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Washington Trust Launches Age With Wisdom™ Education Series

The Washington Trust Company has recently launched the Age With Wisdom™ education series, designed specifically to assist older adults, their families, and caregivers across Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. This initiative aims to safeguard senior citizens against financial exploitation and to support them in planning for their future.

Addressing a Growing Need

As the population of seniors continues to rise, the necessity for reliable financial resources has become increasingly critical. Financial scams targeting older adults have surged, becoming both more frequent and sophisticated. Often, these scams prey on individuals living independently or those in retirement communities, exploiting their trust and vulnerability.

In Rhode Island, about 31% of residents are aged 55 and above, a figure significantly higher than the national average. By 2030, it's projected that one in four residents will be 65 or older—a similar trend is visible in Connecticut, where nearly 25% of the population is aged 60 or older. With these demographic changes, the risks associated with elder financial abuse and exploitation are escalating, emphasizing the need for proactive financial planning and education.

Holistic Financial Support

Rooted in Washington Trust's 225-year tradition of community-oriented service, the Age With Wisdom™ series integrates a range of resources to help seniors navigate the financial aspects of aging. This program combines education on fraud prevention, personalized financial planning guidance, and support networks tailored for older adults. Through workshops and community engagement, participants will receive practical advice on various financial issues, from organizing their accounts to understanding the best strategies for aging in place.

Washington Trust has earned a reputation for prioritizing the protection of older adults from financial exploitation. The bank's commitment was highlighted in a New York Times article that showcased how Washington Trust employees successfully intervened to prevent a significant scam targeting a long-time customer.

Washington Trust President and COO, Mary Noons, stated, "We are dedicated to empowering older adults with the knowledge and tools they need to recognize scams and enhance their financial security. Our Age With Wisdom™ initiative embodies our mission to foster financial independence among seniors, helping them transition smoothly through various life stages."

Educational Offerings

The Age With Wisdom™ education series will provide direct access to financial resources through engaging community sessions. Topics include:

• - Recent fraud trends targeting seniors, including impersonation and AI-enabled scams.
• - Identifying common warning signs of financial exploitation.
• - Steps to safeguard personal and financial information.
• - Actions to take if elder financial abuse is suspected.
• - Strategies for maintaining financial independence throughout retirement.

Washington Trust’s upcoming education sessions are scheduled for:

• - August 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Washington Trust, Charlestown Branch.
• - September 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Robert Rock Senior Center in East Providence.

Additional dates and resources will be shared publicly as events develop.

Building Confidence Through Education

Washington Trust is committed to financial literacy within the communities it serves. The Age With Wisdom™ initiative is a natural extension of this mission to provide older adults with expert, accessible guidance.

"By offering education and resources for navigating the financial aspects of aging, we aim to empower our seniors, ensuring they have the clarity and confidence to manage their finances and plans for the future," added Noons.

Beyond in-person seminars, participants and their families can access a wealth of online resources, including articles, planning guides, and videos focused on fraud prevention tactics. All seminars are free, though early registration is recommended due to limited capacity.

Conclusion

The Age With Wisdom™ education series reflects Washington Trust Company's dedication to enhancing financial security and independence for seniors in Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. It stands as a vital resource for a demographic facing increasing financial challenges, ensuring they have the knowledge and support necessary to thrive in their golden years.