The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a membership organisation that advocates for social change and provides value to people aged 50 and older through information, service, and advocacy. AARP's target demographic is people who have worked their entire lives. It assists people in navigating timeless realities such as maintaining their health and financial stability, making meaningful contributions to their communities and society, and learning how to fully enjoy life. There is in fact no age requirement to become a member of AARP, despite the organization's focus on enhancing the lives of people over the age of 50. Membership in the AARP is available to people of any age in the United States of America, and those who sign up for automatic renewal pay only $12 for the first year of their membership (they are charged $16 when the membership renews). Are you interested in becoming a card-carrying member of the AARP? Continue reading to find out when you are able to become a member of the club, the cost of membership, and the benefits that come along with it.
When is it Possible to Join AARP?
There is no minimum or maximum age requirement to be an AARP member. People under the age of 50 can join AARP and access membership benefits that aren't subject to vendor restrictions, such as age-restricted insurance products. Full AARP membership is available to anyone who is at least 50 years old. NOTE- AARP allows you to add a free secondary member, such as a spouse or a member of your household, to your membership at no additional cost. As soon as you add them to your account, they will be sent their membership card in the mail.Benefits for AARP Members of Every Age Group
Your membership in AARP entitles you to a variety of programmes, discounts, and services, including the following: Travel: If you are an AARP member, you will have access to special savings on travel, as well as inspiration for your next trip through the AARP travel website, which is powered by Expedia. You will receive additional onboard credits on select cruises of up to $300 per stateroom, discounts of up to 30 per cent off the standard rate for car rentals, and discounts on select hotels of up to 10 per cent. You won't have to pay any booking fees for flights, and you'll receive a cash rebate of 5% (up to $350) on eligible group hotel bookings of nine or more rooms. In addition, you'll receive a discount of $10 on activity bookings that cost more than $100.A Good State of Body and Mind
Through AARP, members have access to a variety of programmes and policies that promote health and wellness, including the following:- Health insurance for the long term: Access to AARP's individualised long-term care options from New York Life is available to members of any age.
- AARP dental insurance: Plans are known as PPOs and dental health maintenance organisations (HMOs), both of which are managed by Delta Dental, and are accessible to families and individuals in the majority of states.
- Hearing Care Services Provided by the AARP: Members of HearUSA are eligible for a discount of twenty per cent off the retail prices of hearing aids, in addition to receiving other benefits, such as a free hearing checkup, a free ear cleaning, a check of their existing hearing aids, a free demonstration of the most recent hearing aid technology, one year of extended follow-up care at no additional cost, and a three-year manufacturer warranty. These benefits are provided by HearUSA.
- Vision Care Services by AARP: Members of AARP can choose from three different vision plans offered by EyeMed that start at $4.38 per month if they enrol in the AARP MyVision Care programme. Benefits for diabetics and people who have lost their sight, as well as comprehensive eye exams with a deductible of only ten dollars, are included in every plan.
- Prescription Discount Cards: AARP members are eligible for discounts on medications, home delivery, and coverage for their dependents at over 66,000 pharmacies across the country when they use their free prescription discount card.
Finances
AARP members have access to a number of financial benefits, some of which may or may not be superior to those offered to non-members, including the following:- Products and services for banking needs from Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Members of AARP have access to a high-yield savings account, a certificate of deposit (CD) with an eight-month term and no early withdrawal penalties, and digital banking services. Members of AARP are eligible for increased interest rates on both savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
- Barclays Mastercards offered by AARP: Barclaycard is offering AARP members the opportunity to apply for either the Essential Rewards or the Travel Rewards Mastercard. Cardholders have the opportunity to earn up to 3% cash back on eligible purchases, in addition to a $100 cash back bonus for making purchases worth $500 within the first 90 days of having the card.
- Fraud Watch Network of the AARP: You can search for local scams and sign up for free watchdog alerts by entering your information here.
- Money Map from AARP: Utilize this no-cost tool to better organise and control your finances and debt.
Work and Employment
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) oversees the management of a job board on which members can look for employers who are committed to an age-diverse workforce and be matched with such employers. To further assist those over the age of 50, there are also resources available in the form of webinars, online career expos, interactive videos, and virtual seminars. Members can also get assistance with their resumes by using the AARP résumé advisor, which is powered by Top Resume. This tool provides feedback on your resume's layout, design, and the use of the appropriate keywords to get the attention of potential employers.Gas Stations and Automotive Service
The AARP Auto Buying Program provides its members with the opportunity to purchase new and used automobiles online at a price that is guaranteed to be the lowest available. In addition, the annual membership fee for Allstate roadside plans is eligible for a discount of up to twenty percent. If you link your AARP membership to your ExxonMobil Rewards account, you will be able to earn points for purchases made at gas stations, car washes, and convenience stores. In addition, you will earn double the points whenever you make a purchase on days designated for AARP members. Additionally, you are eligible for a discount of 15% on drive-through oil changes and preventative maintenance services provided by Valvoline Instant Oil Change.The Internet and Wireless Technology
Members of AARP are eligible for a variety of benefits related to technology and wireless services, including the following:- AT&T plans: members can save up to $45 in waived activation and upgrade fees, get discounts on AT&T wireless plans, and get 15% off select accessories. These benefits are available to AARP members only.
- Norton LifeLock: AARP identity theft protection by Norton LifeLock provides members with a discount of 20% off the monthly rate for plans that offer protection and restoration against identity theft.
- Norton 360: Protection plans for Norton 360 can be purchased at prices that provide a discount of up to 25 per cent off of the standard monthly fee.
- Consumer Cellular: Members of Consumer Cellular can receive a discount of 5% on their monthly service and usage charges in addition to a discount of 30% on certain accessories.
- UPS Store: Members of UPS Store are eligible for a discount of 5% off domestic and international shipping, in addition to a discount of 20% off online printing.