AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is a nonprofit organization with nearly 38 million members. Founded in 1958, AARP advocates for older Americans and offers a wide array of benefits, from discounts and financial planning tools to health resources and travel perks.

But AARP is more than just a discount club. It’s a comprehensive support system for people aged 50 and up—working to empower seniors to live their best lives through information, advocacy, and access to exclusive member benefits.

Whether you’re retired, semi-retired, or still working, joining AARP can make a real difference in your daily life. Here are the top reasons seniors across the country are becoming AARP members:

1. Unmatched Discounts Across Categories
One of the biggest draws of AARP is the breadth of discounts it offers. From everyday essentials to big-ticket travel purchases, members enjoy special rates on:

Dining at national restaurant chains
Hotel stays and vacation packages
Car rentals
Prescription medications
Groceries and online shopping
Cell phone plans and wireless services
Eyewear and hearing aids

These savings quickly add up—more than paying for the modest membership fee of just $16 per year.

2. Access to Financial Tools and Guidance
AARP offers a wide range of financial resources, including retirement planning calculators, investment advice, tax prep services, and estate planning tools. Whether you’re trying to make your savings last longer or looking to leave a legacy for your loved ones, AARP offers expert guidance tailored to your stage of life.

3. Health and Wellness Resources
Good health is priceless—and AARP offers benefits to help seniors stay well physically, mentally, and emotionally. Members get access to:

Prescription discount cards (in partnership with Walgreens and others)
Health insurance options, including Medicare Advantage plans
Vision and dental discount programs
Brain health games and wellness newsletters
Virtual fitness classes and workshops

These resources help you take control of your well-being while keeping costs low.

4. Travel Benefits and Experiences
Love to travel? AARP members enjoy significant discounts on hotels, cruises, guided tours, and rental cars through partnerships with companies like Expedia, Avis, and Hilton. You’ll also find helpful travel tips and safety info tailored to senior travelers.

5. Community and Advocacy
AARP is more than a benefits provider—it’s a powerful voice for seniors. The organization advocates for policies that protect Social Security, Medicare, and senior healthcare access. It also provides volunteer opportunities and local events to help members stay engaged and connected.

Let’s dive deeper into the types of benefits AARP members enjoy across popular categories:

Health & Wellness
Prescription Discounts: Save up to 61% on FDA-approved medications.
Hearing Care: Discounts through HearUSA include free hearing check-ups and savings on hearing aids.
Vision and Dental Plans: Access affordable vision and dental coverage options from trusted providers.
Fitness Programs: Exclusive access to fitness and nutrition content, workout videos, and partnerships with wellness providers.

Travel
Hotels: Save up to 10% at Hilton, Wyndham, Choice Hotels, and more.
Car Rentals: Discounts with Avis, Budget, and Payless—plus free upgrades and vehicle upgrades.
Cruises and Tours: Exclusive travel packages and escorted tour deals with companies like Collette and Grand European Travel.
Flights and Vacation Packages: Discounts when booking through AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.

Entertainment & Dining
Restaurants: 10–15% off at chains like Denny’s, Outback Steakhouse, and Bonefish Grill.
Streaming and Entertainment: Discounts on movie tickets, concerts, and online learning platforms.
Magazines and Publications: Subscription discounts for a range of magazines and newsletters.

Everyday Savings
Cell Phone Plans: Special plans and discounts from Consumer Cellular and AT&T.
Home and Auto Insurance: Customized plans from The Hartford with exclusive pricing for members.
Shopping: Deals with retailers like Walgreens, LensCrafters, and Office Depot.

While AARP is a fantastic resource, pairing it with BestSeniorDiscounts.com gives you an unbeatable combination for maximizing your savings.

At BestSeniorDiscounts.com, our mission is to find, verify, and promote the latest senior deals across the web. Our team is constantly updating the site with:

Limited-time offers
Daily and weekly deals
State-specific discounts
Senior-exclusive coupons
Insider shopping tips

We don’t just list the obvious discounts—you’ll find unique savings opportunities, including those that aren’t affiliated with AARP, giving you the best of both worlds.

Let’s say you’re planning a weekend getaway. Here’s how the combo works:

Hotel: Use your AARP membership for a 10% discount at a Hilton property.
Car Rental: Get up to 30% off with AARP’s Budget rental partner.
Dining: Use one of our featured restaurant deals to save 20% at a local eatery.
Shopping: Check BestSeniorDiscounts.com for any local or seasonal coupons you can apply to gear or travel accessories.

That’s triple-dipping into savings—and all it takes is a little planning using the right resources.

Joining AARP is simple, quick, and highly affordable. Here’s how:

1. Visit AARP’s Website: Head to AARP.org to join.
2. Choose Your Membership: You can join for one year at $16 or choose multi-year options at a discount.
3. Add a Spouse or Partner: AARP allows you to include your spouse or partner at no additional cost.
4. Start Saving: You’ll receive a welcome kit and instant access to digital member benefits.

With over 38 million members, you’re in good company. And with so many perks, the membership often pays for itself within the first few months.

Is AARP Only for Retirees?
No. AARP membership is available to anyone aged 50 and over—whether you’re retired, working part-time, or still fully employed.

Can I Use AARP Discounts Online?
Absolutely. Many AARP partner offers and discounts are available both in-store and online, including travel bookings, retail purchases, and more.

What If I Lose My AARP Card?
You can always access your digital card through the AARP website or mobile app. A replacement can also be mailed to you.

Is There an AARP App?
Yes! The AARP Now app gives you easy access to your digital membership card, articles, event listings, and member-only discounts.

If you’re looking to live smarter, spend wiser, and enjoy more during your golden years, joining AARP is a no-brainer. But don’t stop there.

At BestSeniorDiscounts.com, we take your savings to the next level. We help you discover the discounts that AARP might not even list—giving you even more value and helping you live your best life on a budget.

So whether you’re planning your next trip, looking to save on healthcare, or just want a nice meal out at a lower price, use both AARP and BestSeniorDiscounts.com to get the most bang for your buck.

Already an AARP member? Great! Head over to BestSeniorDiscounts.com and explore even more ways to save.

Not a member yet? Consider joining AARP today and unlock a world of savings and support.

Because at the end of the day, you’ve earned the right to enjoy life while keeping more money in your pocket.