Those advocating AAA: That is good, but it is more expensive than AARP.
AARP is only about 12 dollars a year.
Benefits are listed here:
AARP(R) Member Benefits: Browse All Discounts & Programs
I do not qualify for military, gov't employee, etc. discounts at hotels, so the membership has saved me at hotels, though AMAC would have also saved me at most of the same hotels.
I was able to check a bag for free, value of $65, on British Airways (ticket was $65 cheaper than best price found elsewhere.
I find Ancestry too expensive despite my love for genealogy. AARP got me 3 months for 1 dollar per month, not the $25 by-the-month (or about $17 per month on a six month plan, only a little less on a one year plan).
Finally, I admit that I feel torn because AARP can be political at times, and when they are, their actions may not be in keeping with what I believe.
Crowded mailboxes due presumably to AARP sharing were mentioned. They can be contacted and asked not to share information, a request they will honor. Whenever I join something I try to make that request.
Also - For crowded mailboxes: Google "stop junk snail mail". I get very little junk mail these days after following steps here. And yes, I still get the "free dinner" invitations despite doing the things recommended to stop junk snail mail. It is a little effort to stop junk snail mail, so some but not all will consider it worth the time to do so.