AARP Iowa

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.

Coralville blues artist Kevin Burt’s been performing for almost three decades. But at age 50, he became an “overnight sensation,” winning a coveted international blues competition. The pandemic’s put things on pause, but it hasn’t cooled Kevin’s creativity or determination to get back in front of live audiences when the world safely reopens. Meet Kevin Burt, 52, our March Hidden Gem.

Since March of 2020, Iowa has seen more than 5500 deaths due to COVID-19. A staggering 98% of those deaths have been Iowans over 50. Since the early days of the pandemic, AARP Iowa has been talking with members across the state and hearing their concerns.

Today, the Iowa State Senate unanimously passed SF 522, a bill to combat elder abuse, especially financial exploitation, across Iowa.  This bill would make elder abuse a crime for the first time in Iowa.

AARP, the Iowa DNR and Travel Iowa invite you to explore with the Iowa State Parks Digital Passport and earn prizes! Sign up in just a couple of easy steps and you’re on your way! The passport features more than 60 state parks, giving you the opportunity to enjoy outdoor excursions across the state.

In January 2021 we launched a statewide “Safe Return to Town” survey to measure 50+ Iowans’ thoughts on COVID safety measures in the wake of the launch of the vaccines. Throughout the month we had 2,361 Iowans from all 99 counties take the eight-minute survey. The survey was just a snapshot in time and circumstances change quickly, but the results were eye-opening and should be considered by public officials and business owners before lifting COVID restrictions.

Check back every month to meet another AARP Iowa Hidden Gem. Innovators or inventors, record breakers or collectors whose stories are a bit under the radar.

AARP is producing a series of features about older Iowans who have created something innovative or have a special talent or skill.

It is past the time to end the chaos and implement a statewide vaccination registration system.