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The Girlfriend

@thegirlfriendletter

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The Girlfriend from @aarp. Need to talk? We're here for you because everybody needs a girlfriend. Join the community today.

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Sweater weather is officially calling, and our autumn checklist is ready 🍁

From cozy nights by the fireplace to weekend apple picking and scenic fall foliage road trips, there’s so much to look forward to in the months ahead.

Give yourself a point for every single thing on this list that you’re hoping to check off this season. How many points did you get? Let’s tally up your score in the comments below!

📸 @GettyImages, 2 Fall bucket list scorecard with cozy seasonal activities, from apple muffins to nature walks, above a vivid autumn forest in warm colors. by @thegirlfriendletter

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23 days ago

When the leaves change, it is beautiful, but it also brings plenty of raking, lunch making, and everyday hustle. Thankfully, a fantastic lineup of new shows is dropping this fall to help us escape, laugh, and unwind.

From sharp legal dramas and hilarious family dynamics to gripping mysteries and nostalgic returns, we have rounded up six must-watch series tailored for grownups. Grab some popcorn and get ready for a cozy night inside.

🍿 Explore the full list at the link in bio to read all about the picks, and let us know in the comments which one you are tuning into first.

📸 @AARP (@HBO, 2; @Netflix; AmazonPrime; @AppleTV +) Promotional graphic for “6 of the Best Grownup TV Shows This Fall,” featuring black-and-white cast portraits over vivid rainbow stripes, with a lively TV-drama tone. by @thegirlfriendletter

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2 days ago

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4 days ago

Taking care of your mental health isn't a one-day event, it's a daily practice. But as #WorldMentalHealthDay approaches tomorrow, we wanted to offer a quiet moment to pause and reflect.

How are you really doing? Are you managing stress, finding time to recharge, or leaning on your support system when you need it most? Swipe through to take our quick illustration quiz and check in with yourself.

Remember, your mental health matters every single day.

📸 @GettyImages, 2 A woman sits quietly on a sofa with eyes closed, inviting reflection. Pink text asks, “How are you really doing?” and promotes a World Mental Health Day quiz. by @thegirlfriendletter

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7 days ago

Ever wondered what comes after writing a massive global phenomenon?

In our exclusive The Girlfriend Book Club Q&A, @kathrynstockettauthor sits down with us to share the inspiration, deep research, and writing process behind her latest work, “The Calamity Club”. She also opens up about handling success and what it was like following up “The Help”.

🔗 Head to the link in our bio to watch the full interview. by @thegirlfriendletter

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9 days ago

Discover the must-read newsletter for Gen-X women.

Get your weekly dose of fun and friendship in The Girlfriend newsletter from @AARP. Packed with articles you’ll be forwarding to friends, this go-to guide for living your best Gen-X life is filled with must-read content covering everything from sex to style.

It is free, and we think you will love it. Tap the link in our bio to subscribe. Bright yellow “the girlfriend from AARP” ad calls its newsletter a must-read for Gen-X women, showing a laptop with fitness and food stories; upbeat, bold tone. by @thegirlfriendletter

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14 days ago

Free national parks, complimentary museum passes, and seasonal perks? Yes, please!

Autumn is filled with hidden discounts and freebies. In our feature, “The Freebies You Can Grab In Fall 2026”, we’re breaking down the easiest perks, free days, and events to grab all season long.

Swipe through for a quick preview, and tap the link in our bio to read the full guide.

🎨 @alice_mollon
📸 @GettyImages, @alamyltd Colorful autumn forest scene with a child raking leaves beside a towering pile of books, gifts, toys, and colorful packages. by @thegirlfriendletter

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a month ago

Because "just taking a deep breath" doesn’t always cut it when chaos hits.

Between work, family, aging parents, and everything in between, stress looks different these days, and it requires real, actionable solutions. In @lesliegoldmanwrites's latest article, Goldman breaks down the 3 best stress busters that actually work (no vague advice, just relief).

Swipe through for a quick preview of what helps reset the brain, and tap the link in our bio to read the full guide.

📸 @AARP (@tobymcfarlanpond / @TrunkArchive); @stocksyunited, 2; @Shutterstock Purple background shows a black boxing glove striking a bottle from above and a second glove below, with yellow impact bursts and bold text: “3 Surprising Ways to Smash Stress.” The playful, energetic design promotes stress relief. by @thegirlfriendletter

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17 days ago

Think you have to fly to Vermont to catch peak leaf-peeping season? Think again.

In our latest article, we’re highlighting 5 breathtaking, underrated fall foliage destinations across the U.S. that deliver stunning autumn views, cozy small-town vibes, and far fewer crowds.

Swipe through for a peak at a few of our favorite autumn escapes, from the Blue Ridge Parkway to The Million Dollar Highway.

📲 Tap the link in our bio to read the full travel guide.

📸 @GettyImages, 2; Ali Majdfar/Getty Images; Ali Majdfar/Getty Images; Haizhan Zheng/Getty Images; @istockbygettyimage/Getty Images Vibrant red-orange autumn tree arches over a woodland pond; yellow banner reads, “Top Spots To See Fall Foliage Beyond New England.” by @thegirlfriendletter

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25 days ago

When in doubt, bake a cake 🍰

Growing up, baking was always the answer for @laura_zinn_fromm, whether it was boxed brownie batter, gooey cookies, or a scratch-made birthday cake. But every once in a while, a recipe comes along that feels like absolute magic. Enter @yossyarefi’s Easy Chocolate Cake: an extraordinary, super-moist bake that relies on neutral oil, sour cream, and a full cup of hot coffee in the batter.

Tap the link in our bio to read the full story and get the details on the cake that just might change your life.

📸 @alamyltd; @GettyImages, 2 A pink graphic titled “The Cake That Solves Every Problem,” surrounded by floating slices of colorful cakes and pastries; playful, cheerful dessert-themed design. by @thegirlfriendletter

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21 days ago

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15 days ago

Menopause is a journey, but it doesn’t have to feel like a struggle. We’ve rounded up a few simple, practical hacks that can help you manage symptoms and feel more like yourself every day. From cooling tricks to simple habit shifts, these small changes can lead to big relief.

Swipe through to see what’s working, and tell us: what’s your go-to trick for navigating perimenopause and menopause? Let’s share what works in the comments below 👇

📸 @GettyImages, 5 Woman in sunglasses cools herself with a handheld fan outdoors on a sunny day, wiping sweat from her forehead in the summer heat. by @thegirlfriendletter

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a month ago