Gayle Brown Olson has been awarded the 2025 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service for Minnesota. The annual award is AARP’s most prestigious and visible volunteer award.
Minnesotans who have been defrauded now have a better chance of financial recovery, thanks to a new bipartisan law championed by AARP Minnesota. The Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund, the first of its kind in the nation, was signed into law in 2025 with strong bipartisan support. This innovative fund will help victims of fraud recover lost money—especially in cases where scammers are untraceable or bankrupt.
A new AARP survey, released in conjunction with Social Security’s 90th anniversary, confirms that Americans highly value Social Security, and even more so than five years ago. The vast majority of Americans – 95% of Republicans, 98% of Democrats, and 93% of Independents – consider Social Security vital to the financial security of all Americans, and 67% believe it is even more important for retirees than it was five years ago.
Find free online and in-person local events designed with you in mind. Discover fun exercise classes, healthy cooking demos, helpful workshops, and more.
Advocating for what is important to our members and giving you a voice at the state and federal levels is a priority for AARP Minnesota. Your voice matters. We work with local organizations and town and city officials on making our communities more livable and greater places to age with dignity and purpose.
A new electric trishaw for a nonprofit in Iowa City, Iowa, a ride-on-demand program for older adults in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and digital literacy classes for residents in multiple Kentucky locales are among the projects funded by 2025 AARP Community Challenge grants.
As Social Security approaches its 90th anniversary in August, AARP Minnesota is planning events around the state where the public can share stories about how important the program is — or will be — to their retirement security.
Six communities throughout Minnesota will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. The AARP Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; and more.
The State Legislature bridged a historically narrow political divide to pass a two-year state budget during a special session. Despite facing challenges such as vacancies in both chambers, federal budget uncertainties, and a looming structural deficit, the Legislature successfully advanced several of AARP Minnesota’s key legislative priorities. AARP Minnesota advocates for the rights and well-being of older Minnesotans. With over 620,000 members, AARP ensures that the voices of older adults are heard in the legislative process each year. This session, AARP Minnesota achieved significant legislative victories, including the following.
AARP Minnesota is raising concerns over a recent decision by the Legislature’s Commerce working group that could significantly impact Medicare choices for older Minnesotans.
To help alleviate a housing shortage that makes it difficult for many older Minnesotans to find affordable housing, AARP Minnesota is working with a broad-based coalition to push the state Legislature to help expand affordable housing options.
Older Minnesotans are facing a critical issue that could impact their access to essential Medicare plans. A state law passed in 2023 was designed to protect their right to choose the best Medicare plan for their needs, including Medicare Supplemental plans (Medigap). However, some lawmakers are now attempting to repeal this law, which would strip away these protections and limit their choices.