AARP Iowa

Joe Gonzalez can’t say no. He lives to serve, first as a trailblazing police officer and community volunteer, now as director of the Latino Heritage Festival. Our June Hidden Gem shares why he feels blessed to still be giving back to a place that gave his own immigrant family a new start some 63 years ago.

Des Moines, IA –— AARP Iowa State President Chuck Betts has announced that Dorothy Pisarski of Des Moines and Larry Kudej of Cedar Rapids have been named to the AARP Iowa Executive Council, a team of volunteers from across Iowa who provide leadership to support the implementation and execution of AARP priorities statewide.

AARP Iowa is seeking nominees for the AARP State Andrus Award for Community Service, its most prestigious honor.

He discovered birding as a Prairie City boy when an uncle who taught ornithology shared his passion, “and I knew it was OK to look at birds, it wasn’t weird.” He especially likes getting others hooked on his hobby and for 30 years has led bird walks for the Des Moines Audubon Society. Meet Dennis Thompson, 65, our May Hidden Gem.

Iowa Specialists Offers Advice on Reclaiming a Healthier Lifestyle

After 15 months of being out of synch with our normal routines, lots of worry and stress, sitting too long, and comfort eating, returning to a healthy lifestyle might be an uphill climb for Iowans; replacing new habits and getting back on track could prove difficult. To help, AARP Iowa talked with Iowa health experts to get their guidance on ways to reclaim healthy habits.

Grab your favorite beverage, coffee not required, and join us for a casual conversation to learn more about AARP in your community from local volunteers. We’ll discuss issues important to adults 50 plus, share some stories, and have fun. We hope you can join us!

AARP, the state Department of Natural Resources and Travel Iowa are offering free Iowa State Park Passports this summer to encourage residents to get out and be active after a long winter.

Mary Young Bear’s bead art nourishes both her creativity and pride in her Meskwaki heritage. Yet her influence on the Meskwaki settlement near Tama, IA, reaches well beyond beading. Mentor, art conservator, cultural advocate and - perhaps most important to her – mother all describe this accomplished 61-year-old, our April Hidden Gem.

To help older Iowans age in place with caregiving and support nearby, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are gaining popularity.