Of all the magazines published in this country, the one with the largest circulation, is a magazine which is probably not read by anyone in this room. Its abbreviation is MM. What is the name of this magazine?

For many years, the magazine with the highest circulation in the United States was a publication likely unfamiliar to younger audiences: *Modern Maturity*. This is because it was the official magazine of the AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, and was sent exclusively to its members. Since membership was, and still is, open to individuals aged 50 and over, the magazine's readership consisted almost entirely of this demographic. It was never sold on newsstands, contributing to its low visibility among the general population.

The first issue of *Modern Maturity* was published in 1958, the same year AARP was founded by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. The magazine's purpose was to provide a new perspective on aging, showcasing the achievements and ongoing adventures of older adults. It covered topics relevant to this age group, including health, finances, and travel, and aimed to be a forum for their interests. By the late 1980s, its circulation had grown to be the largest in the nation, a position its successor holds to this day.

In 2002, the publication's name was changed to *AARP The Magazine* to reflect that many members were not retired and to project a more active image. The magazine continues to be a powerhouse in the publishing world, with a circulation in the tens of millions. It is now published in three different editions tailored to readers in their 50s, 60s, and 70s and older, continuing its long history of serving a specific, but very large, readership.