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.