What does it mean to age on your own, and how can you prepare for the future while maintaining your independence? In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon talks with Laura Skufca, an AARP research director, and Esther Kane, a senior safety and aging preparedness expert, about the realities of solo aging.

Laura shares what AARP research reveals about the growing number of adults aging without a spouse or children, including why solo aging doesn't necessarily mean loneliness or isolation. Esther offers practical advice on preparing for the future, including creating a personal support network, improving home safety, and connecting with resources in your community.

Whether you're already aging solo or simply thinking ahead, this episode offers practical ways to build a safer, more connected and independent future.

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Additional Resources:

• Solo Aging With Strength: How to Thrive, Plan, and Stay Safe When You’re Growing Older Alone
• AARP HomeFit Guide
• Learn more about AARP solo aging data HERE.

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

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Extreme heat is becoming a growing health concern across California, especially for older adults. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon talks with Walker Wieland, Environmental Program Manager at CalEPA, and Dr. Felicia Chiang, a climate scientist at CalEPA, about CalHeatScore—California's new tool that helps people understand local heat risk.

Walker explains how CalHeatScore works, why it was created, and how it uses ZIP code-specific forecasts and health data to help Californians prepare for dangerous heat. Dr. Chiang shares why extreme heat events are becoming more common, how climate patterns like El Niño influence weather, and why heat combined with wildfire smoke can pose even greater health risks.

Whether you're planning outdoor activities, caring for a loved one, or simply trying to stay safe this summer, this episode offers practical tips to help you prepare for extreme heat.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about CalHeatScore: https://calheatscore.calepa.ca.gov/
• Learn more about AARP California: https://www.aarp.org/ca

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life, whether we realize it or not. From online searches and digital assistants to customer service and fraud prevention, AI is changing how people access information, communicate, and make decisions.

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon welcomes Siddharth Hiregowdara, CEO and Co-Founder of CivAI, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people better understand AI and its real-world impact.

Sid explains what AI really is, why it has advanced so quickly, and how it is already influencing daily life. He demonstrates how scammers are using AI to create more convincing fraud attempts, while also highlighting practical ways AI can help older adults navigate healthcare, manage everyday tasks, answer questions, and simplify complex processes.

Tune in to learn how AI is transforming everyday life and gain practical tips to help you use this technology with greater confidence while protecting yourself from common scams.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about AARP California: AARP California
• Learn more about CivAI: CivAI
• Explore AARP Fraud Watch Network: AARP Fraud Watch Network
• Learn about AI safety and fraud prevention: AARP Fraud Resource Center

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.