WASHINGTON—The December 2025/January 2026 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM) gives readers a closer look into the lives of their favorite celebrities and reveals some of the biggest trends heading into the new year.

In this issue’s Upfront section, ATM celebrates Joan Chen’s award-winning career, highlighting her journey from being discovered as a teenager in China to becoming an actress, director, and advocate for authentic Asian storytelling in Hollywood.

Additionally, AARP’s biannual “Great and Affordable Places to Live” features a selection of U.S. towns that offers adults over 50 an exceptional quality of life, complete with access to good health care, culture, and community—and at a reasonable price.

In this issue of AARP The Magazine:

Upfront / The A List: 6 Surprising Things About Joan Chen

Actress Joan Chen has had an incredible career that’s crossed both Eastern and Western cinema. Discovered as a teenager in China, she rose to fame with The Little Flower and went on to become a sensation, captivating global audiences in The Last Emperor and Twin Peaks. In a candid conversation with ATM, Chen reflects on her decades-spanning career, her enduring ties to China—where her 94-year-old father still lives—and her belief that, despite political divides, “we all share the same aspirations and dreams for our children and ourselves.”

Great and Affordable Places to Live: 2026 Edition

In its new version of the perennially popular “Great Places to Live” feature, AARP spotlights a collection of American towns that prove you can enjoy a great quality of life with access to good health care, culture, and a strong sense of community, all without spending a fortune. The latest issue of ATM takes a closer look at spots like Tucson, Arizona; Winterset, Iowa; Savannah, Georgia and Longwood, Florida, where affordability meets charm. From farmers markets and local festivals to walkable neighborhoods and historic theaters, these places are proof that living well doesn’t have to mean living expensively.

Three Generations, One Harmonious Vacation

Planning a multigenerational family trip can be easy and enjoyable with the right preparation. With many families living farther apart, travel offers a valuable way to reconnect and create lasting memories. Nearly 40% of all family vacations now include multiple generations, and it can be challenging to plan travel that will be fun for every age group. AARP travel experts suggest keeping trips smooth and stress-free by renting separate cars for flexibility, discussing budgets early, celebrating a milestone to give the trip purpose, and scheduling downtime so everyone can recharge.

MoneySaver: Telling Your Kids About Your Finances

Talking openly with your young adult children about your finances can help prevent confusion and reduce stress later on. Many families find that discussing assets, long-term care plans, and estate wishes early provides clarity and supports smoother decision-making as parents age. While there’s no one “right” time to have this conversation, ATM experts suggest choosing a calm moment, sharing information gradually, and encouraging questions. In this month’s issue, readers can learn practical tips for approaching the money talk with confidence and clarity.

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About AARP
 AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.

WASHINGTON—AARP announced today the nominees for the upcoming Movies for Grownups® (MFG) Awards, honoring this year’s most outstanding films and television projects that celebrate the voices and stories of the 50-plus. Leading this year’s contenders for Best Picture/Best Movie for Grownups are Hamnet, A House of Dynamite, One Battle After Another, Sinners and Train Dreams.

For more than 20 years, Movies for Grownups has been a leading voice for age representation in entertainment. The franchise advocates for the 50-plus audience, challenges industry ageism, and champions films and television that resonate with older viewers. By celebrating the creativity and experience of seasoned actors and filmmakers, Movies for Grownups continues to elevate stories that reflect the richness of life at every age.

“These nominees prove that powerful storytelling transcends age. At AARP, we believe representation matters—not just for audiences, but for the industry itself,” said Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO of AARP. “By honoring these actors and creators, we’re shining a light on the richness, depth, and diversity of experience that deserves to be seen and celebrated.”

The annual MFG Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, California. Alan Cumming, the Tony- and Emmy Award-winning  host of the widely lauded competition show The Traitors, will return to host the Movies for Grownups Awards with AARP, which will be broadcast by Great Performances on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 7/6c on PBS (check local listings), pbs.org/moviesforgrownups and the PBS app.

In the Best Actress category, nominees are Laura Dern (Is This Thing On?), Jodie Foster (A Private Life), Lucy Liu (Rosemead), Julia Roberts (After the Hunt), and June Squibb (Eleanor the Great). In the Best Actor category, George Clooney (Jay Kelly), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), and Dwayne Johnson (The Smashing Machine). 

The nominees for Best Supporting Actress are Regina Hall (One Battle After Another), Amy Madigan (Weapons), Helen Mirren (Goodbye June), Gwyneth Paltrow (Marty Supreme), and Sigourney Weaver (Avatar: Fire and Ash). In the Best Supporting Actor category, Benicio Del Toro (One Battle After Another), Delroy Lindo (Sinners), Sean Penn (One Battle After Another), Michael Shannon (Nuremberg) and Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value). 

Movies for Grownups nominees for Best Director are Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Kathryn Bigelow (A House of Dynamite), Scott Cooper (Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere), Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein), and Spike Lee (Highest 2 Lowest).

In the Best TV Series or Limited Series category, nominations go to Adolescence, Hacks, The Pitt, The Studio, and The White Lotus. 

The television nominees for Best Actress are Kathy Bates (Matlock), Kathryn Hahn (The Studio), Catherine O’Hara (The Studio), Parker Posey (The White Lotus) and Jean Smart (Hacks). In the Best Actor category for television, Walton Goggins (The White Lotus), Stephen Graham (Adolescence), Gary Oldman (Slow Horses), Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) and Noah Wyle (The Pitt).

For more information, visit: AARP.org/2026mfgnominees

The complete list of the annual Movies for Grownups Awards Nominees:

• Best Picture/Best Movie for Grownups: Hamnet, A House of Dynamite, One Battle After Another, Sinners, Train Dreams.
• Best Actress: Laura Dern (Is This Thing On?), Jodie Foster (A Private Life), Lucy Liu (Rosemead), Julia Roberts (After the Hunt), and June Squibb (Eleanor the Great).
• Best Actor: George Clooney (Jay Kelly), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), and Dwayne Johnson (The Smashing Machine).
• Best Supporting Actress: Regina Hall (One Battle After Another), Amy Madigan (Weapons), Helen Mirren (Goodbye June), Gwyneth Paltrow (Marty Supreme), and Sigourney Weaver (Avatar: Fire and Ash).
• Best Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro (One Battle After Another), Delroy Lindo (Sinners), Sean Penn (One Battle After Another), Michael Shannon (Nuremberg), and Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value).
• Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Kathryn Bigelow (A House of Dynamite), Scott Cooper (Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere), Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein), and Spike Lee (Highest 2 Lowest).
• Best Screenwriter: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer (Jay Kelly), Bradley Cooper, Will Arnett, and Mark Chappell (Is This Thing On?), Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale), and James Vanderbilt (Nuremberg).
• Best Ensemble: A House of Dynamite, Jay Kelly, Nuremberg, One Battle After Another, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.
• Best Intergenerational Film: Eleanor the Great, The Lost Bus, Rental Family, Rosemead, Sentimental Value.
• Best Period Film: Dead Man’s Wire, Marty Supreme, Nuremberg, Sinners, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere.
• Best Documentary: Becoming Led Zeppelin, Cover Up, My Mom Jayne, Riefenstahl, Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost.
• Best Foreign-Language Film: It Was Just an Accident, No Other Choice, Nouvelle Vague, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value.
• Best TV Series or Limited Series: Adolescence, Hacks, The Pitt, The Studio, The White Lotus.
• Best Actor (TV): Walton Goggins (The White Lotus), Stephen Graham (Adolescence), Gary Oldman (Slow Horses), Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Noah Wyle (The Pitt).
• Best Actress (TV): Kathy Bates (Matlock), Kathryn Hahn (The Studio), Catherine O’Hara (The Studio), Parker Posey (The White Lotus), Jean Smart (Hacks).

The annual Movies for Grownups Awards raises funds for AARP Foundation, which works to strengthen financial resilience for and with older adults — in Los Angeles and across the country — by empowering individuals and improving systems.

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Movies for Grownups® Awards with AARP Philanthropic Goals

The annual Movies for Grownups® Awards raises funds for AARP Foundation, AARP’s affiliated charity,

which works for and with older adults to increase economic opportunity by creating pathways to work, expanding access to financial support, mobilizing volunteer-driven community service, and advancing legal advocacy so that everyone can age with dignity and purpose.

About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.

About The WNET Group

The WNET Group creates inspiring media content and meaningful experiences for diverse audiences nationwide. It is the community-supported home of New York’s THIRTEEN – America’s flagship PBS station – WLIW, THIRTEEN PBS KIDS, WLIW World and Create; NJ PBS, New Jersey’s statewide public television network; Long Island’s only NPR station WLIW-FM; ALL ARTS, the arts and culture media provider; newsroom NJ Spotlight News; and FAST channel PBS Nature. Through these channels and streaming platforms, The WNET Group brings arts, culture, education, news, documentary, entertainment, and DIY programming to more than five million viewers each month. The WNET Group’s award-winning productions include signature PBS series Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, and Amanpour and Company and trusted local news programs like NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi. Inspiring curiosity and nurturing dreams, The WNET Group’s award-winning Kids’ Media and Education team produces the PBS KIDS series Cyberchase, interactive Mission US history games, and resources for families, teachers and caregivers. A leading nonprofit public media producer for more than 60 years, The WNET Group presents and distributes content that fosters lifelong learning, including initiatives addressing poverty, jobs, economic opportunity, social justice, understanding, and the environment. Through Passport, station members can stream new and archival programming anytime, anywhere. The WNET Group represents the best in public media. Join us.  

WASHINGTON—The October/November 2025 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM) gives readers a closer look into the lives of their favorite celebrities and reveals some of the biggest trends of 2025.

In this issue’s Upfront section, ATM spotlights eight reasons to champion Golden Globe-winning actress Robin Wright. She discusses everything from her new Amazon Prime Video series, The Girlfriend to the defining moments that have shaped both her career and life.

The Upfront section also features Scarlett Johansson’s interview with June Squibb. Having directed Squibb in Eleanor the Great and formed a lasting friendship, Johansson sits down with her fellow Oscar nominee to explore Squibb’s insights on resilience, her role in reshaping the conversation around age, and wisdom she’s gained throughout her career.

Additionally, AARP’s annual medical breakthrough report explores how AI is transforming health and connection for older adults. Emma Heming Willis offers a look at the challenges and realities of her caregiving journey for husband and Hollywood icon Bruce Willis.

Plus: Quick fixes like freezing credit, using grocery apps, enrolling in an IRS PIN or trying a low-interest balance transfer card can strengthen your finances and guard against fraud.

In this issue of AARP The Magazine:

Upfront: The A List – 8 Surprising Things About Robin Wright

Golden Globe-winning Actress Robin Wright reflects on the moments that shaped her career and personal journey. She recalls growing up in Los Angeles, watching double features at the neighborhood theater, to eventually landing her first commercials for brands like Doritos and Maybelline. Those early modeling gigs opened the door to her breakthrough in film. Beloved by audiences for her memorable roles in Forrest Gump and The Princess Bride, she looks back on lessons from three divorces, her enduring faith in love, and the simple joy she has now found in caring for a new black labrador puppy.

Upfront: What We Know Now – Scarlett Johansson and June Squibb
As June Squibb approaches her mid-90s, the Oscar-nominated actress reflects on a remarkable film career that didn’t take off until she was 61 and proof it is never too late to begin anew. Over the past three decades, she has built a body of work that continues to be admired by audiences and affirm her place in Hollywood legacy. In Eleanor the Great, celebrated at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Squibb teams with director Scarlett Johansson to explore themes of aging, grief, and Holocaust survivorship. In a candid interview with ATM conducted by Johansson herself, Squibb opens up about her resilience on set, her deep ties to theater, her conversion to Judaism, and the changing dialogue around age and visibility in society, sharing the hard-earned wisdom continuing to shape both her life and her work.

MoneySaver: 9 Smart Financial Fixes You Can Tackle in an Hour
The latest issue of ATM shows how you can take control of your finances and safeguard yourself against fraud in under an hour. Simple steps like freezing your credit, enrolling in an IRS identity protection PIN, using grocery apps to save, comparing auto insurance quotes, and exploring a low-interest balance transfer card can make a meaningful impact on your financial health.

The Brave New World of AI – Companion Robots Can Reduce Isolation, Bolster Health

ATM editors look at how artificial intelligence is being used to bring greater health, comfort, and connection into the lives of older adults. One breakthrough innovation is the rise of AI-powered companion robots, designed to ease loneliness and create meaningful interactions. Future AI companions may become a familiar presence in hospitals, retirement communities, and at home. The Magazine shares how it is helping those with memory or cognitive challenges, and giving caregivers more time to focus on what matters most: personal connection and care.

A Caregiving Journey – A conversation with Emma Heming Willis

In a feature for ATM, Emma Heming Willis, shares an intimate perspective on life as a care partner, detailing the realities of supporting her husband, legendary actor Bruce Willis, amid his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis. She notes that while resources help, the emotional weight of caregiving goes far deeper. Her story highlights the experiences of nearly one in four American adults balancing health, finances, and responsibility – often without training – and joins a growing chorus of public voices drawing attention to the hidden struggles of caregiving, from Tony Bennett’s Alzheimer’s journey to Lauren and Seth Rogen’s documentary Taking Care and Susan Lucci’s reflections on caring for her mother during the pandemic.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

WASHINGTON—The August/September 2025 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM) gives readers a closer look into the lives of their favorite celebrities and reveals some of the biggest trends of 2025.

Oscar winner, AARP Movies for Grownups Career Achievement winner, and Hollywood icon Jamie Lee Curtis, 66, graces the cover as she reflects on her path from early insecurity and typecasting to the confidence and powerful clarity she has found through sobriety, spirituality, and growing older. Her 2023 Oscar win for Everything Everywhere All at Once reignited her presence in Hollywood, fueling a new wave of creative momentum and major projects. Curtis credits her 25-year sobriety journey for helping her stay grounded and addiction-free, unlocking a deeper sense of self, purpose, and artistic freedom.

This issue’s Upfront section spotlights six surprising things we love about pop star Debbie Gibson. She opens up about the career highs and personal challenges that have shaped her life—from becoming the youngest artist to top the Billboard charts to overcoming health struggles and releasing her new memoir, Eternally Electric: The Message in My Music.

Late-night host Jimmy Fallon reflects on how his family influences his signature humor and dishes on his latest project, the NBC reality competition “On Brand.” Additionally, AARP’s annual Tech Guide explores how AI-powered tools are making life easier for older adults—from health wearables to personalized TV recommendations—while our travel team breaks down the rise of the “retirementmoon,” spotlighting how today’s new retirees are turning their first post-work vacations into unforgettable global adventures.

Plus: ATM dives into the growing concern many Gen X women face about falling behind on retirement savings, offering practical, actionable steps to help close the gender gap and build a more secure financial future. 

In this issue of AARP The Magazine:

The Liberation of Jamie Lee Curtis
This month’s issue of ATM explores how Jamie Lee Curtis, now 66, is thriving personally and professionally. As she balances a slate of new film and TV projects, including a Freaky Friday sequel and the Scarpetta TV series with Nicole Kidman, she reflects on embracing a new chapter of creative freedom, self-acceptance and prolific work in Hollywood. At the heart of the evolution is her 25-year journey with sobriety, a path that has not only given her clarity, but also community and spirituality. It has transformed the way she sees aging, and, more than anything, has left her feeling more alive than ever.

The A List: 6 Surprising Things About Debbie Gibson

Pop icon Debbie Gibson, 54, reflects on the personal and professional milestones that have shaped her trailblazing career in music. Rising to fame at just 17 as the youngest artist to write, produce, and perform a Billboard No. 1 single, Gibson credits her early success to the guidance of her mother and former manager, Diane. With her upcoming memoir, Eternally Electric: The Message in My Music, Gibson opens up about the career shifts she faced during the grunge era, her ongoing health challenges with Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr virus, and the resilience that has carried her through it all. Today, she continues to find strength through music, holistic therapy, and a fiercely loyal fanbase affectionately known as ‘Debheads’

What I Know Now: Jimmy Fallon
Comedian and late-night host Jimmy Fallon reflects on the family memories and early influences that shaped his comedic voice and creative path. The 50-year-old shares stories of growing up surrounded by grandparents, performing stand-up routines as a kid, and learning life lessons from his Vietnam veteran father and retired police officer grandfather. Fallon, who rose to fame on Saturday Night Live and now helms The Tonight Show, is also the creator and executive producer of NBC’s upcoming reality competition series On Brand. Beyond the stage, he remains grounded in humor, gratitude, and the enduring values passed down through generations.

Will I Ever Be Able to Retire?
Feeling behind on retirement savings is common for Gen X women, especially when compared to their male counterparts. On average, Gen X men have 53 percent more in their 401(k)s than Gen X women do, according to a 2023 report by Bank of America. Factors like the gender pay gap, time out of the workforce to care for children or aging parents, and the financial impact of divorce have contributed to this disparity. ATM offers a practical roadmap to help close the gap, with strategies like taking an honest look at your current finances, learning foundational planning skills, finding ways to reduce debt, and identifying opportunities to increase income and retirement contributions.

Your Tech, Simplified: AARP The Magazine’s Annual Tech Guide:
The latest issue of ATM features its annual tech guide, where AARP “techsperts” explore how technology can help older adults stay connected—an increasingly vital need as one in three adults ages 50 to 80 report feeling isolated, according to a 2023 National Poll on Healthy Aging. With social isolation linked to dementia and other health issues, the guide highlights how tools like online communities, voice and video messaging, and games can foster meaningful connections. AARP tech expert Ed Baig also shares how artificial intelligence-powered tools—from wearable health devices to doctor visit prep and personalized TV recommendations to match your interests and mood—are helping enhance and simplify everyday life.

Retired and Ready to Roam
ATM explores the rise of the “retirementmoon”—a growing travel trend that signifies the first major adventure after stepping away from a nine-to-five job. With nearly 76% of Americans approaching retirement citing travel as their top goal, this story captures how retirees are transforming their new freedom into meaningful, often bucket-list experiences. From fishing in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula to retracing ancestral roots in Spain, and jet skiing 650 miles to Juneau, these journeys go beyond vacation—they reflect personal healing, rediscovery, and celebration.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

WASHINGTON—“99 Great Ways to Save” from AARP Bulletin returns for its 16th annual edition. This summer, we help readers navigate today’s economic pressures from inflation, high interest rates, and rising everyday costs. AARP Bulletin’s personal finance writers uncover tips and insights for grocery shopping, travel, home improvements, energy use, and more.

In the July/August issue, you can learn about:

• How to slash costs on everything from groceries to travel and more,
• Ways to cut energy use and shrink your electric bill,
• Simple upgrades that can save you money at home all year long,
• How to reduce credit card and mortgage interest fees,
• And more!

For more helpful money-saving tips, visit AARP.org/99waystosave.

Also in this month’s issue:

Looking for a job? AARP Is Here to Help. Finding a job or changing career paths can be challenging at any age, but workers age 50 and older often face additional barriers. Carly Roszkowski, AARP vice president of financial resilience programming, says, “Many older workers face age discrimination and are often overlooked for jobs they are qualified for.” 

This month, AARP Bulletin lists helpful tools available to older adults who are entering the job market – including the new career resources hub from AARP Indeed. Through the hub, job seekers can find job listings, resume assistance tools, and interview preparation guidance.   

Visit AARP.org/IndeedCareerServices to learn more.

Fraud Watch: That Text Might Be a Trap! Text message scams are on the rise, costing Americans $470 million last year alone. AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline director Amy Nofziger says, “There isn’t an hour that goes by we don’t hear from another text scam victim.” Learn how to spot red flags, avoid financial loss, and protect your personal information from cybercriminals in this month’s edition of Fraud Watch.

Hot Tips for a Cooler Home. As summer temperatures soar, discover budget-friendly ways to stay cool without overworking your AC. Professionals from the Bulletin have gathered the best tips, from setting ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise to switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.