Where to send your story idea or news tip

AARP accepts story ideas and news tips through their newsroom contact page at aarp.org/press. You can submit a tip, suggest a story angle, or share information about an issue affecting older adults. The newsroom team reviews submissions and decides which ones fit their coverage areas — aging, caregiving, health, money, and work.

You do not need to be a journalist or professional writer to submit. AARP is interested in real experiences from readers, community leaders, and people working on aging-related issues. If you have witnessed something newsworthy, know someone with a compelling story, or have data about a local problem, the newsroom wants to hear about it.

Submissions go to real people, not an automated system. Response times vary depending on volume and whether your tip matches current coverage plans. Some submissions get a reply within days; others may take longer or may not receive a response if the story does not fit AARP's focus.

Key Takeaways

  • Submit story ideas and news tips through aarp.org/press, which connects you directly to AARP's newsroom team.
  • AARP covers aging, caregiving, health, money, and work — focus your submission on one of these areas.
  • Personal experiences, local issues, and community stories are welcome; you do not need journalism experience to submit.
  • Include specific details, names, and contact information so the newsroom can follow up if they are interested.
  • Response times vary, and not all submissions receive replies, especially if the topic falls outside AARP's coverage areas.

What information to include in your submission

A strong submission includes a clear subject line, a brief description of the story or tip (two to three sentences), and why it matters to older adults or their families. Be specific: instead of "aging in place is important," write "our town has no home modification services for seniors on fixed incomes, and three falls this year could have been prevented."

Include your name, phone number, and email address so the newsroom can contact you. If you are suggesting a story about someone else, provide their name and permission to share their contact information. If you have documents, photos, or data that support your tip, mention that in your submission — the newsroom may ask for them later.

Keep your submission to one page or fewer. Newsroom staff read dozens of tips daily, so clarity and brevity work in your favor. Avoid jargon and explain any local context the newsroom might not know.

Types of stories AARP's newsroom covers

AARP publishes news about policy changes, health breakthroughs, financial scams targeting older adults, workplace age discrimination, caregiver burnout, and community programs. They also cover personal essays and profiles of older adults doing interesting work or facing common challenges.

Local stories that illustrate national trends are especially valuable. For example, a story about a single senior who cannot afford medication might not make national news, but a story about a county program that reduced medication costs for 500 seniors could. Think about whether your tip shows a pattern or a solution that other communities might learn from.

AARP also covers breaking news related to aging — new laws, court decisions, health warnings, or major events affecting older people. If you have information about something happening now, include that urgency in your subject line.

How AARP uses submitted stories and tips

When AARP's newsroom receives a tip, they may use it as the starting point for their own reporting. They do not publish reader submissions as-is; instead, journalists investigate, interview sources, and write the story themselves. This means your tip might become a full article, or it might lead to a follow-up question that shapes coverage weeks later.

AARP may also share your tip with reporters in their network or with local media partners. If you submit a story about a local issue, a regional journalist might reach out to you directly. Make sure the contact information you provide is one you check regularly.

Not every submission results in a published story. The newsroom prioritizes based on timeliness, relevance to their audience, and available reporting resources. A tip about a problem that has existed for years may be less urgent than a tip about a new policy or a breaking situation.

Submitting a personal essay or opinion piece

If you want to write an opinion piece or personal essay rather than submit a tip, AARP has a separate process. Look for their "Guest Voices" or "Voices" section on aarp.org, which outlines how to submit longer-form writing. These submissions are different from news tips and go through an editorial review process.

Personal essays work best when they reflect a broader experience — not just your own story, but what it reveals about aging, caregiving, health, or family life. AARP editors look for pieces that will resonate with their readers and add a perspective that news reporting alone cannot capture.

If you are unsure whether your idea fits the news tip process or the essay process, submit it through the newsroom contact page and mention in your message that you are open to either format. The team can direct you to the right place.

What happens after you submit

After you submit your tip or story idea, expect a wait. AARP's newsroom receives hundreds of submissions monthly. If your tip matches a story they are already working on, you may hear back quickly. If it is interesting but not urgent, it may sit in their queue for weeks or months — or the newsroom may circle back to it later when circumstances change.

Some submissions do not receive a response. This does not mean your tip was ignored; it often means the newsroom decided it did not fit their current coverage plans or resources. If you do not hear back within a few weeks and your story is time-sensitive, you can follow up with a brief email.

If AARP does decide to pursue your story, a journalist will contact you to ask questions, request more information, or ask permission to interview you or the person involved. At that point, you can decide how involved you want to be in the reporting process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member of AARP to submit a story tip?

No. AARP accepts story ideas and tips from anyone, whether you are a member or not. Your membership status does not affect whether the newsroom considers your submission. The only requirement is that your tip relates to aging or issues affecting older adults.

Can I submit the same story idea to other news outlets while waiting to hear from AARP?

Yes. Submitting a tip to AARP does not give them exclusive rights to your idea. You can share the same story with local newspapers, radio stations, or other media outlets. If multiple outlets publish similar stories, that often increases the visibility of the issue.

What if my story involves a sensitive topic like elder abuse or financial exploitation?

Submit it through the newsroom contact page and mark it as sensitive in your subject line. AARP covers these topics regularly and has experience handling them carefully. Include any relevant details about the situation, but understand that the newsroom will verify information independently before publishing.

How long does it take for a story to be published after I submit a tip?

There is no set timeline. Some tips become stories within days if they are time-sensitive; others take weeks or months of reporting. Breaking news or policy changes move faster than feature stories about community programs. If your tip is about something happening on a specific date, mention that important date in your submission.

Can I ask AARP to cover a specific organization or program I work for?

You can submit a tip about a program, but be transparent about your connection to it. AARP journalists will investigate independently and decide whether the program is newsworthy based on its impact and relevance to their readers, not because you work there. Honesty about your role increases the chances the newsroom will take your submission seriously.