“If you go on bestbuy.com and you start talking to the chatbot there, that’s AI,” says Tijerina, an instructor for Older Adults Technology Services from AARP. “Your email is using AI to keep track of spam.”

The use of AI in everyday tasks is among the tech topics Tijerina will discuss in a series of hour-long virtual classes that AARP Minnesota is promoting this month.

“We want to make sure that people of any age aren’t left behind,” says Cathy McLeer, AARP Minnesota state director.

A class on Monday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m. will focus on mobile health apps that can help users count their steps, check their heart rate and track other fitness information. Another session, on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m., will feature common applications of artificial intelligence.

Recordings of the talks—including two previous sessions on how to save money using technology and how to send money safely through peer-to-peer payment apps—can be viewed through the end of November.

AARP volunteer Linda Donovan, 67, helps Tijerina with tasks such as distributing electronic handouts, welcoming latecomers and monitoring the chat room during classes.

Donovan says she’s enjoyed learning more about peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal and Zelle, as well as how to protect her privacy online.

“These lectures ... go into specifics about privacy and security and what you need to know about so you don’t get scammed,” she notes.

To learn more and to register, go to aarp.org/mnevents. —David Lewellen

Boosting livability Six Iowa organizations received 2024 AARP Community Challenge grants, totaling $72,000, for improvement projects. They are:
► In Des Moines ($7,500), the community group The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand will install signage in front of businesses alerting drivers to look out for cyclists and pedestrians.
► In Bondurant ($20,000), a new garden and trail will feature five works of art along Lake Petocka’s shoreline.
► In Dubuque ($15,000), the Four Mounds Foundation HEART Partnership will complete home modifications for low-income older adults.
► In Monticello ($15,000), the public library will purchase a mobile kitchen to host health and nutrition classes.
► In Walcott ($12,000), the city will resurface one tennis court and convert a second into pickleball courts.
► In Iowa City ($2,500), the nonprofit Plan + Place will conduct walk audits to improve safety and walkability in the Morningside-Glendale neighborhood.

Avoiding scams As the holiday season approaches, AARP Wisconsin is encouraging members to be extra aware of possible fraud schemes.

Scammers often take advantage of individuals’ generosity around the holidays, and they may prey on unsuspecting shoppers and those who rely on home delivery of gifts and packages.

AARP has teams of fraud fighters who give in-person presentations to groups around the state. To request a speaker, send a message to wistate@aarp.org. For more resources, visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

Caring for loved ones AARP Michigan is working to support the state’s 1.73 million family caregivers. It recently launched a new quarterly newsletter with caregiving tips and links to resources. Sign up at aarp.org/yes2email.

Caregivers can also find useful information at aarpmi.org/care. And aarpmi.org/sharemystory offers caregivers a chance to share their own experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges.

AARP Michigan is also urging lawmakers to pass a state family caregiver tax credit that would relieve some of the financial burden on those who offer unpaid care for a loved one. Learn more at aarpmi.org/care. —DL