I've recently seen rate terms that say only "ID required," and in a couple of instances, I've seen rate terms that say "AARP or proof of age over 60."

By the way, you can get full AARP membership at age 49 1/2. Also, there's some kind of associate membership you can get earlier than that at the full membership rate, but it gets you an AARP card with a membership number on it, which is what you'd need if you were ever asked for it when checking in on an AARP rate.

You may ask, how does one get the associate membership? I'm not sure how you can initiate it, but I got an AARP membership application in the mail when I was 48, if I recall correctly (us oldsters have poor memories, dontcha know). I sent it in with a check for a 3-year membership (reduces the cost to $8/year) and got the card back with a message that said, "Welcome to membership in the AARP. We'll hold this associate membership in your name for you until you qualify for full membership."