Fifty is the new 40 or 30 or 20 or something, and AARP, the world's largest circulation magazine, promoted a new editor to lead the way. Nancy Graham, who served as the magazine's deputy editor starting in 2003 before being bumped up to acting editor and vice president earlier this year, will make her title official.

Graham, a veteran of business magazines including Family Money and Fortune, will report to Hugh Delehanty, senior vice president and editor-in-chief, AARP Publications.

With the appointment, Graham becomes just the second female editor in the magazine's 50-year history. Founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus was the first.

AARP NAMES NANCY PERRY GRAHAM AS NEW EDITOR OF AARP THE MAGAZINE

Industry Veteran to Helm Largest Circulation Magazine in the World

WASHINGTON (October 28, 2008) — AARP, one of the world's largest member organizations with over 40 million members and the leading organization for people 50+, today announced it has promoted Nancy Perry Graham to editor of AARP The Magazine. As the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine reaching more than 24 million homes, AARP The Magazine leads the publishing industry in reaching boomers and the 50+ audience, the largest demographic sector. As the new editor, Graham will oversee the editorial direction for both the print and online properties and serve as the main spokesperson for the publication. She will also work to expand the magazine's online presence and continue to build on its key franchises.

"We're thrilled to announce Nancy's promotion to the role of editor and we look forward to seeing her implement her vision for the magazine," said Hugh Delehanty, senior vice president and editor-in-chief, AARP Publications. "There's a quiet revolution happening in America in regards to aging — and AARP The Magazine is at the heart of it. Nancy truly embodies the voice of the 50+ audience and understands the needs and aspirations of our members."

Graham has served as deputy editor of AARP The Magazine since 2003 and was recently appointed acting editor and vice president of the publication during AARP's editorial search. As deputy editor, she created and oversaw various key franchises and events for the publication including its annual "Movies For Grownups" awards, "Best Places to Retire" and "Inspire Awards."

"Nancy provides great leadership and a vision that will take AARP The Magazine to the next level," said Catherine Ventura-Merkel, senior vice president of AARP Publications. "We will look to Nancy to continue to provide stories that add value to our readers' lives and we're proud to recognize her years of hard work and dedication to the magazine with this promotion."

An industry veteran, Graham is the first female editor in the magazine's 50-year history since its founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus and has over 27 years of experience in the publishing arena. Prior to joining AARP, Graham held esteemed positions with numerous publications including Meredith Corp.'s Family Money and Time Inc. where she served as Los Angeles Bureau Chief for Fortune, senior political editor for Money, and "Insider" columnist for People. She has won numerous journalism awards, including an Investigative Reporters and Editors Award in 1997 for editing Money's investigative report: "Why You May Be Getting the Wrong Medicine." She is a member of the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME); on the board of Narcotic Overdose Prevention and Education (NOPE); a volunteer for Kidsave International; and a regular television talk show guest.

"I want our readers to know that age is really a state of mind and 50 can be whatever you want it to be," said Graham. "I view AARP The Magazine as a publication that provides information, advice, news and entertainment that not only helps our readers feel better physically and financially, but also spiritually, mentally and emotionally and that every story we produce in the magazine and on the Web should improve readers' lives in some way."

AARP The Magazine is published bi-monthly and offers three editorial versions targeted to different life stages (50-59,60-69,70+) to empower readers with editorial written just for them. Geared exclusively towards 50+ Americans seeking to enhance their quality of life as they age, AARP The Magazine has interactive web-based extensions, an experiential traveling road show and weekly syndicated radio and television programming.

Graham will report directly to Delehanty and is based in Washington, D.C.