Providence, RI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Age-Friendly Providence examined pedestrian safety conditions that made walking uncomfortable and risky for older adults in several dense neighborhoods. Uneven sidewalks, traffic conditions and missing comfort features limited confidence and mobility, while residents had few ways to influence street design. Through community walk audits, older adults documented safety and accessibility concerns along targeted routes. Insights from a visually impaired participant highlighted how lifted sidewalks and obstacles pose serious challenges. The findings produced location-specific documentation that is being shared with city planners. By centering lived experience, the project ensured older adult needs are shaping future safety priorities and infrastructure recommendations.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Providence, RI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety

Description: To introduce older adult residents to ridehailing options, the Rhode Island College Foundation launched a workshop titled It's Uber Easy to Get a Lyft. More than 70 older adults from seven towns attended the workshops, which taught them how to download a smartphone app to hail rides. A majority of participants reported they gained confidence using the services following the training. Organizers hope this helps older adults retain mobility, even when they no longer feel comfortable driving themselves.