AARP DC: Fighting for the District’s 50-plus

Throughout 2024, AARP DC continued to advocate for policies to empower District residents to improve their lives and choose where and how they live as they age. AARP DC has a long history of supporting older District residents who want to live independently as they age. This year, AARP DC fought for issues that matter most to seniors, their families and caregivers.

During the FY2025 budget process, we called on the Mayor and DC Council to keep their promise of making the District an Age-Friendly city. With the support of hundreds of District residents who spoke up, your efforts were a success! We were able to secure over $26 million for older adults and prevent budget cuts for essential senior supports, including protecting housing assistance counseling, transportation programs and provide additional support for the District’s 74,000 caregivers.

Earlier this year, AARP DC worked alongside the DC Long Term Care Coalition to advance the Certified Nurse Aide Amendment Act of 2024. This bill increases wages and makes changes to the licensing process for direct care workers who provide care for the16,500 District residents who are 65 and over and unable to live independently without support.

AARP DC also offered many free, enriching programs available to both members and non-members alike. Throughout the year, we offered presentations such as the Fraud Watch Network to teach you about scams and offer ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim, explaining the how, when and where to vote, as well as Social Security and Medicare presentations to inform and provide local resources.

Recently, AARP DC has been proud to support activities to help folks stay active, socialize and interact with those in the community. We hosted pickleball clinics; events with DC Black Pride and DC Silver Pride; Movies for Grownups screenings; job search trainings; various health and wellness fairs; legal clinic for Veterans, among many more. Stay tuned for more information on what we have planned, including some new events!

As AARP DC continues our work, we can’t do it without your help. We will keep fighting for the policies you care about and help all residents 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, which Ward you live in and what 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, health and safe holiday season and look forward to working with you and seeing you at an upcoming event!

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan member organization, and has been working to promote the health and well-being of older Americans for more than 60 years. AARP’s District of Columbia State Office engages its 78,000 members and all District residents 50+ through advocacy and outreach, and with fun and interactive programing both in-person and virtually.