Mayor Smiley Unveils the City of Providence’s Age-Friendly Action Plan

Friday, September 27

Mayor Brett P. Smiley today joined Providence City Council President Rachel Miller, Director of Senior Services Sue Robbio and AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor to unveil the City of Providence's Age-Friendly Action Plan, a comprehensive three-year initiative aimed at enhancing opportunities and promoting inclusivity across all age groups in the city.

"Providence is committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community that fully meets the evolving needs of our neighbors of all ages," said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. "Guided by the feedback and insights of our community, the Age Friendly Task Force and our community partners at AARP Rhode Island, I am proud to be sharing this Age-Friendly PVD Action Plan that underscores my Administration's commitment to building a Providence that provides our aging population with the resources, opportunities and supports they need to thrive. I am looking forward to collaborating across departments and with our neighbors over the coming years to achieve our shared goals and continue to build an Age-Friendly Providence."

In collaboration with AARP, The Age-Friendly PVD Action Plan was developed by the Age-Friendly PVD Task Force, City leaders and industry experts who thoroughly assessed Providence's current strengths and resources for older adults. Their assessment identified improvement opportunities across the eight livability domains established by AARP, including transportation, housing, social participation and access to city services. The domains provide standards for assessment that can guide municipalities and help identify areas for improvement. These domains provide a comprehensive framework for city planning that promotes age-friendly communities while simultaneously improving overall livability for all residents.

"A city can be measured in large part how it supports its senior citizens," said Providence City Council President Rachel Miller. "I'm proud to gather today with our friends in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities to celebrate Age Friendly Providence, a far-reaching plan to enhance and grow the city's services for our seniors. Crafted with input from the community, this effort will ensure that Providence will continue to be a city where all our residents can live their lives with autonomy, dignity, and grace."

This Age-Friendly Action Plan will serve as a guiding framework as Providence works to become a more age-friendly community for its older residents. Over the next three years, the City will be working across departments to implement this plan with collaboration from community partners and the Age-Friendly Task Force.

"Congratulations to the City of Providence on this ambitious Age-Friendly Action Plan, which addresses the critical needs of older residents and ensures that Providence remains a livable, vibrant city for people of all ages," said AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor. "By focusing on key areas, they are setting the stage for a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive as they age. AARP Rhode Island is proud to support Providence's strong Age-Friendly progress."

For more information on the Age-Friendly Action Plan and how you can get involved, please visit: https://www.providenceri.gov/mayor-city-services/senior-services/.