AARP : What It Is, What It Does, and How to Make the Most of Membership
AARP is the United States’ largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50+ to choose how they live as they age, combining member benefits with advocacy on issues like Social Security, Medicare, prescription drug costs, caregiving, and fraud prevention. Membership is open to adults 18+ (with some age‑restricted benefits), and includes publications like AARP Magazine and AARP Bulletin alongside discounts, education, and community programs.
What AARP Does
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Advocacy and policy
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AARP lobbies at federal and state levels on Social Security, Medicare, drug pricing, age discrimination, long‑term services and supports, and consumer protections, positioning itself as a nonpartisan voice for Americans 50+.
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AARP’s research and policy arms highlight caregiving, longevity economy themes, and age‑friendly community design to inform legislators and employers.
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Member services and benefits
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Members gain access to discounts (travel, dining, retail), insurance products through licensed partners, financial education, employment resources, driver safety, tax assistance, and the Fraud Watch Network.
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AARP publishes two of the highest‑circulation U.S. periodicals (AARP Magazine and AARP Bulletin) and operates a robust digital hub and state offices for local programming.
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Programs and community impact
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The AARP Foundation and Legal Counsel for the Elderly provide legal aid, economic security programs, and social connection initiatives for vulnerable older adults.
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The AARP Community Challenge issues quick‑action grants for age‑friendly projects—like safe streets, public spaces, and community health—across U.S. cities and towns.
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Who Can Join and How It Works
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Eligibility: Full membership targets adults 50+, but anyone 18+ can join; some benefits (e.g., certain insurance offerings) have age or other eligibility criteria.
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Cost and value: Membership includes publications, discounts, education, and access to partner services; AARP funds operations through dues, licensing royalties, and advertising tied to its publications and endorsed offerings.
Key Focus Areas
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Family caregiving: New findings estimate 63 million Americans are caregivers, with growing financial and workplace strain—driving policy recommendations on paid leave, respite, and care infrastructure.
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Age‑friendly communities: The Community Challenge expands funding tracks for transportation, housing, and public realm improvements that benefit older adults and multigenerational neighborhoods.
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Global aging and standards: AARP participates in international forums to share policy frameworks on healthy aging, social inclusion, and economic participation of older adults.
How to Get the Most from AARP
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Activate benefits: After joining, explore the member portal for travel and retail discounts, tax help, driver safety courses, and fraud alerts; many benefits are seasonal or location‑specific.
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Use local resources: Check your state AARP office for workshops, caregiver resources, and community events that translate national programs to local needs.
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Stay informed: Read AARP Magazine and AARP Bulletin for health, money, and policy updates, and follow alerts from the Fraud Watch Network to avoid scams that frequently target older adults.
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Engage in advocacy: Participate in action alerts on issues like Rx pricing or caregiver supports; member voices often shape state and federal priorities.
Why AARP Matters
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Scale and influence: With tens of millions of members and high voter participation among older adults, AARP remains a major civic and consumer force.
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Practical help: From Medicare navigation and discounts to legal aid and anti‑fraud education, AARP blends tangible household value with long‑horizon policy change for aging well.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is AARP political? AARP is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates or fund campaigns; it does lobby on issues affecting older Americans.
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Do I have to be retired? No. The organization dropped “retired” from its name in 1999, reflecting many members who are still working.
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Can under‑50s join? Yes—adults 18+ can become members, though some products are age‑restricted by law or contract.
