Senior Fellows Program Making Impact Across Rhode Island

Leadership Rhode Island and Age-Friendly RI’s Senior Fellows program is changing how older adults influence local policy and community development. The program connects older adults with organizations already working on aging-related initiatives across the state to drive concrete changes. 

Current fellows are tackling critical challenges across Rhode Island. At the Department of Health, they’re developing strategies to support residents with dementia and their caregivers. Others are partnering with AARP to expand age-friendly initiatives in East Providence and Lincoln, focusing on accessible infrastructure and safe public spaces that benefit residents of all ages – from parents with strollers to active adults. When older adults take leadership roles in community planning, the results extend beyond senior-specific issues. Their work creates more walkable neighborhoods, stronger safety nets, and more responsive local governments. Read Herb Weiss’s full article to see how these civic leaders are building more inclusive communities across Rhode Island.