Making Rhode Island More Walkable

A big shout out to everyone who attended #AARPRI's October 23rd Walk Audit Workshop with Walk America. Making our streets and roadways safe and accessible works for everyone! Watch the video!

Organize your own audit. The free AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit is available in print or as a PDF download in English and Spanish.

The worksheets in both languages are available as printable, online-fillable PDF downloads in single-sheet and two-page-large-type versions.

The 28-page print edition of the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit includes a back pocket for storing worksheets.

• View and/or download the PDF
• Order the printed publication (number D20381)

ADU UPDATE

Under legislation passed by the General Assembly, adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) just got easier. Find out what options may fit you plans for downsizing by watching the recording of our October 11, 2024 ADU Design Webinar. Watch.

Learn The ABCs of Rhode Island ADUs at www.aarp.org/RIADUs.

On September 20, AARP Rhode Island and 8 80 Cities hosted an Age Friendly Park(ing) Day Activation at the NE corner of Westminster and Cahir St. The goal: To temporarily transform a curbside parking space into a place for community connection and livability for all ages. Despite the wind, rain and chill, Park(ing) Day was a success, drawing guests on Westminster Street who came by to enjoy coffee and free food, while sharing thoughts on ways communities can become more livable. A special thank you to all who stopped by, See Park(ing) Day Photos.

AARP-RI CONGRATULATES the City of Providence, a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, for moving forward on its Age-Friendly Action Plan - an important milestone to be celebrated by all who strive to make Providence more age-friendly and the city and its many great neighborhoods more livable.

CONGRATULATIONS to the City of Newport for having submitted its Age-Friendly Action Plan to the AARP Office of Livable Communities!

AARP State Director with Newport Mayor Xaykham Khamsyvoravong

Newport was the very first municipality in Rhode Island to step up and join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, which helps participating communities become great places for people of all ages by adopting features such as safe, walkable streets; better housing and transportation options; access to key services; and opportunities for residents to participate in civic and community activities.

"This is an exceptional plan," AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor told members of the Newport City Council.  "Colleagues in AARP’s Office of Livable Communities have called it a national model.
 
"Newport For All Ages, under the absolutely incredible leadership of Carmela Geer and Dr. Anna Matos-Mournighan, has worked tirelessly and creatively to get to this moment.  It has been AARP Rhode Island's privilege to watch your community come together with vision and intent to take concrete action to make Newport a wonderful place to live in every respect for your older neighbors," Taylor added.

Newport for All Ages Team Members, left to right, Mary Ellen Hallam, Kathleen Connell, Catherine Taylor, Eileen Warburton, Brenda Bachman, Mary Anne Coen, Ruth Thumbtzen, Pauline Moye-Perkins, Anna Matos-Mournighan, Lockett Ford Ballard Jr. and Carmela Geer.

"Many thanks to Mayor Xay and members of the City Council for your support of implementation of Newport For All Ages Plan Priorities. AARP looks forward to celebrating success after success with you in the years to come. Congratulations, and on behalf of Newporters 50+, thank you!"

Watch the AARP Presentation, beginning approximately :55 seconds into the February 22 Council meeting.

From the AARP Rhode Island Replay Center

Parks & Outdoor Spaces: A Catalyst for Age-Friendly/Livable Communities 
October 2021 The series finale features environmental leaders from the previous four sessions in a group discussion on how community groups can become stewards of their (everyone's) outdoor spaces and natural resources. Watch.

September 2021 - Alicia Lehrer, Executive Director, Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council. Watch.
August 2021 - John Torgan, State Director, The Nature Conservancy. Watch.
July 2021 - Terrence Grey, Acting Director, RI Department of Environmental Management. Watch.
June 2021 - Dr. Robert Billington, President and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. Watch.

What Makes a Neighborhood? Experience a "Jane's Walk" in Providence. Educator and activist Doug Victor hosts this walk through the Providence's Elmwood section.
October 2013. Watch.

Click on the above image to watch a brief ADU video tutorial.

Legislation to make it easier to add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) was high on AARPRI's 2022 state legislative agenda. Want to learn more about ADUs and the framework of the bill we hope to have passed? Learn the ABCs of ADUs. Get the latest updates on legislation from our man at the State House, Matt Netto.

This new, free AARP publication can be used by state and local legislators to establish policies that encourage the creation of ADUs.

Click here for the "on-demand" ADU webinar

Where We Live, Where We Age: Trends in Home and Community Preferences

An AARP national survey reveals fascinating data. Surprise: Older Americans feel less isolated than younger adults. Read more...


Congratulations to the City of Providence and the coalition that fought for improvements on the city's South Street -- making it indeed a Great Street.

Watch #AARPRI State Director Catherine Taylor's ribbon-cutting remarks.

ARPA Is For Rhode Islanders of All Ages and Abilities

With $1.8 billion on the table, Rhode Island’s proposed “2030 Plan” requires public input and refinement in the areas of healthcare, housing, public transportation and long-term care and protection of home and community-based services essential to older Rhode Islanders. Read more about what AARP has to say.

How Can We Help You?

Click here for contact information and to learn more about the scope of our work.

How Can You Help Us?

Become an AARP Rhode Island volunteer.

Welcome Westerly!

Westerly Joins the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

Westerly has become the fourth Rhode Island municipality to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. Westerly Council President Sharon Ahern and an array of community partners gathered on August 25 to announce the new collaboration that will benefit  Westerly residents.

“The establishment of Age Friendly Westerly was met with an enthusiastic community response from the very start and has included people and organizations from a broad spectrum of the community, some of whom had not previously worked together in this way,” said collaboration member Laurel Holmes, Director of Community Partnerships and Population Health at Westerly Hospital.

“As a result, we have been able to accomplish many of the strategies outlined in our community plan within only a year of existence, and even during a pandemic. Because of the energy and commitment around this effort, we were also able to transition to the all-virtual format to keep everyone safe. Despite the challenges, we have continued to organize and move forward on our agenda.”

Westerly joins Cranston, Newport and Providence as members of the network, which helps participating communities become great places for people of all ages by adopting features such as safe, walkable streets; better housing and transportation options; access to key services; and opportunities for residents to participate in civic and community activities.

Westerly civic leaders will have access to global resources and information on age-friendly best practices, models of assessment and implementation, and the experiences of towns and cities around the world.

“Age-Friendly Westerly exemplifies the qualities of a truly livable community -- intentional and proactive about serving people of all ages and abilities,” said AARP State Director Catherine Taylor. “In becoming part of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, Westerly has demonstrated an impressive commitment to work collaboratively across government and community agencies to improve livability, and involve residents of all ages in the process,” Taylor added. “Westerly’s model of broad collaboration and the hard work that has up to this announcement are making a real difference in the lives of Westerly residents.”

Partners in Age Friendly Westerly include: AARP Rhode Island, Age Friendly RI, Alzheimer’s Association of RI, Apple Rehab, Jonnycake of Westerly, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, The Frank Olean Center, PACE RI, Parent Support Network of RI, Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, Tri-County Community Action, The Village Common of RI, Town of Westerly Developmental Services, Council, Police and Recreation Departments, Westerly Hospital, Westerly Housing Authority, Westerly Library and Wilcox Park, and the Westerly Senior Center.

The common thread among the enrolled communities and states is the belief that the places where we live are better able to support people of all ages when local leaders commit to improving the quality of life for the very young, the very old, and everyone in between.

AARP engages with elected officials, partner organizations and local leaders to guide communities through the age-friendly network’s assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation processes.

People of all ages benefit from the adoption of policies and programs that make neighborhoods walkable, feature transportation options, enable access to key services, provide opportunities to participate in community activities, and support housing that’s affordable and adaptable.

An AARP Community Challenge Grant covered the cost of the game tables and benches that make the new splash pad at Onna W. Moniz-John Park in East Providence a truly Age-Friendly place. It opened June 28 -- a scorcher -- and was an instant hit.

NEWPORT As the 377th community to sign on to the network, Newport’s civic leaders will have access to global resources and information on age-friendly best practices, models of assessment and implementation, and the experiences of towns and cities around the world.

The network helps participating communities become great places for people of all ages by adopting features such as safe, walkable streets; better housing and transportation options; access to key services; and opportunities for residents to participate in civic and community activities.

“Well-designed, livable communities promote wellbeing, sustain economic growth, and make for happier, healthier residents — of all ages,” said AARP Rhode Island State Director Kathleen Connell. “By becoming part of the network, Newport is making a commitment to do even more to improve livability in the city and involve older residents in the process,” she said. “This is just the latest milestone in a long history of AARP Rhode Island engagement with the City of Newport and its residents – including this summer’s opening of the AARP-sponsored Fitness Park, an exciting addition being enjoyed by many who visit the city’s Aquidneck Park.”

“We’re thrilled to be recognized as an Age Friendly Community,” said Newport Mayor Jamie Bova. “Newport is truly an incredible place to live at any age, and this designation is a testament to the work we’ve been doing as a City not only to enhance the quality of life for our residents, but also the investments we’ve been making in our infrastructure and civic engagement.”

CRANSTON As the 390th community to sign on to the network, Cranston’s civic leaders will have access to global resources and information on age-friendly best practices, models of assessment and implementation, and the experiences of towns and cities around the world.

“Well-designed, livable communities promote wellbeing, sustain economic growth, and make for happier, healthier residents — of all ages,” said AARP Rhode Island State Director Kathleen Connell.

“By becoming part of the network, Cranston demonstrates an impressive ability to work collaboratively across city departments and engaging with community members to do more to integrate and improve livability in the city and involve residents of all ages in the process,” she said.

“Cranston is one of the Best Cities to Live in the United States and the best community in Rhode Island because of our great quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Allan Fung. “By joining AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, we will have access to some great tools and resources to ensure that our aging population is well served. We want to ensure that our older population can live, work and play in a community that is responsive to their ever-changing needs. Their golden years will be their best years!”

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities targets improvements in eight domains that influence the health and quality of life for all as we age. Communities participating in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities commit to improving their livability through an assessment of needs, development of an action plan, implementation of new projects and programs, and ongoing assessment – all with the involvement of older residents.

Congratulations from AARP Rhode Island!

A wondrous thing happens when you plant a seed. Tomorrow, dozens of volunteers along with state and city officials will plant 100 juniper shrubs in the Elmwood Avenue section of Providence. The plants, sprung from lowly seeds in some distant greenhouse, will come of age symbolizing something special. The saga begins last year with the well-intentioned idea that metal basket planters along the business district’s sidewalks would improve curb appeal, making the space look more like a part of the neighborhood and less like a disjointed urban commercial strip. Unfortunately, without public funds for plants, human nature took its course and the empty containers became de facto trash receptacles, often overflowing and producing the opposite of the aesthetic they were designed to promote. Thanks to donated plants and voluntary labor, we will be welcoming spring by changing that landscape to something much greener.
WATCH THE PLANTING VIDEO


Event Photos

A TREE GROWS IN PROVIDENCE - PART II In May, AARP volunteers returned to Elmwood Avene in Providence where, in 2015, they joined other neighborhood activists in the planting of 99 junipers in neglected sidewalk containers.  Here is the full story, as published in the Providence Journal. Alas, some of the original plants did not flourish. That is to say, they died. Thanks to many helping hands, the fatalities have been replaced by new, drought-resistant plants that will be regularly watered by volunteers and Elmwood Avenue business owners. Great job everybody!  

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