Implementation innovations and insights shared at January 22 convening
Attendees from across the state came together last week for an Age-Friendly Rhode Island convening at Rhode Island College. The program featured presentations from two established age-friendly initiatives. Sylvia von Aulock, executive director, Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission, shared her experience coordinating a regional age-friendly initiative spanning 14 New Hampshire communities. Sylvia highlighted…
Read MoreAge Friendly Rhode Island convening set for January 22
Join others working to create thriving age-friendly communities for a morning of learning. Date: Thursday, January 22 Time: Networking breakfast 8:30 – 9 a.m. Program 9 a.m. – noon. Location: Rhode Island College | Alger 110 Connect with colleagues and community members from across sectors for a dynamic morning focused on how we can better support…
Read MoreHighlights from Point32Health Foundation’s 2025 Annual Report
The Point32Health Foundation recently released its 2025 Annual Report, detailing the collective impact of investments made by the Foundation and Point32Health’s Corporate Citizenship programs. Through its family of companies (including Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Tufts Health Plan, and CarePartners of Connecticut) the organization demonstrated a continued commitment to community well-being and health equity. In 2025,…
Read MoreAge-Friendly Rhode Island Receives 2025 Meritorious Program Award
We’re honored to share that Age-Friendly Rhode Island has been recognized with the 2025 Meritorious Program Award by the Rhode Island Public Health Association (RIPHA). The award was presented at RIPHA’s 29th Annual Meeting on November 18th at Johnson & Wales University’s Harborside Campus in Cranston. AFRI Founder and thought leader Dr. Marianne Raimondo received…
Read MoreCongratulations Pawtucket: Rhode Island’s Newest Age-Friendly Community!
We are honored to receive a Certificate of Special Recognition from Congressman Gabe Amo for our partnership in launching Age-Friendly Pawtucket. This recognition underscores the city’s commitment to building a community where residents of all ages can thrive. As Herb Weiss reported in RINewsToday, Pawtucket formally joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and…
Read MoreSociety’s Age Bias Is Stealing Your Independence
Newport-based Certified Senior Advisor Helen Hames addresses a critical issue facing older adults: how ageism undermines independence and limits potential in later life. Drawing from Jane Fonda’s concept of life’s “Third Act,” Hames argues that aging should be viewed as a time of growth and wisdom rather than decline. However, deeply ingrained ageist messages in…
Read MoreA Rich Legacy Preserved
Rhode Island College recently celebrated the archiving of Herb Weiss’s 45-year body of work, recognizing his contributions as an advocate and journalist focused on healthcare policy, aging services, and government programs affecting older adults. The Herbert P. Weiss Papers, now permanently housed at RIC’s Adams Library, include more than 1,100 pieces—editorials, newsletters, articles, and…
Read MoreNewport Housing Authority Receives National Award For “A Ride Can Change A Life”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 20, 2025 MEDIA CONTACT Jim Connell, Executive Director, Age-Friendly RI; jconnell@ric.edu, 401-456-2781 Newport, RI – The Newport Housing Authority has received national recognition for a groundbreaking transportation initiative, “A Ride Can Change a Life,” earning a prestigious Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment…
Read MoreDEM Program Expands Access to Fresh Food for Older Adults in Rhode Island
Access to healthy, affordable food is a cornerstone of healthy aging—but for many older adults in Rhode Island, it remains out of reach. According to the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, nearly 1 in 10 older adults in the state experience food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to the nutritious food they need to…
Read MoreJune 27 Reception To Celebrate Journalist Herbert P. Weiss and Opening of New Collection at RIC Library
The Herbert P. Weiss Papers chronicle Weiss’s reporting on healthcare policy changes, aging services, and government programs affecting seniors. The collection includes published articles, research materials, and documentation spanning four decades of journalism focused on public policy issues. The materials offer researchers and students access to sustained coverage of how healthcare and aging policies developed…
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