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Does AARP Still Send Out a Magazine? The Current Status of AARP Publications

4 min read

Since 2002, AARP has been publishing AARP The Magazine, which boasts the largest circulation of any magazine in the United States. Many members often wonder, "Does AARP still send out a magazine?" The answer is yes, a print subscription to AARP The Magazine is a standard benefit included with every AARP membership.

Quick Summary

AARP continues to publish and mail AARP The Magazine to its members on a bimonthly basis. The magazine, alongside the AARP Bulletin, is mailed in alternating months. Members can also access digital editions via the AARP website or the AARP Publications app.

Key Points

  • Still a Core Benefit: An active AARP membership includes a print subscription to AARP The Magazine, which is mailed bimonthly.

  • Alternating Publications: As of 2025, AARP mails AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin in alternating months, so members receive a publication every month.

  • Full Digital Access: Members can read all current and past issues of the magazine and bulletin online or through the free AARP Publications app.

  • Troubleshooting Missing Issues: If a print magazine doesn't arrive, members can check the mailing status and request a new one via their online AARP account or by contacting customer service.

  • Three Demographics: To maintain relevance, AARP publishes three separate editions of the magazine, tailored for readers aged 50–59, 60–69, and 70+.

  • Customizable Preferences: Members can opt for a digital-only subscription and manage their publication preferences by logging into their AARP online account.

In This Article

Yes, AARP The Magazine is Still Mailed to Members

For anyone asking, does AARP still send out a magazine?, the answer is an affirmative yes. As of 2025, a print subscription to the award-winning AARP The Magazine is included with every AARP membership. The publication is sent to members every two months, with content tailored for the 50-plus demographic. The magazine covers a wide array of topics, including health, entertainment, personal finance, and lifestyle tips.

Starting in 2025, AARP updated its publication schedule for both AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. The two publications are now mailed in alternating months, ensuring a new print publication from AARP arrives every month. This change helps members stay consistently informed on topics relevant to their lives, with six issues of the magazine and six issues of the bulletin published annually.

How the AARP Publication Schedule Works

In 2025, AARP streamlined its mailing schedule to provide members with a consistent flow of content. Instead of receiving both a magazine and a bulletin in some months and nothing in others, the new alternating schedule ensures monthly delivery of one or the other. This makes tracking your next issue more predictable.

The Print Publication Alternating Schedule

  • January: AARP The Magazine
  • February: AARP Bulletin
  • March: AARP The Magazine
  • April: AARP Bulletin
  • May: AARP The Magazine
  • June: AARP Bulletin
  • July: AARP The Magazine
  • August: AARP Bulletin
  • September: AARP The Magazine
  • October: AARP Bulletin
  • November: AARP The Magazine
  • December: AARP Bulletin

Digital Access to AARP Magazines

In addition to the print versions, AARP provides several ways for members to access publications digitally. This is a convenient option for those who prefer reading on a tablet or smartphone, or for members who want to catch up on missed issues.

Comparison of AARP Publication Access Methods

Feature Print Magazine Digital Edition AARP Publications App AARP.org AARP Members Edition Online
Availability Bimonthly mailing to members All current and past issues All current and past issues Selected content for non-members, all for members Exclusive member-only content
Convenience Delivered directly to your mailbox Access anywhere with an internet connection Access on the go from your phone or tablet Accessible from any browser Web-based, requires login
Subscription Included with membership Included with membership Free to download for members Free to access with membership login Included with membership
Content Articles, celebrity interviews, tips Same as print, plus archives Same as print, plus digital features Selected articles, news, and resources Full films, smart guides, books
Cost Part of annual membership fee Included with membership Free with membership Free for members Included with membership
Tracking Delivery Can be tracked through your AARP account Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

What to Do If Your Magazine is Missing

Even with a regular mailing schedule, a magazine can occasionally go missing. If you are an active AARP member and haven't received your issue, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the problem. The first is to log into your AARP online account and check the mailing status of your publications. The My Account section provides information on recent shipments. If your issue is confirmed as shipped but not received, you can report it to AARP customer service. They can help with issues like an incorrect mailing address or re-sending the publication at no cost.

For immediate access, remember that all members can view the current and past issues of both AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin digitally. This can be done by logging in on the AARP website or by downloading the free AARP Publications app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Conclusion: AARP Magazine Continues as a Core Member Benefit

To answer the question definitively, does AARP still send out a magazine?, the organization absolutely does. AARP The Magazine remains a core benefit of membership, delivered every other month to millions of members across the United States. Coupled with the monthly AARP Bulletin, members receive consistent print content. For those who prefer digital, AARP also offers comprehensive online and mobile access to its publications, ensuring that all members can enjoy the content in the format that best suits their needs.

Visit the official AARP website for the most current information

How to Manage Your AARP Publications

For members who wish to go digital or manage their mailings, AARP offers account settings to customize preferences. You can switch to digital-only access to reduce paper waste and get instant content updates. This is particularly useful for members who are comfortable with technology and prefer a streamlined digital experience. You can also view past issues online for a comprehensive reading library. The process is straightforward, requiring a simple login to your AARP account and a few clicks to update your preferences.

The History and Scope of AARP's Magazines

AARP has a long history of providing publications to its members, evolving over time to meet their changing needs. The precursor to AARP The Magazine was Modern Maturity, first published in 1958. In 2002, the publication was relaunched and renamed, and it has since grown to become one of the most widely circulated magazines in the country. AARP's commitment to providing quality, relevant content for the 50+ community has been a constant throughout its publishing history, adapting to include digital formats while maintaining a strong print presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, AARP still sends out a physical magazine to all of its members as part of their standard membership benefits.

As of 2025, AARP The Magazine is published and mailed bimonthly, or every two months. This is part of a new schedule that alternates with the monthly AARP Bulletin.

Yes, members can access current and past digital issues of AARP The Magazine by logging into their account on AARP.org or by using the AARP Publications app.

Yes, the AARP Bulletin is still published and mailed. Under the 2025 schedule, it is sent in the months that AARP The Magazine is not, ensuring members receive a publication every month.

First, log into your AARP online account to check the mailing status of your publication. If it's been sent, you can contact AARP customer service to request a new copy or access the digital version in the meantime.

Yes, AARP publishes three separate editions of the magazine to better suit its diverse readership. The content is tailored for members aged 50–59, 60–69, and 70+.

To go digital-only, you can update your publication preferences by logging into your account on AARP.org. This allows you to manage your subscription without needing to receive a physical copy.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.