Magazines remain popular among older adults, particularly those who enjoy reading for leisure or staying informed about specific topics. They can be a great way to keep up to date with news about one’s hobbies, current affairs, and local news.
Some of the types of magazines that seniors enjoy looking at may include:
- Lifestyle and Health Magazines: Publications like AARP, The Magazine, Prevention, and Reader’s Digest are trendy among older adults who like to follow articles on health, wellness, retirement, and other relevant topics.
- News and Current Affairs: Seniors often read magazines like Time, The Economist, and National Geographic to stay informed about world events, culture, and nature. These publications often offer more in-depth analyses of global economic and political processes.
- Hobby and Interest Magazines: Many seniors enjoy magazines about their favorite leisure activities, such as Travel + Leisure for those who like to travel, Garden & Gun for gardening enthusiasts, or Golf Digest for golf lovers.
- Entertainment and Puzzles: Magazines that offer puzzles, crosswords, and light reading, such as People or TV Guide, are also popular.
While more and more people from different age groups access their preferred media sources online, many older adults still like print magazines. They may enjoy the tactile experience of reading a physical magazine in various settings without necessarily being in front of a screen.
Benefits for Seniors from Reading Magazines
Reading magazines can offer many advantages to seniors, helping them stay mentally sharp and contributing to their overall well-being.
Keeps the Mind Active
- Brain exercise: Reading magazines keeps the brain working, which can help slow down memory loss and other cognitive impairments — signs of aging.
- Learning new things: Magazines cover many topics, allowing seniors to keep up with news and learn about hobbies or interests.
Supports Emotional Health
- Feeling connected: Many periodicals focus on topics that matter to older adults, like health and retirement, making them feel understood and connected to others in similar situations.
- Fun and relaxation: Reading is a fun and relaxing activity that can reduce stress and improve one’s mood.
Offers Physical Health Perks
- Eye comfort: Some magazines have large print and clear text, making them easier for seniors to read without straining their eyes.
- Health tips: Magazines often offer information about the latest scientific discoveries on how to stay healthy and manage illnesses, helping seniors make better health choices.
Boosts Social Life
- Conversation topics: Magazine articles can spark conversations with family and friends or in social groups, helping seniors stay socially active.
- Shared Interests: Hobbies-focused periodicals help seniors connect with other older adults who enjoy the same activities.
Provides Routine
- Daily Structure: For some seniors, reading a favorite magazine becomes part of their daily routine, giving them a sense of order and purpose.
Easy to Use
- Simple Access: Unlike online content, print magazines don’t require the internet or tech skills, making them easy to use for seniors who don’t feel at ease with technology or for those who prefer traditional reading on paper.
All these benefits make magazines an excellent way for older adults to stay engaged, connected, socially active, and healthy.
10 Most Popular Magazines for Retirees in the US
We have compiled a list of some of the most popular magazines among Americans aged 66 and above.
1. AARP The Magazine
https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/members-only-access/aarp-the-magazine/
Focus: AARP The Magazine is one of the most widely read publications among retirees. It covers topics like health, money management, travel, and retirement planning, specifically tailored to the interests and needs of older adults.
Release Frequency: Bimonthly (6 issues per year)
Cost: Free for people with AARP membership, around $16 per year.
2. Reader’s Digest
https://www.magazineline.com/readers-digest-large-print
Focus: Reader’s Digest is a classic magazine known for its short, easy-to-read articles on a variety of topics, including health, humor, human interest stories, and general knowledge.
Release Frequency: 10 issues per year
Cost: A print subscription costs approximately $20 per year.
3. Prevention
Focus: This magazine is popular for its health and wellness content, offering advice on healthy living, nutrition, exercise, and managing common health conditions.
Release Frequency: Monthly (12 issues per year)
Cost: Around $24 per year for a print subscription.
4. National Geographic
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine | magazines for old people
Focus: National Geographic is favored by retired adults who enjoy learning about science, history, geography, and culture. Its stunning photography and in-depth articles appeal to curious and lifelong learners.
Release Frequency: Monthly (12 issues per year)
Cost: About $39 per year for a print or digital subscription, depending on the offer.
5. Better Homes & Gardens
Focus: This magazine is popular among retirees who enjoy DIY, home improvement, gardening, cooking, and decorating. It offers tips and inspiration for making the most of their home and garden.
Release Frequency: Monthly (12 issues per year)
Cost: Around $22 per year for a print subscription.
6. Travel + Leisure
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/magazine-travel-leisure-one-year-subscription/15623299
Focus: Retirees who love to travel often turn to Travel + Leisure for destination ideas, travel tips, and vacation planning inspiration.
Release Frequency: Monthly (12 issues per year)
Cost: A print subscription costs from $15 to $20 per year.
7. Golf Digest
Focus: For retirees who are passionate about golf, Golf Digest provides tips, gear reviews, and articles on golf courses and travel destinations.
Release Frequency: Monthly (12 issues per year)
Cost: About $20 per year for a print subscription.
8. Southern Living
Focus: Popular among retirees, especially in the southern U.S., Southern Living covers topics like home design, gardening, cooking, and regional travel.
Release Frequency: Monthly (12 issues per year)
Cost: Approximately $20 per year.
9. People
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/magazine-people-one-year-subscription/15567592?ean=2000003292240
Focus: Many retirees enjoy staying updated on entertainment, celebrities, and human-interest stories, making People a popular choice.
Release Frequency: Weekly (52 issues per year)
Cost: A bit pricier than the rest, a yearly print subscription for People magazine is around $120.
10. Smithsonian
Focus: This magazine appeals to older adults interested in history, science, art, and culture. It offers in-depth articles and features on a wide range of topics.
Release Frequency: Monthly (12 issues per year)
Cost: A yearly subscription for the print magazine is about $26.
How to Subscribe to Your Favorite Magazine
Today, there are various easy ways to subscribe to a print periodical.
Online Subscriptions
- Through Magazine Websites – most periodicals have official websites where seniors can subscribe. They can choose print, digital, or both versions, and subscriptions are often discounted for longer terms.
- Through Online Retailers – websites like Amazon or Barnes&Noble offer magazine subscriptions. Seniors can browse various options and manage their subscriptions through their accounts.
On the Phone
Many magazines provide a phone number for subscriptions. Seniors can call, speak to a representative, and arrange a subscription. This method is helpful for those who prefer personal assistance.
By Mail
- Using subscription cards – magazines often include subscription cards inside. Seniors can fill out these cards with their details and mail them back to the publisher.
- Using brochures and flyers – some magazines offer subscription forms in brochures or flyers found in stores or community centers. Similarly to subscription cards, older adults can fill these out and mail them to subscribe.
Subscribing In-Store
Some bookstores or newsstands allow customers to subscribe to magazines directly. Seniors can talk to store staff, who may assist with the subscription process.
Gift Subscriptions
Family or Friends can gift their beloved senior magazine subscriptions. Many magazines offer this as a special gift option.
Library Access
Many libraries offer free access to magazines, either in print or digital form. Seniors can visit the library regularly to read their favorite magazines or borrow them.
Assisted Living Facilities
Senior homes and assisted living facilities typically subscribe to various print periodicals, to which seniors are offered free access.
Additional Magazines Geared Toward Senior Audience
In addition to the magazines directed toward retired people, some publications focus on topics relevant to older adults. Here are a few popular examples:
Senior Living
This magazine covers a wide range of topics important to seniors, including health, finance, travel, and lifestyle. It’s designed to provide information and inspiration for living well in golden years.
Reminisce
Reminisce is a nostalgia magazine that features stories, photos, and advertisements from past decades. It appeals to seniors who enjoy reflecting on the past and is a popular choice for those interested in history and memories from earlier times.
Modern Maturity
Another AARP publication, Modern Maturity, focuses on aging gracefully, with articles on health, finance, lifestyle, and cultural issues relevant to seniors.
Grandparents
This magazine is dedicated to grandparents. It features articles on relationships with grandchildren, family activities, and advice on grandparenting. The periodical also covers topics related to lifestyle and health.
50 Plus Life
This regional magazine caters to the 50+ audience, with articles on health, finances, retirement living, and local events. It’s often distributed for free in certain areas and is available online.
Good Old Days
Similar to Reminisce, this magazine focuses on nostalgia, featuring stories and photographs from the early-to-mid 20th century. It’s a favorite among seniors who enjoy remembering and celebrating the past.
In A Nutshell
Reading magazines in print or digitally can only benefit seniors. This activity improves their cognitive skills, helps seniors stay socially active, and allows them to participate in their community.
A wide variety of publications directed towards older adults exist on the market. Seniors can choose between magazines related to sports, hobbies, the natural world, art, culture, politics, economy, human interest stories, and their preferred activities.
Accessing your favorite magazine has never been easier. You can subscribe online, via mail, with a gift card, or read at the activity center, the library, or an assisted living facility. The options are numerous.
Assisted living senior homes, such as Amy’s Eden Senior Care, provide their members with a wide range of periodicals and can also help with subscriptions. Amy’s Eden Senior Care facilities offer other services and activities for older adults, to improve their quality of life and well-being in their golden years. Reach out today because Your Happiness is Our Priority.
