AARP's website and digital tools are your starting point for information on health, money, caregiving, and staying active
AARP publishes information on its main website at aarp.org, organized by topic: health and wellness, money and work, caregiving, home and family, and staying active. You can search by keyword or browse by life situation — for example, "managing arthritis" or "planning for retirement." The site also hosts AARP Magazine articles, which cover similar topics in longer form.
Beyond the main website, AARP runs several focused digital spaces. AARP Caregiving has its own section with guides on managing specific conditions, finding local resources, and handling the emotional side of caregiving. AARP Work offers job search tools and information about working longer or starting a business. Each section is free to read without a membership.
Key Takeaways
- AARP's main website at aarp.org is organized by topic and searchable, so you can find information on health, money, caregiving, or staying active without knowing where to start.
- AARP Magazine publishes articles on the website and in print, covering the same topics as the main site in longer, narrative form.
- Specialized sections like AARP Caregiving and AARP Work focus on specific life situations and include local resource finders.
- You do not need an AARP membership to read most articles and guides on the website.
- AARP's mobile app lets you save articles and access information offline, which is useful if you read on a phone or tablet.
How to search AARP's website by topic
The search box at the top of aarp.org accepts keywords: type "knee pain," "Social Security," "grandparent custody," or any topic you want to learn about. Results show articles, guides, and tools related to that term. You can also narrow results by content type — articles, videos, tools, or local resources — using the filters on the left side of the results page.
If you prefer to browse rather than search, the main navigation menu groups content into five categories: Health, Money, Caregiving, Home & Family, and Staying Active. Each category has subtopics — for example, Health includes Diseases & Conditions, Healthy Living, and Prescription Drugs & Supplements. This structure helps if you know roughly what you're looking for but not the exact term.
AARP Magazine and long-form articles
AARP Magazine publishes 10 times a year in print and online. Current and past issues are available at aarp.org/magazine. Articles cover health conditions, money decisions, travel, hobbies, and relationships — often with a narrative or personal angle rather than a how-to structure. If you prefer reading longer pieces or want to understand someone else's experience with a topic, the magazine is a good place to start.
You can read the magazine online without a subscription or membership. Print copies are mailed to AARP members, but non-members can read the same content on the website. The magazine also has a mobile app, available on iOS and Android, that lets you read offline.
Finding local resources and programs
AARP's website includes resource finders for programs that vary by location. The Caregiving section has a tool to find local adult day centers, respite care, and support groups. The Health section links to programs like diabetes classes or fall prevention workshops offered in your area. To use these tools, you enter your zip code, and the site shows what's available nearby.
These finders pull from AARP's own programs and partner organizations, so they do not cover every option in your area — only those in AARP's database. For a complete picture, you may also want to contact your local Area Agency on Aging, which maintains a broader list of community services.
AARP's mobile app and email newsletters
The AARP mobile app, available free on iOS and Android, lets you read articles, save favorites, and access content offline. You can customize what topics appear on your home screen — for example, showing only health and caregiving articles if that's what matters to you. The app also sends notifications about new articles in your chosen topics, though you can turn these off in settings.
AARP also publishes free email newsletters on specific topics: health, money, caregiving, and staying active. You can sign up for one or more on aarp.org/newsletters. Each newsletter arrives weekly or twice weekly, depending on the topic, and includes links to new articles and tools. You do not need an AARP membership to receive newsletters.
What information is behind AARP membership
Most AARP content — articles, guides, videos, and tools — is free to read without membership. However, some features require you to create a free AARP account: saving articles to a personal library, commenting on articles, and accessing certain interactive tools. Creating an account is different from paying for membership; the account itself is free.
AARP membership (which costs money) unlocks discounts on products and services, access to member-only events, and some premium content. For information purposes, you do not need to pay for membership. If you want to save articles or use interactive tools, a free account is enough.
How to report outdated or incorrect information
If you find an article or piece of information on AARP's website that appears outdated or wrong, you can contact AARP through the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of most pages. Select the topic that matches your concern — for example, Health or Caregiving — and describe what you found. AARP's editorial team reviews these reports and updates articles when needed.
AARP also publishes a date on most articles showing when it was last reviewed or updated. If an article is several years old and covers a topic that changes frequently — like tax rules or insurance options — it may be worth checking the date before relying on it as your only source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an AARP member to read articles on aarp.org?
No. Most articles, guides, and videos on AARP's website are free to read without membership. You do not need to pay or join to access information about health, money, caregiving, or staying active. A free account lets you save articles, but membership is not required.
Can I read AARP articles to read offline?
The AARP mobile app lets you save articles and read them without an internet connection. On the website, you can copy and paste text into a document or use your browser's print-to-PDF feature. Some articles also offer a PDF read link near the top of the page.
How often is information on AARP's website updated?
AARP reviews and updates articles regularly, especially those covering health conditions, medications, or laws that change. Most articles show the date they were last reviewed. If you're reading about a topic that changes frequently — like tax rules or insurance — check the date and consider looking at a second source if the article is more than a year old.
What if I can't find what I'm looking for on AARP's website?
Try the search box with different keywords — for example, search "arthritis pain" instead of just "arthritis." You can also browse the main topic categories to see what's available. If you still don't find what you need, contact AARP through the "Contact Us" link and describe what you're looking for; they may point you to an article or suggest a related topic.
Is AARP's website affiliated with the government?
AARP is a nonprofit organization, not a government agency. Its website provides information and educational content, but it is not an official government source. For government programs like Medicare or Social Security, AARP's site links to official government websites where you can find authoritative information.