JOINING AARP

Back in 1958, Dr. Ethel Andrus founded AARP. The organization was her way to promote productive aging and to help fellow retired school teachers find affordable health insurance. Medicare wasn’t enacted until 1965 to give seniors over the age of 65 health care, so her work gave a lot of seniors the health coverage that they needed.

The organization grew progressively over the years into what it is today. AARP remains true to its founding principles even now:

• To promote independence, dignity, and purpose for older persons

• To enhance the quality of life for older persons

• To encourage older people to “serve” not “be served”

The services that AARP provide to its members are far-reaching and very valuable to many people over 50.

Here are just a few that they list on their website: www.aarp.org

• Discounted travel services

• Special senior cruises

• Money off a home security system

• Discounts at many major retailers and restaurants

• Medical prescription drug plans

• Financial planning

• Driver safety courses

• Computer courses including how to get connected and online

• Car insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Long term care insurance

• Life insurance

• Legal services

And those are just a few of the services they offer. They also give seniors information about legislation that affects them and gives helpful advice on how to deal with the special things that seniors have to live with.

Membership fees are easily manageable:

For retirees in the United States, you can join for:

5 years $39.95
3 years $29.50
2 years $21.00
1 year $12.50

Canada

1 year $17.00

Mexico

1 year $17.00

Other Countries

1 year $28.00

Joining is easy by going to their website and filling out a short form. The server is secure and you’ll be a member, just like that!

Just as with any type of budgeting and planning, there are some common mistakes that people make.