As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older adults—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.
Newly released AARP caregiving data finds that nearly three in ten (27%) adults in Iowa are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses, and other loved ones.
An estimated 41% of American adults have lost money due to fraud or have had sensitive information obtained and used fraudulently. Scammers steal billions from consumers annually and fraud is a serious issue. AARP Iowa is committed to helping Iowans stay informed about how to avoid scams and where to find support and resources in the fight against fraud.
AARP Iowa relies on its Grass Roots Election and Advocacy Team (GREAT) volunteers to be the boots on the ground across the state, telling lawmakers about legislation and policy concerns.
Phishing scams aim to acquire valuable personal and financial data — such as your Social Security number, credit card details or passwords for online accounts — to steal your identity, your money or both. They are mostly associated with email but can come in many forms, including social media, pop-up ads, “vishing” (voice phishing by phone), “smishing” (phishing by text message) and “pharming” (drawing victims to bogus websites).
AARP Iowa is taking a road trip to the Charles City Challenge Whitewater Festival for a day on the Cedar River at Iowa's first whitewater park. Named "Outstanding Event" by Iowa Tourism, the festival is now in its eighth year features kayak and tube events on the water as well as fun on the shore in a beautiful setting! Activities include disc golf, public art, walking trails, vendors, food and more.
The warning of your imminent arrest is intended to scare you into making the usual response: I never received a jury duty summons. Then, claiming to want to clear up the matter, the caller asks you to verify your identity — by providing your Social Security number, birth date and possibly bank or credit card account numbers. Revealing such details can help the caller steal your identity and get credit cards, loans and medical services in your name and at your expense.