Washington Trust launches Age With Wisdom™ education series to help Rhode Island and Connecticut older adults prevent financial exploitation and plan for the future
Washington Trust launches Age With Wisdom™ education series to help Rhode Island and Connecticut older adults prevent financial exploitation and plan for the future |
| [17-August-2026] |
New education initiative combines fraud prevention, financial planning guidance, and AARP BankSafe® training to help older adults, families, and caregivers protect financial well-being WESTERLY, R.I., Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington Trust Company (Washington Trust), today announced the launch of its Age With Wisdom™ education series, a community-focused initiative designed to help older adults, their families, and caregivers across Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut protect themselves from financial fraud, prevent financial exploitation, and navigate the financial challenges that often accompany aging.
Age With Wisdom™ is part of Washington Trust's broader commitment to helping older adults maintain financial independence, safeguard their assets, and prepare confidently for future life transitions. Through education, personalized guidance, and community outreach, the program addresses both immediate fraud risks and long-term financial planning needs. Washington Trust, the nation's oldest community bank and a verified AARP BankSafe® institution, regularly works with older adults, family members, and caregivers to identify suspicious activity, recognize signs of financial exploitation, and support age-related financial decision-making. Branch teams throughout southern Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut frequently assist customers and families in navigating complex situations involving fraud concerns, caregiving responsibilities, and financial transitions. Earlier this year, Washington Trust's efforts to protect a longtime customer from a financial scam were highlighted in a New York Times column, Banks are Becoming Bulwarks for Vulnerable Seniors, examining the growing role banks play in preventing elder financial exploitation. The article described how Washington Trust employees identified suspicious activity and intervened before the customer suffered a significant financial loss. "Washington Trust has made protecting older adults from financial exploitation a priority across the communities we serve," said Washington Trust President and Chief Operating Officer Mary Noons. "Through Age With Wisdom™ and our ongoing investment in employee training, fraud prevention education, and personalized guidance, we are helping Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut seniors recognize scams, strengthen their financial security, and plan confidently for the future." The Local Older Population is Growing Across Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut, older adults represent a growing share of the population. In Rhode Island, approximately 31% of residents are age 55 and older, exceeding the national average, and the state's population is projected to continue aging, with one in four residents expected to be age 65 or older by 2030. Connecticut is experiencing a similar demographic trend, with nearly one-quarter of residents age 60 and older. As the population ages, the risks associated with elder financial abuse, financial exploitation, and fraud are increasing. This demographic shift underscores the importance of proactive financial planning, trusted support networks, and access to education that helps older adults and caregivers recognize and respond to potential threats. A Comprehensive Approach to Aging and Financial Well-Being By combining banking services, financial planning guidance, fraud prevention education, and caregiver support resources, Washington Trust offers a comprehensive approach to helping older adults protect their finances and maintain independence as they age. Through the program, customers as well as their families and caregivers can receive guidance on:
Washington Trust also earned designation as a verified AARP BankSafe® institution, reflecting the Bank's commitment to equipping frontline employees with the tools and training needed to recognize and respond to warning signs of elder financial abuse, financial exploitation, and fraud targeting older adults. Education Series Details
Currently scheduled education sessions include: August 20, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. September 9, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. StoneRidge Senior Living & Academy Point Additional public dates will be posted. Building Confidence Through Education "We created Age With Wisdom™ to address a growing need for trusted, knowledgeable support in navigating the financial aspects of aging," Noons added. "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 addition to in-person seminars, individuals can access a wide range of educational resources — including articles, planning guides, checklists, and fraud prevention videos — at washtrust.com/age. The seminars are free; advance registration is encouraged as space may be limited. ABOUT AGE WITH WISDOM™ ABOUT THE WASHINGTON TRUST COMPANY®
SOURCE The Washington Trust Company | ||
Company Codes: NASDAQ:WASH |
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