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AARP SURVEY: Providence Residents Want to Age at Home — But Many Worry They Won’t Be Able To

Housing affordability and safe streets are major concerns for residents 45+; nearly 9 in 10 support mobility-friendly housing

John Martin,

AARP Rhode Island

Published August 27, 2026

vital voices issues that impact rhode island residents 45+

AARP

Providence residents age 45 and older overwhelmingly want to remain independent and in their communities as they age, but a new AARP Vital Voices survey finds many are worried that housing costs, transportation and the city's infrastructure could make that increasingly difficult.

Eighty-two percent of Providence residents 45+ say staying in their own home as they get older is extremely or very important, and 88% say independently getting to the places they need to go is extremely or very important.

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Yet more than two in five — 43% — are not fully confident they will be able to age in place.

These concerns will be on the minds of many people voting in the September 9 Mayoral Election. Candidates answered key questions in AARP Rhode Island’s Video Voter Guide.

Affordability is a major concern.

68% are extremely or very concerned about being able to afford to remain in their home as they age.
62% worry about finding affordable housing if they need to downsize while remaining in their community.
55% are concerned about being able to afford modifications that would make their homes easier to live in as they age.

"Providence residents are telling us very clearly what they want: the ability to remain independent and connected to their communities as they grow older," said AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor. "But wanting to age in place and being able to afford and navigate our community as we age are two very different things. These findings show where we need to close that gap."

Safe and accessible streets are another major concern

More than three in four residents 45+ (78%) are extremely or very concerned about having streets that are safe for everyone to use, while 64% are concerned about having access to transportation if they are unable to drive.

Although most respondents say they feel safe walking in their community, only 46% say their community has safe sidewalks accessible to people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Just 55% say pedestrian crossings are clearly marked with audio and visual signals.

The survey also found that Providence residents 45+ express greater concern than Rhode Islanders statewide on every livability issue measured. The largest difference involves social connection: 50% of Providence residents are extremely or very concerned about remaining connected with others and having opportunities to socialize as they age, compared with 40% statewide.

Strong Support for Action

Providence residents aren't simply identifying problems. The survey finds broad support for action.

85% agree that Rhode Island should build new housing units designed so older adults and people with disabilities can get around more easily.
87% support a proposal that would require 20% of units in new state- or federally funded multi-unit housing projects to be designed so people with mobility issues can navigate them easily.
80% say they would be more or somewhat more likely to vote for a candidate who supports making Rhode Island an age-friendly state by enacting policies that support residents' health, well-being and independence as they age.

"These aren't simply issues for older Rhode Islanders," added Taylor. "Housing people can afford, streets people can safely navigate and transportation that keeps residents connected make Providence a better place to live at every age."

About the Survey

Interviews were conducted with 915 Rhode Island residents age 45 and older, including an oversample of 200 Providence residents (weighted n=289), between April 27 and May 13, 2026. The margin of error for the Providence sample is ±5.8%.

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