Register: A Bridge to a Secure Future, 16th annual conference/expo, Senior Agenda Coalition of RI

The Senior Agenda Coalition of RI 2024 will hold its annual conference and expo, “A Bridge to a Secure Future” on Wednesday, October 9th from 7:30 AM to 12 noon at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, RI. Registration is now open.

Social Security, Healthcare, Housing, and the Economy are on the minds of older adults and the topic of discussions at many kitchen tables across the Ocean State. This popular annual event will provide expert speakers, resources, and partners to share knowledge on these issues to help attendees build a more secure future by learning more about the issues facing aging Rhode Islanders, especially in a time of tumult and volatility in the country.

In Rhode Island, 40% of the workforce is 50 or older. 31% are 55 or older. 13% have a disability. By 2030 25% of RI’s total population will comprise older adults. These numbers impact older adults and the state’s economy in various ways, particularly as it relates to funding, legislation, policy, and governing.

Breakfast Networking, Exhibits

The conference begins with breakfast at 7:30 AM as does networking with dozens of exhibitors showcasing services and information focused on older adults.

Opening Presentation

Headlining the conference as keynote speaker is United States Senator, Sheldon Whitehouse. Sen. Whitehouse will bring a beltway update and outlook for many programs which directly impact Rhode Island’s older adults and adults with disabilities, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and Housing.

Panelists

The invited Conference panelists include presentations by Congressman Seth Magaziner on the economics of aging. Rhode Island’s Attorney General Peter Neronha, on the state of health care in Rhode Island and an expert from the Public Housing Authorities of RI (PHARI) on the successes and challenges of developing more housing opportunities, and safely housing more seniors. This year’s conference will include a “robust Q&A session” with presenters to ensure that everyone will have an opportunity to voice their questions on these vital issues.

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Carol Anne Costa, Executive Director of the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island, notes, “It is no secret that older adults and adults with disabilities are facing unique and complicated challenges surrounding Healthcare, sources of income, often while carrying the burden of nonviable housing options. And let’s face it, the rumblings on Capitol Hill threatening to gut Social Security and Medicare should be taken seriously. These threats and challenges stretch beyond seniors to children, siblings, and caregivers. This conference is a chance to learn up-to-date information on these matters from the people who are at the levers of power. We must scrutinize the future around economic security, safety net funding, senior support programs, and Health and housing equity.” 

Maureen Maigret, SACRI Policy Advisor, stated that among SACRI’s successes in the last legislative session was the full funding of the recommendations made by the Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) to provide Medicaid rate increases for Health and human service providers which will help increase access to needed home and community-based services, an important goal of SACRI.  Maigret stressed the importance of continuing effective policy and advocacy work needed to achieve an improved quality of life for all Rhode Island’s older adults.

Diane Santos, SACRI Board Chair, said “We are facing a time of great uncertainty and SACRI’s dedication to continue its mission to educate, advocate, organize and legislate is more important than ever. Our October conference is an excellent opportunity for you to learn about the positions and activities of those making and implementing policies that impact older adults and adults with disabilities,” continued Santos. “I encourage you to register for the conference and let us help you build A Bridge to a Secure Future”. 

To register and view the conference schedule visit the Coalition’s website www.senioragendari.org, Facebook page, LinkedIn page, and Instagram feed.  For questions, email Carol Costa at [email protected]