Are you waiting for your 50th birthday so you can purchase an AARP membership? As it turns out, you probably can get one now.
A growing number of 20-somethings are turning to AARP memberships to help them cope with inflation.
The trend first earned attention from media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal a few years ago. But it appears to have caught fire again.
Barbara Shipley, AARP’s senior vice president of brand integration, recently told Modern Retail that a wave of young people signed up for AARP this summer. She added: “It’s not the first time we’ve seen it, but this is a bit more intense.”
It may sound like these whippersnappers are doing something nefarious, but in truth, they are simply shrewd enough to know how the program works. According to AARP itself:
“AARP membership is open to anyone 18 or older. While AARP’s mission is dedicated to the needs of the 50+ population, anyone can become an AARP member for as low as $12 for the first year with automatic renewal. Once you’re a member, you’ll gain access to hundreds of discounts, programs and resources.”
Although the first year is only $12 for those who sign up right now with an automatic renewal, the regular price of an AARP membership is $16 per year.
Using an AARP card in your 20s takes some gumption. In 2022, Sydney Phillips — who was 23 at the time — told the WSJ a story about having dinner with her 76-year-old grandfather. When both diners pulled out their AARP cards for a meal discount, the waiter gave the younger Phillips a funny look.
As she told the WSJ: “You have to be brave enough to ask about it, show it and prepare for the double take.”
This summer’s wave of new and young members appears to be tied to a series of global TikTok videos that have promoted the notion that younger people can join AARP too.
Partially in response to the trend, AARP is expanding its digital platform and promoting new discounts. These include a $20 price break on the annual Walmart+ membership and 30% off three years of annual premiums for meditation app Calm, Modern Retail reports.
If you are looking for ways to save money, check out “9 of the Best Ways to Save Money on a Tight Budget.”
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