Fitness
Psst! I Have A Secret: Being An AARP Member Is Actually Pretty Cool
Here’s why you should consider joining...
AARP
Note: Author is a contributing writer for The Girlfriend. This is an ad for AARP membership written by a verified AARP member. She has been compensated for her review.
Like many people, I approached my 50th birthday with a bit of trepidation. I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to celebrate with an over-the-top party or crawl into bed with a pint of ice cream and wait for the day to be over.
Five — oh! It’s a big number and (well-meaning) friends and family will remind you of that over and over again as the day approaches. Peers who already have reached that milestone will say, “Welcome to the club,” with a head nod and knowing grin. People will ask what you are going to do to mark the occasion. In the days leading up to my birthday, I was frequently asked, “Did you get your AARP card yet?” with a chuckle, which can make you feel even older than you already do.
But allow me to let you in on a secret: Turning 50 isn’t so bad, and being a member of AARP is a pretty cool thing.
First off, I have another little revelation to share. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be 50 years old to be a member. Yes, REALLY! A person can be in their 20s and join AARP (although many of the benefits are geared toward older adults). The application process is simple — no lengthy forms to fill out, and no need to get someone to cosign your application. And unlike other types of membership, you can cancel at any time without penalty.
Second, it is not expensive: Just $15 the first year with automatic renewal and $20 after that. Members get instant access to hundreds of carefully chosen benefits. Plus, you may find that using a single member benefit covers the entire cost of membership. Even better: Membership includes a subscription to AARP The Magazine and a free gift. Members also have the option of customizing their membership, including going digital.
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While I get several magazines, I find that a lot of them aren’t focused on readers my age, which is why I like the one from AARP. The articles are well-researched and enlightening. I also like the celebrities they profile because they are the people I grew up alongside. Recent issues have featured Brendan Fraser, Viola Davis, Bruce Springsteen, Drew Barrymore and Eva Longoria. If those are the other members of the over-50 club, I am happy to add my name to the list!
In addition to being enjoyable, reading about these celebrities reminds me that even though “AARP” was initially geared toward retired people, that is not its sole focus anymore. Retirement is great, but so is continuing to work, especially if you like what you do.
If the magazine wasn’t enough, AARP also publishes articles on its main website, as well as in several weekly e-newsletters just for women — including The Ethel and The Girlfriend. The articles and personal essays tackle subjects that I would talk about with my friends — from “Think You Can’t Lose Weight During Menopause? Think Again” to “Why Girls’ Trips Will Make You a Better Mom.” AND, drum roll, please ... The Girlfriend Book Club from AARP is a fabulous private Facebook group for women who like to read. Members enjoy winning free books and hearing from their favorite authors.
Third, if you like bargains, being an AARP member is like being invited to a private sale every day. There are discounts on everything from hotel stays to rental cars and restaurants. AARP even offers travel planning guides.
After a year of no traveling, my husband and I were excited to plan a getaway. When booking the room, I asked if there was an AARP discount rate — and, no surprise, there was one. The savings made me feel better about our dinners out during the trip. Plus, members can save at select restaurants too — during vacation or when dining close to home.
Speaking of savings, if, like many people of all ages, you are worrying about finances (especially after this past year), AARP wants to help you feel more comfortable about your financial future. That’s why AARP offers a variety of free events designed to help you with budgeting, planning, debt repayment and other money matters — including tracking your goals.
Plus, I recently learned about the AARP Rewards program. The program includes fun crossword puzzles and word challenges for my 26-year-old daughter and myself to have fun doing together. AARP Rewards includes a wide variety of activities and completing them allows you to both learn and earn points, points you can use to reap rewards like discounted gift cards. Plus, members earn 50% more points and unlock members-only rewards.
Finally, did you know AARP has loads of games exclusive to members only, like Atari’s Breakout, Mahjongg and Pong!? And AARP® Staying Sharp®, an award-winning brain health program, offers recipes, interactive videos, brain health challenges, a cognitive assessment — and so much more.
So now when people ask me with a chuckle, “Did you get your AARP card yet?” — I nod my head emphatically. After all, if I have to be middle-aged I might as well reap the benefits of it — and AARP helps to make sure that I do.
Learn more about joining AARP.
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