Age-Friendly Barrington, a grassroots group of volunteers, will begin conducting focus groups and surveys this fall with the aim of identifying opportunities to better support residents as they age. The group's efforts will be directed to seniors, caregivers, town officials, community leaders and all interested residents.

“We’re encouraging as many people to participate as possible,” said Laura Young, who along with Pat Keefe, helped spearhead Age-Friendly Barrington. “Your input will enable us to assess the issues that exist for older residents, leading to a better understanding of how to create an enhanced community of support.” 

When the work is completed later this fall, the group hopes the results will provide insights to promote the health, independence, comfort, well-being and happiness of older residents.  

“We’re looking forward to hearing from residents. The survey only takes about three minutes to complete, but can potentially provide insights that can help us for generations to come,” added Ms. Keefe.

Anyone who would like to participate can complete the survey online at www.barrington.ri.gov. Hardcopies are also available at the Barrington Town Hall, Barrington Public Library and the Peck Center for Adult Enrichment. 

To take part in a focus group, contact Laura Young at laurayoung13@yahoo.com or at 465-7378, or Pat Keefe at Keefe299@gmail.com 245-2198.

A 2016 report by Tufts Health Plan Foundation estimates that 3,501 of Barrington’s 16,310 residents are older than 60, and that 42.8 percent of those older than 60 have lived at the same address for 25 years or more. 2,528 residents are older than 65, representing approximately 16 percent of the Town’s population.