Content starts here
CLOSE ×
Search
AARP AARP States Iowa About AARP

Iowa Intern Insights

Brandi Dye, Iowa intern

I am twenty-nine years away from being eligible for an AARP membership. What do I know about the life experiences that the 50+ community share? Not much. But this week has been packed full of events and I think I may have a way the 50+ community and us Millennials are quite similar.

One of the events I attended this week was a lunch and learn event regarding the possibility of changing healthcare. The healthcare information was important, and I remember at least little bit of it, but what I remember most about the event has nothing to do with its content (sorry Anthony).

Two AARP volunteers were at a table, checking guests in. I overheard a dirty joke shared between the two of them. Something about making an iPad work. They were in stiches. Funnily enough, it felt like a joke I might make with my gal pals. It was not a joke they shared with the twenty-something intern. And that’s okay. It’s not a joke I would have shared with my mom or grandma. Everybody, regardless of age, connects better with their peers.

I often think that I don’t have much in common with my parents or grandparents. But this week has opened my eyes to the fact that I probably do. They just share their dirty jokes and secret crushes with their besties, just like I do.

Nobody turns 50 and all of a sudden is only interested in the weather or baking. Personalities don’t devolve with age. This week has definitely disrupted my views on aging. Good.

Contact information and more from your state office. Learn what we are doing to champion social change and help you live your best life.