Getting older comes with a lot of questions, some practical, some emotional and some that are hard to even bring up. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California host Dr. Thyonne Gordon talks with Debra Whitman AARP’s Chief Public Policy Officer and the author of The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond.

Debra shares the key questions that guided her own thinking as she turned 50: How long will I live? Will I be healthy? Will I lose my memory? How long will I work? Will I have enough money? Where will I live? How will I die? From brain health to long term care mindset to money the conversation breaks down big ideas into relatable real life issues.

Debra brings a deep background in research policy and advocacy and her own experience navigating the second half of her life. Whether you're 50 plus or just thinking ahead, this episode offers smart insights and practical ways to plan for what’s next.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
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Additional Resources:

• Learn more about The Second Fifty: The Second Fifty
• Explore AARP’s campaign on caregiving: Tomorrow’s Caregiving Today. RealTalk
• Join the fight to protect Social Security: aarp.org/socialsecurity

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Utility costs are top of mind for many Californians but there are practical steps being taken to address them. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Mark Toney, Executive Director of TURN—The Utility Reform Network. Since 2008, Mark has led TURN’s efforts to advance energy affordability, broadband equity, and consumer protection throughout the state. The conversation covers the key reasons behind California’s rising utility bills, how wildfire mitigation and utility profits intersect, and potential solutions. Mark also outlines actionable tips for lowering costs at home and shares how residents can get involved in pushing for meaningful reform.

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

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about AARP’s utility policy work: AARP Utilities Policy
• See how AARP is advocating for safer, more affordable utilities: AARP Is Fighting for Affordable, Safe, and Reliable Utilities Across the Country
• Read about recent grassroots advocacy efforts: AARP California Delivers 14,000 Postcards Protesting Utility Rate Increase
• Know more about TURN: About TURN: Who We Are

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Dr. Brandie Nonnecke, Director of the CITRIS Policy Lab and host of TecHype, about the latest developments in artificial intelligence. They break down what AI really is — beyond the hype — and how it’s already impacting daily life, public services, and even medical advances. Brandie shares practical ways AI is supporting older adults, from health innovations to smarter public services, and outlines the ethical and privacy concerns that everyone should be aware of. They also discuss how California is leading on AI regulations and what older adults can do to protect themselves from fraud and scams. This is a grounded, clear-eyed look at the future of AI and why staying informed matters now more than ever.

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

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about Brandie Nonnecke’s work: CITRIS Policy Lab
• Explore TecHype: techhype.org
• Senior Planet Virtual AI Resources: seniorplanet.org/AI
• Download the AI Guide for Older Adults: AI-Guide-for-Older-Adults_Dig.pdf
• Read about older workers' views on AI: Older Workers Have Mixed Feelings About AI
• Check out 2024 Tech Trends for Older Adults: 2024 Tech Trends

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA