Washington Trust Company has launched Age With Wisdom, a community education program designed to help older adults in Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut recognize and prevent financial exploitation.
The initiative addresses a documented gap in elder financial protection. Across the region, seniors face increasing risks from sophisticated scams that exploit isolation, trust and unfamiliarity with digital tools. In Rhode Island, approximately 31% of residents are age 55 and older, exceeding the national average. State projections indicate one in four residents will be age 65 or older by 2030.
The program offers guidance on recognizing common scams, organizing finances for independent living, preparing for healthcare costs and caregiving transitions, and accessing estate planning and wealth management services. Washington Trust employees have earned AARP BankSafe training, equipping staff to identify warning signs of financial abuse.
Earlier this year, the New York Times profiled Washington Trust's intervention in a customer case, highlighting how bank employees identified suspicious activity and stopped a significant loss before it occurred.
"We created Age With Wisdom to address a growing need for trusted, knowledgeable support in navigating the financial aspects of aging," said Mary Noons, Washington Trust's president and chief operating officer. "Whether it's protecting against fraud, organizing finances, or planning for future care, our goal is to provide clarity, confidence and peace of mind for our customers and their families."
In-person seminars bring together older adults, family members and caregivers to work through realistic scenarios and discuss protective strategies. The free seminars began in August 2026 and are scheduled across multiple locations, including branch offices and senior living communities. Online resources, including guides, checklists and prevention videos, extend reach beyond in-person participants.
Connecticut faces parallel demographic pressures, with nearly one-quarter of residents age 60 and older. Washington Trust's 225-year history as a community bank positions it to deliver this work with credibility, the company said.
Financial exploitation of older adults represents a widespread but often underreported problem. Many seniors don't disclose losses due to shame or fear of losing independence.
