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As we get older, our needs and priorities often change dramatically. Financial considerations take on new dimensions while retirement looms, bringing concerns about savings, social security and health care costs to the fore. The health needs of seniors are also evolving to place greater emphasis on preventive care, managing chronic conditions and maintaining independence.
These and other specific needs of seniors have given rise to organizations focused on serving the senior population, such as AARP, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans age 50 and older. This organization is known for its offering a wide range of services and benefits designed to address the unique concerns of seniors.
But AARP is just one option among many senior-oriented organizations, and those considering membership may wonder whether AARP is worth joining. If you’re one of them, it helps to know why an AARP membership might be worth it for you.
Discover the many benefits an AARP membership can offer you.
Is joining AARP worth it? 5 reasons why this could be
There are a few reasons why an AARP membership could be valuable in today’s environment, including:
AARP offers large discounts tailored to its members
One of the key benefits AARP offers is a wide range of discounts tailored to the unique needs and lifestyles of seniors. For example, AARP offers discounts on home office equipment and ergonomic furniture, which can be especially beneficial for older workers who may be transitioning to work from home or starting an encore career.
AARP also offers many other types of discounts, including health and wellness discounts. Through AARP, members gain access to discounted rates on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and even telemedicine services – all of which can be crucial to staying healthy during your senior years.
And travel discounts have been and remain a cornerstone of AARP benefits. In addition to traditional hotel and car rental discounts, AARP members can take advantage of deals on vacation rentals, adventure travel packages or even RV rentals.
Find out how an AARP membership can help you better navigate your senior years.
Membership includes access to financial services
AARP membership also provides access to a wide range of financial services, including access to financial planning tools, investment guidance and educational resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by those aged 50 and older. These services can be especially helpful for seniors who must deal with the complexities of retirement planning, wealth management and financial security later in life.
A key offering is AARP’s partnership with financial institutions that members can access savings accounts with a high return And certificates of deposit (CDs) with competitive rates. For seniors living on a fixed income or if they want to maximize their savings, these options can help preserve and potentially grow their savings.
AARP also offers free access to retirement calculators and financial planning tools. These tools can help seniors assess their current financial situation, estimate future expenses, and adjust their strategies accordingly. This is especially critical for people approaching retirement or in the early stages of their post-work life.
The organization also provides educational resources on topics such as Social Security optimization, Medicare planning, and… long-term care insurance. These topics can be dauntingly complex, and AARP’s guidance can help seniors make informed decisions that have a significant impact on their financial well-being.
Seniors are offered career opportunities through AARP
Membership also provides access to AARP’s career services, which are designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing older workers. These resources can be particularly valuable for seniors who want to continue working or re-enter the workforce after retirement – or for those who need to find ways to supplement their income.
One of its key offerings is AARP’s job board, which features lists of employers who have committed to age-based hiring practices. This can be crucial for older job seekers who may face age discrimination in their search.
For those considering entrepreneurship, AARP offers resources for starting and running a small business. This includes guidance on writing business plans, securing financing, and leveraging technology for business growth, all tailored to the unique perspectives and challenges of older entrepreneurs.
The organization also offers a range of other career-related resources, such as virtual career fairs and webinars and articles on navigating the modern job search process. These tools can help seniors adapt to current job search practices, which may have changed significantly since they last looked for work.
Members have access to healthcare resources and guidance
Navigating the healthcare system can be difficult, especially if you qualify for Medicare. And AARP has positioned itself as a valuable resource in this area, providing members with comprehensive information and guidance about Medicare, Additional insurance and long-term care options.
But guidance isn’t the only healthcare-related benefit that comes with membership. AARP’s Medicare Supplement insurance plans can also provide additional coverage to help seniors manage their own expenses. Although these plans are also available to non-members, AARP members often receive preferential rates.
Members also have access to tools to help them estimate health care costs in retirement, understand their long-term care options and make informed decisions about their health coverage. In an era when healthcare costs can quickly derail retirement plans, this guidance can be invaluable.
The organization advocates for issues affecting older Americans
Although not a tangible benefit such as discounts or services, AARP’s advocacy efforts are an important reason to consider membership. After all, AARP lobbies for policies that benefit older Americans in a wide range of areas, including health care reform, retirement security, and protection against fraud and financial abuse.
The organization also advocates for issues such as support for caregivers, expanding high-speed internet access in rural areas and policies to make communities more livable for people of all ages. So by joining AARP, seniors are lending their support to these advocacy efforts, potentially influencing policies that could have a direct impact on their lives and the lives of future generations.
it comes down to
From modernized discounts and career resources to financial guidance and healthcare support, AARP offers a range of benefits that can be especially valuable for adults navigating the complexities of life after age 50. But when it comes to determining whether an AARP membership makes sense for you, it can help you consider your needs and how AARP benefits fit your personal and financial goals. What you may find is that AARP’s combination of practical benefits and broader advocacy efforts make the cost of membership a worthwhile investment.
