How do you get the AARP Bulletin?

As of early 2025, AARP began mailing its print publications in alternating months, for a total of six AARP Bulletins a year. To get the AARP Bulletin, you must be an AARP member, which includes a free subscription to the publication as a key benefit.

Quick Summary

The AARP Bulletin is a member benefit included with an AARP membership. Access the publication in print via mail or digitally through the AARP website or the AARP Publications app.

Key Points

• AARP Membership is Required: To get the AARP Bulletin as a regular subscriber, you must be an AARP member.

• Access the Digital Edition Instantly: AARP members can read the Bulletin online through the AARP website or via the free AARP Publications app on a smartphone or tablet.

• Receive a Print Copy by Mail: An AARP membership includes a print subscription that is delivered by mail.

• Go Paperless for Convenience: Members can opt to receive publications digitally only and stop receiving print versions via mail.

• Manage Your Account Online: Use your online AARP account to update your address, check delivery status, and manage your publication preferences.

• Customer Support is Available: If you are a member and have an issue receiving your publication, you can contact AARP's customer support by phone or chat.

Accessing the AARP Bulletin: Your Options

To get the AARP Bulletin, you need to be an AARP member. Membership provides access to both print and digital versions of the publication. Digital access offers immediate and on-the-go reading, while print provides a traditional physical copy via mail.

How to Get the AARP Bulletin with an AARP Membership

To subscribe to the AARP Bulletin, you must join AARP. Membership is open to anyone over 18, with multi-year options available at special rates. You can join in several ways:

• Online: Sign up on the AARP website. The annual membership fee includes your subscription to both the Bulletin and AARP The Magazine.
• Phone: Call AARP customer service to join.
• Mail: Complete and mail a membership form.

Digital Access Options for the AARP Bulletin

For convenient access, AARP offers digital options to read the Bulletin.

1. AARP Publications App: This free app is available for Apple and Android devices. Members can log in to view current and past issues of the AARP Bulletin and AARP The Magazine.
2. AARP Website: Log into your AARP account online to read digital editions. The members-only area allows browsing and reading recent issues.
3. AARP Now App: This app offers access to publications along with news, alerts, and member benefit information.

Managing Your Print and Delivery Preferences

As a member, you can change your preferences for receiving the Bulletin at any time.

• Go Paperless: Choose to receive only digital copies via your online AARP account.
• Change Your Address: Updates take 4–6 weeks to affect print delivery; use digital options in the meantime.
• Report a Missing Issue: Contact AARP customer support via chat or phone if a print copy doesn't arrive as expected.

Print vs. Digital: A Comparison

Both print and digital formats offer the same content, but with different features and delivery. Consider the following:

Feature	Print Bulletin	Digital Bulletin
Cost	Included with AARP membership	Included with AARP membership
Accessibility	Requires postal delivery; physical storage	Instant access from anywhere with an internet connection
Portability	Physical copy; requires no device	Accessible on multiple devices (smartphone, tablet, computer)
Features	Traditional reading experience	Searchable content, adjustable text size, save articles
Back Issues	Must keep old copies for reference	Access to extensive digital archive through app and website
Environmental Impact	Involves paper and mailing logistics	Lower environmental footprint
Convenience	No need for a device or battery life	Access anytime, anywhere, with a few taps or clicks

What if I'm not an AARP member?

Non-members can access some selected online content from the AARP Bulletin without logging in. However, full digital editions and newsletters are exclusive to members. A membership is required for a complete subscription.

Conclusion

To receive the AARP Bulletin, becoming an AARP member is essential. Membership includes a subscription, offering the flexibility of a traditional print edition or instant digital access through the AARP website or the AARP Publications app. You can choose the format that best suits your needs and easily manage your preferences online. For further assistance, the AARP Help Center provides instructions and contact information.

How to get the AARP Bulletin: A step-by-step guide

1. Become an AARP Member: Join AARP online, by phone, or by mail.
2. Wait for First Print Issue: Allow several weeks for the first print issue to arrive if you choose mail delivery.
3. Download the App for Digital Access: Get the free "AARP Publications" app from your app store and log in with member details for immediate access.
4. Log in to the AARP Website: Access digital issues online by logging into your AARP account.
5. Manage Your Delivery Preferences: Use your online account to adjust how you receive your publications, including going paperless.
6. Contact Support for Issues: Reach out to AARP customer support by phone or chat if you have delivery problems with your print copy.

Visit the AARP Help Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need an AARP membership to get the AARP Bulletin?

Yes, a subscription to the AARP Bulletin is included as a core benefit of AARP membership. While some limited content is available online for non-members, full access to the publication requires an active membership.

How can I access the digital version of the AARP Bulletin?

AARP members can access digital editions by logging in on the AARP website or by using the free "AARP Publications" app, which is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

How do I switch from a print subscription to a digital-only one?

You can manage your publication preferences by logging into your AARP online account and choosing to go paperless. This will stop the mail delivery of the print version.

How many issues of the AARP Bulletin are published per year?

Starting in 2025, the AARP Bulletin is published six times a year, in alternating months with AARP The Magazine. Before 2025, it was published ten times per year.

What should I do if I'm not receiving my print copy of the Bulletin?

If you are a member and not receiving your print copy, you should first check your online AARP account to verify your mailing address. If the address is correct, you can contact AARP's customer service via phone or chat to report the missing issue.

Can I read past issues of the AARP Bulletin?

Yes, AARP members can access an archive of past issues of the AARP Bulletin digitally. This is available both through the AARP Publications app and online via the members-only section of the website.

How long does it take to get my first Bulletin after joining?

The time to receive your first print publication depends on when you join relative to the mailing schedule. It can take several weeks for mail delivery to begin. For immediate access, use the digital options.