AARP Iowa

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.

As Donna Hay neared her ninth decade, she discovered a new passion. At age 88, she taught herself to paint by watching classes online. Now almost 92, this Mitchellville woman’s selling her works and teaching classes to others. Meet our February Hidden Gem.

AARP is working to ensure you have the resources and tools you need to take charge of your future by offering free and unbiased information as you work, plan, and save for the real possibility of long-term financial security.

Cedar Rapids lawyer and ventriloquist Dennis Naughton can’t think about retiring. He’s still busy “doing good” and creating smiles. Meet our first Hidden Gem, a monthly Iowa AARP showcase for remarkable Iowans over 50 doing fascinating things. Since he was a boy, Denny and his ventriloquist act have teamed up for a life of adventures. And even in a pandemic, he hasn’t stopped.

Iowa Nursing Homes are in Crisis; 84% Report at Least One Staff and/or Resident Case in Most Recent Four-Week Period

Iowa Nursing Homes are in Crisis; 84% Report at Least One Staff and/or Resident Case in Most Recent Four-Week Period

When lawmakers return to Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 11, AARP Iowa will push for legislation to impose criminal sanctions for elder abuse.

COVID-19 cases and deaths in Iowa nursing homes continued to increase through the Thanksgiving surge, according to a new special report by AARP's Public Policy Institute, issued as a supplement to the organization's monthly Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard.