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Challenging Ageist Language in Rhode Island

Rep. Carson’s Bill Challenges Ageist Language in Rhode Island Statutes

Published on March 2, 2026

During the 93rd Legislative Session, a law enacted in Massachusetts caught the attention of Lauren H. Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport), who chairs the House Study Commission on Services for Older Rhode Islanders (HSCORI). Carson was convinced of the need to confront ageism in the state’s statutes. She understood the importance of how Rhode Island lawmakers talk about aging.

On Jan. 9, 2025, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed Senate Bill S. 3006, “An Act Renaming the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence,” into law. Sponsored by Joan B. Lovely (D–Second Essex), the measure formally changed the name of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office of Aging & Independence to better reflect the agency’s mission of supporting older adults in maintaining independence and dignity.

Beyond the name change, the law sought to modernize statutory language and reduce the stigma often associated with aging. It replaced outdated terms such as “elder,” “elderly person(s),” and “handicapped” throughout state law with more respectful and person-centered language, including “older adult(s)” and “adult with a disability.”

Carson believed that Massachusetts’ move to systematically remove ageist language from state law was a public policy Rhode Island could follow.

A Rhode Island Response

More than a year later, on Feb. 5, 2026, Carson introduced similar legislation, H. 7496, aimed at reviewing state statutes to identify negative or outdated references to older Rhode Islanders — including terms such as “elders” and “elderly person(s)” — while strengthening advocacy for older adults.  At press time, Sen. Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingston) plans to introduce the Senate version of this bill.

Carson’s special legislative commission is identifying ways to improve services and maximize resources available to older Rhode Islanders in the face of an expected surge in that population over the next 15 years. Over the more than two years the commission has been meeting, Carson has noted that, with life expectancy having increased over the decades, people over 60 are not all living lifestyles that could be described as “elderly,” and they certainly do not appreciate being labeled as such.

The legislative proposal, referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee, would initiate a review of state laws for references to “elders” and “elderly person(s)” and enable the drafting of legislation next year to replace those terms with the phrase “older adults.”

“Words matter. When we apply labels to people, we are telling them and everyone else how we think of them, what we expect of them. Many people over 60, 65 or 70 are still working like any other adults. They are contributing to their communities, they are active, and they simply are not what we think of when we hear the word ‘elderly.’ They don’t want to be called ‘senior citizens,’” Carson said in a statement announcing the introduction of H. 7496. “Being older than middle age doesn’t mean you are elderly. Our language should better reflect that this is a huge swath of our population that includes a wide range of ages, abilities and lifestyles. They aren’t all elderly.”

Her legislation also specifies that references to “handicapped” and “disabled” in the parts of the General Laws relating to older adults be replaced with the term “adult person(s) with disabilities.”

Carson’s bill, which also includes changes designed to give older Rhode Islanders a seat at the table in state planning and to better empower a panel on long-term care, stems from the work of the commission she chairs to study services provided to older Rhode Islanders.

The legislative proposal makes two additional changes to address issues identified during the commission’s work.

It adds a representative from a statewide aging advocacy organization as a member of the State Planning Council and specifies that the new member must be at least 60 years old. The purpose of the change is to sharpen the state’s focus on issues affecting older Rhode Islanders by ensuring their interests are represented in state planning, helping to prepare and direct resources appropriately as the state’s 60-plus population grows. Currently, more than 240,000 Rhode Islanders are age 60 or older. That number is expected to increase to nearly 265,000 by 2040.

The legislation also makes it easier for the Long-Term Care Coordinating Council to reach a quorum. With 33 members — many of whom are busy leaders of state agencies, organizations or businesses — the panel at times struggles to meet quorum requirements. The bill would allow 12 members to constitute a quorum. The change is supported by Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, who chairs the council.

Talking About Ageism, Language and Older Adults

At a two-hour HSCORI public meeting held Sept. 18, 2024, at the Pilgrim Senior Center in Warwick, Dr. Philip Clark, director of University of Rhode Island’ Program of Gerontology and Jim Connell, executive director of Age-Friendly Rhode Island, spoke about the negative impact of ageism and the importance of reframing aging using more positive language. It was one of three such meetings held “on the road” in different communities — Newport, Warwick and South Kingstown — to increase public visibility and engagement.

During his 34-minute presentation, Clark argued that language shapes perception and policy, and that the pervasive use of ageist language and stereotypes has detrimental health and social consequences for older adults. Ageism is a significant public health problem, he said, citing research by Dr. Becca Levy of Yale University indicating that negative self-perceptions of aging can shorten one’s lifespan by as much as seven years.

“How we talk about aging matters and particularly ageism language and “older adults.” And the operative word here is older adults. That is the term in the field of gerontology that has become standard language,” says Clark.  He  advocated using the term “older adults” instead of labels such as “seniors” or “the elderly,” which often carry negative connotations.

“Ageism is the last of the ‘ism’s’ to be recognized and confronted as discriminatory.  Even older adults themselves fall victim to ageist attitudes and believes,” says Clark.  He identified veiled ageism — including patronizing language such as “dear” or “sweetie” and infantilizing humor — that reinforces negative stereotypes about aging.

Clark stressed the vast diversity within the older population, repeating the mantra, “If you’ve seen one older person, you have seen one older person.” He warned against policies that treat this diverse group as a monolith.

“Older adults are more unique than any other age group,” Clark said, noting that they have had a lifetime to become who they are. Their needs, abilities and desires vary widely, and policy must reflect this diversity rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.

“We must analyze the meaning of words and the wording of meanings,” Clark added, urging policymakers to critically examine language and underlying assumptions in policies and programs to ensure they are grounded in accurate data and reflect values of independence and dignity rather than ageist bias.

During Q&A, Commissioner Maria Cimini, Director of the state’s Office of Healthy Aging, asked Clark how best to balance inclusive language with recognition of each older adult’s unique identity. “When I go into different communities, like the Center for Southeast Asians, they specifically use the word ‘elder,’” she said. “Not ‘older adult.’”

Clark responded, “If you’re in a community where ‘elder’ carries a sense of respect, appreciation, and value, you obviously don’t want to impose your white, middle-class values on that group.”

“We use catastrophic language. It makes the problem seem unsolvable and it makes it very hard for us to be successful in our advocacy,” said Commissioner Catherine Taylor, state director of AARP Rhode Island, reinforcing Clark’s testimony by explaining how negative framing can undermine efforts to secure legislative support for aging-related issues.

“So, to use the right language is really important to the success of our work in getting things through,” adds Taylor.

Following Clark’s presentation, Connell argued that the common negative narrative of aging is incomplete and fails to account for the many older adults who are active, working and seeking new opportunities.

According to Connell, 71% of Americans aged 65 and older say the best time of their lives is right now or still ahead of them. He also cited a recent Harris Poll indicating that 83% of U.S. adults 65 and older feel it is more important to feel useful than youthful in retirement.

Connell introduced the concept of “middle essence” to describe the period from ages 60 to 80, highlighting it as a time for new careers, enrichment and purpose. He emphasized the power of personal narratives and lived experience to counter the societal view of aging as a period of frailty and decline.

Personal stories are a powerful tool for dismantling the dominant negative narrative of aging, Connell said. He characterized the growing older population not as a problem to be solved, but as a “longevity boom” full of potential for personal growth, continued work and community contribution — one that requires intentional, age-friendly planning.

Connell noted that society has gained 30 years of life expectancy since the mid-20th century and said this “longevity boom” must be factored into planning. He warned that “othering” — assuming all members of a group are the same — is the “absolute enemy” of effective planning for an aging population.

Connell concluded by saying: “So this Commission and indeed all of us were well positioned to have the power to change the aging narrative and he use of ageist language in our state. It’s important that lived experience be woven into everything we do.  Please keep telling your stories. It’s really, really important.”

Meanwhile, at the same public commission meeting, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) reported on several recent accomplishments, including passage of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) legislation, a law allowing cameras in nursing home rooms, an increased tax exemption for Social Security income and a state-level cap on insulin costs. He also highlighted a $120 million housing bond question that appeared on the November ballot, calling it a critical opportunity to fund affordable housing for older adults.

Shekarchi further noted the creation of a Senate commission to explore establishing a new medical school in Rhode Island as a long-term strategy to address the state’s primary care physician shortage. He also referenced Gov. McKee’s Healthcare Systems Planning Cabinet as another effort to address systemic issues, including primary care access and long-term care planning.

To watch HSCORI’s Sept. 9, 2024 public meeting, go to  https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/10590.

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A Physician’s Guide to Living Life Fully, Not Just Longer, with Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

Published in RINewsToday on October 12, 2025

Over two weeks ago, over 300 advocates, providers, and older adults gathered at the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island’s (SACRI) 16th Annual Conference and Expo, “Navigating Choppy Waters – Shelter from the Storm,” held at Rhode on the Pawtuxets in Cranston.

The Sept. 25 event featured a thought-provoking keynote address by Dr. Ed Iannuccilli, state legislative updates, unveiling a new award to recognize two advocates, along with a panel discussion exploring critical topics facing older adults.

“This conference, by all measure, was a tremendous success,” said Carol Anne Costa, Executive Director of the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI, noting that the new venue, the topics, the engagement of the audience was reflected in the energy in the room.

“We are collecting survey responses an the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Costa noting that people are craving the opportunities to reconnect in person and in conversation. “If our vision for this conference helped to achieve that, it’s a win,” she said. 

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Simple Tips on Aging Gracefully

 Dr. Ed Iannuccilli, a highly respected retired board-certified internist and gastroenterologist and the author of six published books, delivered an impassioned 31-minute keynote shifting the tone from legislation and program updates.  He offered common-sense advice on aging gracefully and called for changes in the state’s health care system to restore compassion and personal connection.

Looking back to the early days of his medical practice, Iannuccilli—who practiced medicine for over 30 years—recalled a conversation with a lively, healthy 80-year-old woman.

“In the innocence of my youth, I said admiringly, ‘At 80, you’re in marvelous condition. You don’t need to worry—age is just a number.’”

“She looked at me, twirled her ring, straightened her smock, squinted, pursed her lips, and said, ‘Young man, I have the number. Don’t you ever tell anyone that again,’” he said.

“And I never did,” he added. “It was an early lesson. As Oscar Wilde said, ‘With age comes wisdom, but sometimes wisdom comes with winters.’ Well, I have the winters now. I have the number. And I’m pleased to say that no one has dared call it just a number again,” said the Bristol resident.

As for reducing the stress of growing old, Iannuccilli shared: “I try to do happy things, avoid too much news, meet friends, and accept loss and mistakes with a spiritual shovel. No one’s judging anymore—history is history.”

He advised, “Don’t make living a long life your goal; living fully, is. If you’re at an age milestone—don’t panic. Laugh more. Call a friend. As Mark Twain said, ‘Don’t complain about growing old; it’s a privilege denied to many.’”

Iannuccilli said he stays curious, reads, writes, and keeps his mind active. “I even take piano lessons. I don’t need to go on a space mission; I’m already on a planet full of adventure,” he joked.

 He also emphasized that longevity and good health are tied to human connection. “Be a helper. Call a friend. Drive someone to a doctor’s appointment. Volunteer at a pantry. Fred Rogers’ mother was right—‘Look for the helpers.’ Better yet—be one,” urged Iannuccilli.

Navigating a Broken Health Care System

“We use words like quality, efficiency, deliverables, and outcomes—but what people want is access and comfort,” Iannuccilli observed. But, fewer long-term physician-patient relationships, financial barriers at every turn, and isolation among older adults all reflect systemic changes in today’s healthcare system, says Iannuccili.

According to Iannuccili, costs for care, medication, nursing homes, and even vaccines are rising. Too many seniors live alone and disconnected.

“When someone is sick, they want to be comforted. They want someone who listens and helps them navigate an increasingly impersonal system,” he says. 

Today it’s [often] a long phone queue, a chatbot, or a portal that needs a password and two-step verification,” he said. “You wait on hold and think, ‘This is my health I’m calling about, not my cable bill.’ We’ve lost the personal touch.”

“Be patient with emerging artificial intelligence,” Iannuccilli added. “With proper tuning, it can increase efficiency, help pair patients with the right provider, contain costs, and even promote equity. But nothing—nothing—will ever replace personal care.”

Patients are now called consumers, he said, a term he dislikes. “You’re not a consumer—you’re a patient. The word comes from the Latin patiens—one who suffers. It deserves respect.”

Recognizing Rhode Island’s Health Care Assets

Iannuccilli called for Rhode Islanders to stop focusing on negatives, like the bridge, and instead recognize their access to high-quality health care facilities.

“Within 20 miles you can reach some of the nation’s best hospitals—Rhode Island Hospital, Women & Infants, Hasbro Children’s, Butler, Bradley, Kent, South County, Newport, Miriam, Roger Williams, and Fatima,” he said.

According to Iannuccilli, the state’s health care system—from Brown University to URI—is “extraordinary,” featuring world-class nursing programs, physician assistant schools, and a top pharmacy school.

He believes Rhode Island can become a national model for universal access to health care.

“If we can assume our trash will be collected, our children educated, and our homes protected by firefighters, why can’t we assume access to health care for everyone?” he asked. “We have the talent. We have the infrastructure. What we need is the will.”

With a growing shortage of primary care physicians, Iannuccilli called for the creation of a medical school at the University of Rhode Island dedicated solely to training primary care physicians.

He concluded by issuing a call to action: “Let’s make Rhode Island the envy of the nation—a state where health care works for everyone, where education, research, and delivery come together. We can do better. We must do better. And guess what? We don’t have a choice.”

SACRI Recognition

At the conference, Costa recognized the advocacy of Ray Gagne Jr. for his advocacy work as Senior Organizer at RI Organizing Project and Sister Norma Fleming, RSM, for her direct work with adults with disabilities at ReFocus, Inc. by presenting them with the inaugural Marjorie Waters Award for Service. Honoring the legacy of Marjorie Waters—a Rhode Island College graduate, former Director of Information Technology for a Tribal Nation, Six Sigma Process Excellence Coach in the finance industry, and Executive Director of Providence’s Westminster Senior Center—the award celebrates her dedication as a lifelong community activist.

Legislative Greetings, and a Look to the Future

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) brought greetings from the House, emphasizing his strong commitment to supporting the state’s growing older population.

“As long as I’m Speaker of this House and I’m in Rhode Island government, you will have a friend in state government,” he pledged to the attending advocates and older adults.

The Warwick lawmaker shared how his 99-year-old father, who is battling Alzheimer’s and has mobility issues, has given him a personal understanding of older Rhode Islanders’ desire to remain at home—insight that has shaped his aging policy agenda.

Shekarchi highlighted several recent legislative successes, including the expansion of the Medicare Savings Program after 14 years of advocacy, which will save low-income beneficiaries over $2,000 annually. He also cited the state’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Law, which allows in-law apartments or “granny flats” (in the colloquial), to help residents age in place in their homes.

Senate President Rep. Lauren Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport), also detailed her legislative work on behalf of older Rhode Islanders. As Chair of the House Study Commission on Aging, she announced her intention to introduce legislation to make the commission permanent to help guide the state’s aging policy.

Another planned bill for next year would replace the term “senior citizen” with “older Rhode Islander” in state law to promote a more positive view of aging.

Maria Cimini, Director of the State’s Office of Healthy Aging, stressed that the guiding principle of her office’s work was to ensure older Rhode Islanders had the “choice to age as they wished” with dignity and independence.

She pointed out a significant demographic shift, noting that Rhode Island now had more people over 65 than under 18. “We are all aging. My goal is to be sure that Rhode Island is a great place to grow up and grow old,” she says.

A panel discussion followed the keynote, covering practical aspects of end-of-life planning, including legal documents such as wills and trusts, funeral pre-planning, financial planning for dependents with disabilities, suicide prevention, and the role of the long-term care ombudsman.

To watch SACRI’s Sept. 25th program, go to https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/11543?site=1

New Local Documentary Confronts Ageism in Society

Published in RINewsToday on August 12, 2024

Big News. After three years in fundraising, filming and production, Filmmaker Michelle Le Brun is poised to showcase her new 55-minute document, “Optics of Aging,” on Oct. 15 at 5:00 pm., at the Providence Public Library in the Donald Farish Auditorium.  

This full-length documentary’s premiere is support by The Rhode Island Foundation, The Robertson Foundation, RI State Council on the Arts and The Providence Public Library, and about $11,423 raised on GoFundMe (goal set at $20,000).  

In “Optics of Aging”, stereotypes of ageism dissolve and the beauty of aging is revealed through five Rhode Island elders who have shaped the landscape of Rhode Island and beyond, says Le Brun. “Their voices take flight against the backdrop of archival imagery that captures the vision of an earlier time,” she said.

This is not Le Brun’s “first rodeo” in making documentaries.  Her first film Death: A Love Story premiered at Sundance film Festival in competition in 1999 (now available now in over 500 universities in the U.S. and Canada),   It won Best Documentary at Santa Barbara film festival and got several honors at other film festivals. It enjoyed seven different kinds of distribution over 20 years. She also teaches in the Film Media Department at the University of Rhode Island (URI).

The Epiphany…

According to Le Brun, the subject of aging is front and center in our country right  now. How old is too old? Is age really just a number? Regardless of one’s answer to these questions, we all have ageist stereotypes that we grow up with from a very young age.

At  age 61, the Providence filmmaker had an epiphany about her own aging. “I had all  kinds of negative images in my mind about what it means to grow old.  Images of decrepitude and rapidly decreasing health, not being able to get up the 41 stairs to my home, isolated,” she remembered. 

“But I also knew people in their 90s who were nothing like my conditioned images of the elder years. The more I looked around, I began to notice that in fact, there were many people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s that defied the images I had of what it means to be an elder,” says Le Brun. 

“So, I thought I would reach out to them and ask about their lives and their feelings about aging,” notes Le Brun. ”There are so many very interesting and unique elders in our community, I had a hard time deciding who to interview. I decided the common element that would pull them all together is that they had each done something at some point in their lives that contributed to the character of Rhode Island,” she added. 

“From there, I found various people word-of-mouth except Phil West who I already knew from University of Rhode Island, adds Le Brun.   

“And one of the things I have realized in making this film, is that we are all a thread in the tapestry of this place; of Rhode Island – of any place we call home. Our home is living and breathing, ever changing. We shape the place we live in as it in turn shapes us,” she stated. 

Five Elder Voices

On her website, Le Brun notes: “The five elders’ take flight against the backdrop of archival imagery that captures the vision of an earlier time in Rhode Island when the state confronted challenges that required creative solutions.  The ideas of these forward thinkers changed lives and shaped legends and legacies during times of vast sociocultural change. Through these stories, our community remembers its past to inform a future that maintains the unique character of Rhode Island. 

These five elder Rhode Islanders raise awareness and challenge society’s stereotypes around aging and celebrate the elder years.  “Their personal narratives create a tapestry of perspectives that showcase the beauty, resilience, and wisdom that comes with advancing age,” says Le Brun. 

And their backgrounds are detailed on the Optics of Aging web site:

“Linda Miller (90 years young at filming), the woman behind Lippitt Hill Tutorial, later renamed Inspiring Minds, that alleviated the stressors of 1960’s desegregation in Providence schools and delivered significant improvements in student’s academic performance. Her stalwart values have guided her life from education reformer to psychotherapist, which she is still doing today! Her wisdom about aging shines through her ever-present humor.”

“Phil West (77 years young when interviewed in 2019) long-time state director of Common Cause and author of Secrets and Scandals: Reforming Rhode Island1986-2006.The Providence Journal dubbed him “The Godfather of Political Reform in Rhode Island.” The key to his pursuit of ethical government over the decades was establishing a Separation of Powers amendment in the Rhode Island Constitution. Phil’s quiet passion for justice resonates deeply. 

“Aly Stallman (90 years young when he died in 2019) entrepreneur and Ironman triathlete in his 50s, also Founder and President of the Ocean State Marathon in Newport, RI. In the feature film, Aly has just told his doctors that he wants no more treatments. He shares his feelings about his imminent death with grace and poignancy”. 

“Morris Nathanson (95 years young when he died in 2022) who co-designed De Pasquale Square in Providence, the first Dunkin’ Donuts, and was one of the founding designers for Trinity Repertory Theater. He has shaped the sights and sounds of Providence and abroad through his landmark architectural restaurant designs. The warmth in community of growing up in Pawtucket has shaped his whole life.”

“Mildred Nichols (90 years young when interviewed in 2019). Beloved community leader, was a founding member of the Rhode Island Women’s Political Caucus, served on the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education and was Director of Career Counseling Services at the Rhode Island Department of Education where she was instrumental in providing out reach to women known as ‘displaced’ homemakers. Mildred is also a descendent of Joseph Trammel. She shares with us his freedom papers and her moving gratitude.” 

As Le Brun says, “ageism is the last “ism” it seems still ok to have. Let’s change that!” 

Working alongside Le Brun were Ryan Bliss (Editor), Milana Cepeda (Composer), Becca Bender (Archival Producer), Roxanne Ducharme, in Panama (Graphic Design and Animation), and Mauro Colangelo in Italy (Post-Production Audio and Mix). An international team.

To register for the premiere and join the discussion at Providence Public Library, go to https://provlib.libcal.com/event/12675871 .

For updates and future screenings go to: https://www.opticsofaging.com/

To fund Optics of Aging’s outreach, go to  https://www.gofundme.com/f/optics-of-aging-beyond-the-number