Join AARP and enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts on travel, insurance, dining, and more. Find the right membership plan for you and start saving today.
AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is a well-established nonprofit organization that seeks to provide valuable resources, advocacy, and support for individuals aged 50 and older. With a rapidly aging population in the United States, AARP has become increasingly important in addressing the unique needs and concerns of this demographic. In this article, we will discuss the purpose and history of AARP, the various benefits and discounts available to members, and the costs associated with membership.
What Is AARP And Why Does It Exist
Founded in 1958 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired high school principal, AARP was initially established to help retired teachers obtain affordable health insurance. Over time, the organization expanded its mission to advocate for the interests of all older Americans and provide valuable resources to help them maintain their financial security, health, and overall well-being.
Today, AARP has grown into a powerful organization with a membership base of nearly 38 million people. It exists to empower individuals aged 50 and older by providing resources and support to help them live their best lives. AARP is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults through advocacy, education, and community service. It achieves this by focusing on key issues such as social security, healthcare, retirement planning, and age discrimination.
Popular AARP Membership Discounts
AARP offers a wide range of benefits and discounts to its members, including savings on shopping, insurance, and travel. Some of the most popular discounts include:
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Shopping: AARP members can save on everyday purchases at various retailers, both online and in-store. Popular retail partners include Walgreens, LensCrafters, and 1-800-Flowers, among others. Members can also take advantage of exclusive discounts on technology products from brands such as Dell, HP, and Consumer Cellular.
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Insurance: AARP has partnered with various insurance companies to offer members exclusive discounts on auto, home, and life insurance policies. For example, The Hartford offers AARP members savings on auto and home insurance, while New York Life provides discounts on life insurance for AARP members.
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Travel: AARP members can save on a wide range of travel-related expenses, from accommodations and car rentals to cruises and vacation packages. Hotel partners include major chains such as Hilton, Marriott, and Best Western, while car rental partners include Budget, Avis, and Payless. Additionally, members can receive discounts on flights, cruises, and guided tours through AARP's travel center.
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Health and wellness: AARP members can access discounts on various health and wellness products and services, such as gym memberships, hearing aids, and vision care. This includes discounts at participating Gold's Gym, Curves, and 24 Hour Fitness locations, as well as savings on eyewear at LensCrafters and Pearle Vision.
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Entertainment: Members can save on a variety of entertainment options, including movie tickets, dining, and live events. For example, AARP members can enjoy discounts at Regal Cinemas and AMC Theatres, as well as savings on tickets to popular attractions such as Disneyland and Universal Studios.
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Dining: AARP members can enjoy discounts at popular restaurant chains such as Denny's, Outback Steakhouse, and Bonefish Grill. Additionally, members can save on meal delivery services like Silver Cuisine and Nutrisystem.
These are just a few examples of the numerous discounts and benefits available to AARP members. With such a wide range of savings opportunities, it's no wonder that AARP membership is considered a valuable asset for older Americans.
Membership Cost And How Long The Plans Last
AARP membership is available to individuals aged 50 and older, as well as their spouses or partners, regardless of their age. The cost of an AARP membership is quite affordable, with several membership plan options to choose from:
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Annual membership: A one-year membership costs $16, which includes access to all AARP benefits and discounts, as well as a subscription to the AARP Bulletin and AARP The Magazine.
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3-year membership: Members can save by opting for a three-year membership, which costs $43 (a savings of $5). This plan includes the same benefits as the annual membership.
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5-year membership: The five-year membership offers even greater savings, with a total cost of $63 (a savings of $17). This plan also includes all the benefits and discounts available to annual members.
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Lifetime membership: For those who wish to enjoy AARP benefits for the rest of their lives, a lifetime membership is available for a one-time payment of $600. This plan includes all the benefits and discounts available to annual members, as well as a special lifetime membership card and recognition in AARP publications.
AARP plays a crucial role in empowering and supporting older Americans, providing valuable resources, advocacy, and a wide range of discounts to help its members maintain their financial security, health, and overall well-being. With a relatively low membership cost and numerous benefits available, joining AARP can be an excellent investment for individuals aged 50 and older. By taking advantage of the various discounts and benefits offered by AARP, members can enjoy significant savings on everyday expenses while also contributing to a larger community dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults.
