Hitting 50 years of age is not just a midlife milestone—it’s also the perfect time to start thinking about your retirement and future financial stability. The American Association of Retired Persons, widely known as AARP, is one of the most popular resources for health and finance planning, guidance, discounts, and more to those 50 and older.
Although AARP provides some benefits, services, and information to nonmembers, membership provides access to even more resources. If you’ve concerned joining AARP but aren’t sure exactly how membership would benefit you, check out these eight benefits that many people outside of the AARP don’t know the organization offers.
1. The AARP App
The AARP app provides membership benefits and features wherever you are, whenever you need them. Easy to download and available on most digital devices, the AARP app provides:
- Instant access to your account including a digital membership card
- The latest news updates and other daily content
- Informative lists of local events you can register for right from the app
- Notification reminders for events, deals, discounts, and limited-time member offers
2. Comprehensive Health and Financial Planning Tools
AARP isn’t just about deals and discounts. Plan your health and financial future with comprehensive tools designed to give the best advice for your demographic. Planning tools include:
- Drug interaction checker
- BMI calculator
- Health encyclopedia
- Drugs from A-Z listings
- Drug comparison guide
- Medicare FAQ
- Pill identifier
- Symptom checker
- Health law answers
- Medicare decoders
3. Added Entertainment
Many retirees live on a tight budget. And when money is tight, nights out seem to happen less and less. But deals through AARP can help you spend less while still enjoying more. Discounts and select entertainment options for AARP members include:
- Reduced price movie tickets and concession stand purchases at participating theatres
- Special one-day ticket prices at parks, museums, and visitor centers around the country
- Lower fees for visiting and camping at U.S. National Parks
- Free online games like mahjong, solitaire, puzzles, and more
- Discounted retail options at the AARP bookstore
- An Audible subscription discount
4. Discounts on Insurance
Some insurance companies, independent of AARP, offer discounts, curated policies, and benefits to AARP members. Whether you need home, auto, or health insurance, you can find an insurance company that offers discounted rates for AARP members.
- Stay safe on the road with AARP car insurance rates and rewards that lower premium costs and provide coverage exclusively for those 50 and older
- Find affordable dental and vision healthcare insurance coverage with discounts and shareable membership at participating providers nationwide
- Save more on prescriptions than with insurance alone with a free Rx discount card accepted at thousands of retail pharmacies
5. Discounts on Groceries
Food costs can add up quickly. AARP members receive exclusive deals and savings on groceries and other food purchases every week. Some food savings include:
- Market and grocery store percentage savings during designated shopping days
- Access to hundreds of free printable, leading-brand coupons
- Instant savings without coupons or store-specific loyalty cards
- Discount deals on food services delivered directly to your door
6. Premium Finance-Related Content
Budgeting and money management needs only increase with retirement. AARP provides access to content specially selected for its members based on the needs of the over-50 demographic. Finance-related content includes:
- Money articles
- Podcasts
- Special reports
- Digital planning calculators and search tools
7. Guidance on How to Avoid Fraud
Unfortunately, fraud affects seniors more than any other age or demographic. AARP offers guidance and information they need to protect themselves from fraud and scams. AARP’s Fraud Watch Network helpline is a toll-free service for reporting scams and receiving tips on how to recognize and prevent theft. You will receive information on:
- How to spot a scam
- Steps you can take to avoid fraud
- Actions to take if you suspect you have become the victim of a scam
- Emotional support from professionals and peers who’ve experienced fraud
- Referrals to law enforcement agencies
- Notifications on fraud in your area through watchdog alerts
An Over-the-Phone Hearing Test
Each year, members can take advantage of a validated, over-the-phone hearing test. The National Hearing Test is confidential, with results on hearing impairment or loss available in as little as ten minutes. Resources and advice on protecting and recognizing hearing problems are also available through AARP’s Hearing Center.
AARP Membership is More Than Just Dining Out Discounts
If you’re still on the fence about joining AARP and paying for the membership, do a little more digging online to learn about the benefits and services offered by the organization. Think about your specific needs and the needs you anticipate experiencing in the upcoming years, and decide for yourself if AARP membership is worth it.
