Standing Up for the District in 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s clear that it was a pivotal time for older adults and their families in Washington, D.C. Across the District, advocates, caregivers, and community leaders rallied to protect the dignity, health, and financial security of seniors—facing both longstanding challenges and new opportunities for progress.

Social Security has remained a cornerstone of retirement security, marking its 90th anniversary as a vital lifeline for more than 84,000 residents of the District. The program’s enduring promise of guaranteeing inflation-adjusted benefits and lifting thousands out of poverty was celebrated even as concerns about its customer service and future grew. With administrative hurdles and funding shortfalls looming, AARP DC called on Congress and the Social Security Administration to recommit to efficient, transparent service and highlighted the importance of bipartisan solutions to safeguard benefits for future generations.

Caregiving emerged as another defining issue. Family caregivers, numbering over 109,000 in the District, provided billions of dollars in unpaid care, often at a great personal cost. These unsung heroes managed medications, prepared meals, and helped loved ones live independently, all while navigating financial strain and limited support. Advocacy efforts from AARP DC focused on protecting paid family leave, securing funding for respite and memory care programs, and pushing for the Credit for Caring Act, which would offer much-needed tax relief to caregivers.

Healthcare saw both progress and persistent disparities. While most District residents reported satisfaction with their care, deep inequities remained, especially for Black seniors living east of the Anacostia River. Stark gaps in life expectancy, access to care, and cultural competence underscored the urgent need for expanded services and community-driven solutions. AARP DC continued to spotlight these disparities, urging leaders to address not just medical care, but also housing, nutrition, and transportation.

Budget debates shaped the landscape for senior services. This year, we fought to preserve funding for home-delivered meals, the Safe at Home program, legal aid, and transportation programs. These essential supports help older adults remain safely in their homes and avoid costly institutional care. Proposed cuts to the Department on Aging and Community Living (DACL) raised alarms, prompting calls to restore funding and fully implement measures like the Certified Nurses Aide Amendment Act.

Amid these challenges, the community also faced new threats from scams and fraud. AARP’s Fraud Watch Network launched a universal message—Pause. Reflect. Protect.—to help residents recognize and avoid increasingly sophisticated scams, empowering individuals to safeguard their finances and peace of mind.

Looking Forward to 2026

As AARP DC continues our work, we can’t do it without your help. We will continue to fight for the policies you care about and help all residents aged 50 and over in all 8 Wards live their best lives. If you want to volunteer with us to make real improvements in your neighborhood, your Ward, or across the District, join us! If you are interested, please email dcaarp@aarp.org with your name, contact information, the ward you live in, and the issues you care most about.

For the latest and most up to date information on the issues listed here, and for upcoming announcements, please visit our website, aarp.org/dc, and follow us on social media at facebook.com/aarpdc or x.com/aarpdc.

We wish everyone a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season and look forward to working with you or seeing you at an event in the new year!