AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older
AARP stands for American Association of Retired Persons. Despite the name, you do not have to be retired to join — you only need to be 50 or older. The organization has about 37 million members and operates in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. territories.
AARP is a nonprofit group, which means it does not have shareholders and reinvests money back into its programs and advocacy work. The organization is funded by membership dues, grants, and revenue from insurance products and other services offered to members.
When people refer to "AARP," they usually mean one of two things: the national organization headquartered in Washington D.C., or their state or local AARP chapter. Your state chapter handles community programs, volunteer opportunities, and local events in your area.
Key Takeaways
- AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older and costs $16 per year for a standard membership.
- The organization offers discounts on hotels, rental cars, insurance, and other products through partnerships with major companies.
- AARP publishes free magazines and online content about health, money, caregiving, and retirement planning.
- AARP advocates for policies affecting older adults at the federal and state level, and operates volunteer programs in most communities.
- You can find local programs, classes, and volunteer opportunities through your state or local AARP chapter.
What AARP membership includes
When you join AARP, you receive a membership card and access to discounts negotiated with hundreds of companies. These discounts explore to hotels, car rentals, restaurants, pharmacies, and insurance products. The specific discounts change, so it is worth checking the AARP website or calling your local chapter to see what is available in your area.
Members also receive AARP Magazine, a print publication sent to your home six times a year, and AARP Bulletin, a monthly newsletter. Both cover health, money, caregiving, and lifestyle topics written for readers 50 and older. You can also read articles and watch videos on the AARP website without paying extra.
Membership includes access to AARP's online tools, such as a retirement calculator, a Social Security estimator, and health information pages. Some state chapters offer in-person classes on topics like Medicare, tax planning, and technology skills, though availability varies by location.
AARP's advocacy and policy work
AARP employs lobbyists and policy experts who work on issues that affect older adults, such as Medicare, Social Security, prescription drug costs, and age discrimination in employment. The organization testifies before Congress, files legal briefs in court cases, and campaigns for or against specific legislation.
AARP's positions are not always the same as what individual members want. The organization publishes its policy positions on its website, and members can contact their representatives to voice their own views. AARP does not tell members how to vote, though it does rate elected officials' records on issues the organization cares about.
At the state and local level, AARP chapters work on issues like long-term care, property tax relief, and transportation for older adults. They also partner with community organizations to offer programs like tax preparation help and caregiver support groups.
Volunteer opportunities through AARP
AARP runs several volunteer programs that are open to members and non-members alike. The largest is the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, which offers free tax preparation help to people 60 and older with low to moderate income. Volunteers are trained and certified, and the service is available at libraries, community centers, and senior centers across the country.
Another major program is AARP Experience Corps, which places volunteers in schools to tutor and mentor students in reading. Volunteers typically commit to one school year and work a few hours per week.
Your local AARP chapter may also organize volunteer opportunities in your community, such as helping with disaster relief, visiting homebound seniors, or serving meals at community events. Contact your state chapter to learn what is available where you live.
How to join AARP
You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. The standard membership costs $16 per year. AARP sometimes offers promotional rates for new members, such as the first year for $8, so it is worth checking the website for current offers.
When you join, you choose which state chapter you want to belong to. You can change your chapter later if you move. Your membership is active when ready after you pay, and your membership card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks.
If you are not sure whether AARP is right for you, you can explore the website and read sample articles without joining. Many local libraries also have AARP materials and staff who can answer questions about membership.
AARP's insurance and financial products
AARP offers or endorses insurance products including health insurance, life insurance, auto insurance, and homeowners insurance. These are sold through partner companies, not directly by AARP. AARP receives a commission when members purchase these products, which is one way the organization funds its programs.
You do not have to buy any of these products to be a member, and membership discounts on other services (like hotels or restaurants) do not require you to purchase insurance. It is worth comparing AARP's insurance rates with quotes from other companies before deciding to buy.
AARP also offers financial products such as credit cards and banking services through partner institutions. Again, these are optional, and many members use AARP only for the magazine, discounts, and community programs.
Finding your local AARP chapter
Each state has an AARP state office, and most states have local chapters organized by county or region. Your chapter hosts events, classes, and volunteer opportunities specific to your area. Some chapters are very active with weekly programs; others are smaller and meet less frequently.
To find your chapter, visit aarp.org and search for your state and zip code. You can also call 1-888-687-2277 and ask for your local chapter's contact information. Once you have the number or email, you can ask about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and programs in your community.
If you are a member, your chapter may send you a local newsletter or calendar of events. Non-members can also attend many chapter events, though some activities are reserved for members only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be retired to join AARP?
No. You only need to be 50 or older. Many AARP members are still working. The organization changed its name from American Association of Retired Persons to just AARP in 1999 to reflect that members work at all stages of life.
What if I do not want to receive the magazine?
You can opt out of receiving AARP Magazine and AARP Bulletin in print and choose to read them online instead. Contact AARP customer service at 1-888-687-2277 or update your preferences on the website to make this change.
Can I cancel my membership anytime?
Yes. You can cancel by calling 1-888-687-2277 or by visiting aarp.org. There is no penalty for canceling, and you can rejoin later if you change your mind. If you cancel mid-year, AARP does not refund the unused portion of your membership fee.
Does AARP take a political side?
AARP takes positions on specific policies that affect older adults, but it is not formally aligned with either major political party. The organization works with elected officials from both parties and rates their records on issues AARP cares about. Individual members may disagree with AARP's positions.
Are AARP discounts worth the membership fee?
That depends on which discounts you use. If you travel frequently or use AARP-discounted services regularly, the $16 annual fee can pay for itself quickly. Even if you use discounts only occasionally, many members find the magazine and online health information valuable on their own.