As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older District residents—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.
It’s that time of year again, Washingtonians—Medicare Open Enrollment is just around the corner! If you are over age 65, you may qualify for a Medicare plan. Medicare open enrollment is from October 15 to December 7, 2025. Medicare beneficiaries in the District can review, switch, or update their coverage for plans that begin January 1, 2026.
In Washington, D.C., many older Black residents continue to face serious challenges when it comes to accessing quality health care. While recent studies from AARP show signs of progress, they also reveal that deep disparities remain—especially for those living east of the Anacostia River.
AARP DC announced that SOME will receive a 2023 Community Challenge grant – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.6 million awarded among 310 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; diversity, equity and inclusion; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50 and older.
Volunteers are needed to help keep District of Columbia roads safe—and to keep older drivers confident behind the wheel. Volunteers receive training to teach in-person AARP Smart Driver courses, which are held both online and at community centers, hospitals, libraries and other sites.
Social Security is your money — you earned it through a lifetime of hard work. And like most Americans, that money is needed to help cover living expenses and pay bills. More than one in nine District residents – 83,647 people – receive Social Security benefits, and 32 percent of residents 65 and older rely on the program for at least half of their income.
AARP believes in celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community across all generations. That's why we are proud to offer tools, programs and services to help LGBTQ+ District residents get the most out of their fabulous life.
The D.C. Council is working to finalize the city budget for fiscal year 2024, and AARP DC is encouraging residents to make their voices heard in support of programs that help improve the lives of adults 50-plus.
In the early 1900s, the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma, now called "Black Wall Street," was a vibrant and prosperous community. Despite the challenges and racial injustices they faced, residents of this community built a thriving neighborhood filled with successful Black-owned businesses, attorneys, doctors, and real estate agents. Their achievements were nothing short of remarkable and served as a beacon of hope for Black Americans nationwide.