad range of discounts and services, not all members will use every benefit. For example, if you don’t travel frequently or use AARP’s insurance offerings, you may not take full advantage of the membership. Some people may find that they don’t utilize the discounts enough to justify the membership fee.

3. Additional Costs for Insurance and Financial Products

Although AARP offers discounts on insurance products and financial services, these products come at an additional cost. Some members might expect more services to be included in the membership, but they are instead offered at discounted rates through third-party providers.

4. Marketing and Promotional Emails

Many members report receiving frequent marketing emails and mailers from AARP and its partners. This can be overwhelming for those who don’t want to be bombarded with offers for insurance, credit cards, or other products.

Who Should Join AARP?

AARP is ideal for individuals who:

Are 50 or older and want to access a variety of discounts on travel, dining, and entertainment.
Want to take advantage of health and financial resources tailored to the needs of seniors.
Value an organization that advocates on behalf of older adults for important policy changes.
Are looking for affordable life, health, and auto insurance options designed for seniors.
Enjoy reading educational materials on senior health, financial planning, and retirement living.

Final Verdict

AARP provides an impressive range of benefits, services, and resources for people aged 50 and older. For just a small annual fee, members can enjoy valuable discounts on travel, dining, and entertainment, as well as access to health and financial tools. Additionally, AARP’s advocacy efforts help protect and promote the interests of seniors on important issues like Social Security and Medicare.

While not every member will use all of AARP’s benefits, those who do will likely find that the membership pays for itself quickly. AARP’s combination of discounts, educational resources, and political advocacy makes it a valuable organization for many seniors looking to stay informed, save money, and plan for their financial future. Whether you’re approaching retirement or just looking for useful services, AARP is a great choice for older adults who want to make the most of their senior years.