› Webinar Recap
Older Americans Month 2026
From Community to Newport City Hall:
Building Age-Friendly Support That Lasts
A recap of our May 20 webinar — how Newport achieved Rhode Island’s first age-friendly city accreditation, the partnerships that made it possible, and lessons your community can apply today.
Newport is home to approximately 25,000 residents, over 40% of whom are age 50 or older. Newport is proof that sustained city-level commitment, grounded in
authentic community partnership, can transform how a city serves people of all ages.
What We Learned
“Newport’s 181-page action plan is a living document. You have to periodically
take inventory - see what’s been achieved, what still needs work, and what hasn’t been touched yet.”
— Carmela Geer, Executive Director, Edward King House Senior Center
What Newport Has Achieved
What is a HAWK signal?
A High-Intensity Activated crossWalK beacon is a pedestrian-activated traffic signal designed to safely stop vehicle traffic and improve crossing access — especially valuable for older adults and residents with mobility challenges.
Resources
