Everything You Need To Know About The AARP, According To Elder Home Care Professionals

If you or a loved one is 50 or older, chances are that you’ve heard of AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons. Founded in 1958, AARP is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization with a simple goal -- to help retired people. Boasting nearly 40 million members nationwide, AARP provides membership benefits to people 50 or older, whether they’re working or not. But what does an AARP membership get you? Is it worth the money? All of these questions and more have been answered by elder home care professionals below. 

What does it cost to get an AARP membership?

 There are two types of memberships, depending on your age. If you are 50 or older, the Gold Membership you receive is $16 per year. If you are under 50, an Associate Membership is $12.50 

What are some of the best benefits that an AARP membership provides?

• Tax assistance: People with AARP memberships are automatically offered tax assistance in a program designed to help retirees navigate an increasingly complicated United States tax system. The Foundation Tax-Aide Program helps about 2.5 million retirees every single year, and elder home care experts say the free price tag makes it one of the best benefits you can receive.
• Insurance: With an AARP membership, you are in a unique position to be able to get affordable auto, life and health insurance policies from well-known providers. Instead of navigating the healthcare marketplace on your own, AARP helps do some of the hard work for you.
• Travel perks: Becoming an AARP member will allow to you access exclusive travel deals. Special deals on cruises, flights, and car rentals are offered to anyone with a membership. Care experts say this perk is great for seniors because traveling makes people feel more independent.
• Plan out your retirement: One of the first things that a lot of AARP members like to do first is plan out their retirement with the Avo tool. Avo helps you navigate 401k perks, budgeting and general retirement plans with a easy-to-use interface.
• Online games: Looking to kill some time with something that won’t put too much stress on your brain? Elder home care experts say one of the unexpected perks of AARP is that you get access to a bunch of classic online games like solitaire, sudoku and crossword puzzles.