In Rhode Island, 29% of people age 65 and older live alone (American Community Survey; U.S Census Bureau 2021). Many are facing complex and urgent health or life events with no clear guidance or support. Each lives with the risk that life as they knew it could change in an instant–with the possibility of calling […]
Helen Hames, Certified Senior Advisor and the Founder of Age Ambassador
Helen Hames is a Certified Senior Advisor and the Founder of Age Ambassador, where she
helps families navigate the complexities of senior living and aging in place. Based in Newport,
RI, Helen has extensive experience serving families across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and
Connecticut. You can learn more at AgeAmbassador.com.
Posted inArts & Culture
Helen Hames: Palliative Care – A misunderstood piece to the life planning puzzle
It’s important to respect the natural aging process and recognize that oftentimes the medical system prioritizes treatment over true well-being, sometimes offering interventions that may not improve quality of life. While we all face the end of life eventually, educating ourselves now, allows us to focus on living well and making informed choices for a […]
Posted inColumns, Environment & Health, Opinion
Helen Hames: The power of preparation: Navigating Alzheimer’s with knowledge and support
“Education is power.” It’s a phrase we hear often, but nowhere does it ring truer than in the realm of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Early detection isn’t just a medical advantage–it’s a pathway of ensuring the best quality of life and honoring a person’s wishes throughout the progression of the disease. It’s also about building […]
Posted inColumns
Helen Hames: Leadership Rhode Island Senior Fellows Program – Rethinking aging with possibility and purpose
In Rhode Island–and beyond–there exists a largely untapped group of individuals armed with life experience, wisdom and curiosity. These older adults offer a fresh perspective and potential to help tackle some big challenges we face at every stage of life. What if there were a dedicated outlet empowering them to examine, collaborate and solve some […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Aging with Agency: Aquidneck Island Village empowering older adults
A literal light bulb moment occurred when, in her mid-50s, Mary Alice Smith of Newport, RI was living alone and attempted to change a lightbulb in a closet with a 10-foot-high ceiling. Balancing on a step stool, she hesitated. What had once been a simple task now felt uncertain. “If I wanted to remain in […]
Posted inColumns
Helen Hames: Mission Possible – What Martin Luther King Jr. teaches us about aging
Martin Luther King Jr. would have turned 95 on January 20, 2025. Considered a Renaissance man and a leader ahead of his time, we continue to learn from his teachings and leadership. This year’s theme for the King Center’s annual Martin Luther King observance is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit […]