There may be no sign of getting older that is more ubiquitous than the infamous AARP membership invitation. Once a person turns 50, it seemingly shows up instantly in their mailbox as a reminder of the time that has passed. But don't let the fear of aging prevent you from gaining access to plenty of great perks this membership offers. For the low cost of just $12 your first year and $16 each year after, you can sign up to become an AARP member and get "immediate access to discounts, products, and services," according to the organization. (You can actually join AARP at any age, but the full membership with no restrictions is only available to those 50 and older).
In fact, this comes with such a long list of benefits that many members may have a hard time making sure they're taking advantage of everything they can. To help you avoid missing out, read on to find out about five things you may not realize you can get for free with your AARP membership.
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1 | Tax preparation
iStockThis year's tax season may have come to an end, but you can already start to lessen your worries about next year as an AARP member. The organization offers several finance-based benefits with its membership, including free tax preparation services. Through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, you can get help on your taxes from an IRS-certified volunteer without having to pay for a financial advisor.
"In-person service is available by appointment from Feb. 1 to April 15 or virtual assistance is available," AARP explains on its website.
2 | Hearing tests
iStockHearing loss is a huge concern for older adults, as auditory changes are a common problem that comes along with aging, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). Known as presbycusis, age-related hearing loss usually occurs gradually as you get older so people "may not realize they have lost some of their ability to hear," the agency warns.
But with an AARP membership, you can get ahead of this potential health concern at no additional cost. "Members can take a phone-based hearing test for free once a year from the safety and comfort of your home," the organization explains on its website. This is offered online through the National Hearing Test, which was developed through funding from the NIH.
3 | Prescription discount card
iStockAARP offers more health benefits than just a free hearing tests every year, however. You can also get a free prescription discount card through the organization. While this won't necessarily negate the total costs of your meds, it can provide significant savings on all FDA-approved medications and be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide, according to AARP.
"The program is open to anyone, whether you’re an AARP member or not—but AARP members receive additional benefits, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for your dependents and more," the organization explains.
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4 | Online entertainment
iStockWith streaming services hiking their prices and more new platforms popping up regularly, it may feel like it costs an arm and a leg to watch movies online these days. But as an AARP member, you can actually get access to free films through the organization's Movies for Grownups (MFG) program. This benefit began in 2012 with 20 screenings of Meryl Streep'sHope Springs but has since grown into a nationwide program that reaches "hundreds of thousands of movie fans each year," according to AARP.
"This includes screenings of classic movies to exclusive showings of films not yet in theaters, but all titles have a particular appeal to grownup audiences," AARP explains on its website, noting that in the past they have shown popular titles like Black Panther, Being the Ricardos, King Richard, and Forest Gump. "All MFG screenings are free and take place both virtually and in theaters in communities across the country."
But if movies aren't your thing, you can also access free online games and books with your AARP membership. From BlackJack to crossword puzzles, the organization offers a number of different games for members at no cost on its website. And through the AARP Bookstore, you are able to take advantage of various free text downloads so you can explore "your favorite topics."
5 | Another AARP membership
ShutterstockWhy get one AARP membership when you can get two for the same price? If you are a member, the organization allows you to add a secondary member onto your membership at no additional cost. This can be your spouse or any other adult that lives in the same household as you.
"They're also able to receive their own membership card, which we will automatically send once you add them to your account," AARP notes on its website.
For younger adults, this can help them bypass the age-restrictions they would have faced for certain perks if they were on their own account as well. "Even if they are under 50, they can enjoy full membership status as long as you, the primary member, are over 50," the organization explains.
