A recent Chicago Sun-Times Op-ed by Mary O’Donnell sheds light on alarming student loan debt held by older adults. The problem is serious, but policy changes are on the horizon. RRF is proud to encourage them as we, along with our grantee partners at the National Consumer Law Center and New America, address the threat that unaffordable student loan debt places on the economic security of older people. Read the full op-ed here.

September 2024 – As part of our Call to Action to curb rising debt for older adults, we’re excited to share our recent video detailing RRF’s interest in addressing debt and its impact on older people. 

RRF recognizes that carrying debt poses threats that may undermine economic security in later life. Our latest Issue Update examines the growing rates of student loan debt held by older people, the impact of this debt on economic security, and highlights promising solutions.

August 2024 – Last week, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced an executive order to establish the Illinois Multisector Plan for Aging. This plan will be vital to enhancing and sustaining services for the growing number of older adults who live and thrive in Illinois. Learn more about this initiative here.

At RRF Foundation for Aging, we want to ensure that older adults are not left behind and that AgeTech gets the focus and attention it deserves in this fast-paced, high-powered environment. We are interested in efforts that leverage technology as a practical tool to enhance the quality of life for older adults — and that do so in safe and responsible ways. Learn more about our partnership with MATTER, an innovation incubator.

February 2024 – Mary O’Donnell, President & CEO at RRF Foundation for Aging (RRF), highlights how prolific singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell’s recent performance and win at the 2024 Grammy Awards Ceremony exemplifies the contributions of older people and the nuances of aging, in a climate rife with stereotypes.

At the start of this new year, we at RRF Foundation for Aging (RRF) would like to take a moment to reflect on our grantee partners’ impressive strides during 2023 and our collective efforts to improve the quality of life of older people.

Learn more about why RRF is proud to support the ASA RISE program, a cohort-based leadership development fellowship for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, People of Color (BILPOC) professionals in the field of aging.

RRF is proud to welcome Robyn Golden and Michelle R.B. Saddler to its Board of Trustees and thanks Thomas R. Prohaska for his contributions as he steps off the Board.

RRF was incredibly proud to see Illinois become the first state in the nation to establish Medicaid-like healthcare coverage for older adults, regardless of immigration status. A new emergency rulemaking could curb the momentum of this historic movement. Let’s protect our strides forward and strengthen movement toward equity for all.

We are pleased to announce an updated strategic plan, expanding upon our organizational values to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, create meaningful partnerships, and reduce ageism. Learn more about this plan.

RRF is pleased to announce a new call to action focused on older adults’ economic security. We are seeking to build awareness of debt as a growing problem and find partner organizations that can offer innovative solutions to prevent and mitigate debt.

Originally published by the American Society on Aging’s Generations Today. This entire issue of Generations Today addresses the economic concerns affecting older adults. Featured are insightful articles by RRF Foundation for Aging grantee partners from the National Council on Aging, The New School for Social Research, and UMass Boston. RRF’s

RRF President Mary O’Donnell reflects on the importance of supporting undocumented older people in this Letter to the Editor published by The Chicago Tribune on April 5, 2022.

RRF is proud to announce that Elsa Tullos has joined our team as Communications Officer.

RRF Foundation for Aging is interested in supporting efforts that leverage technology as a practical tool for enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

Advocating for family caregivers is an important part of the RRF Foundation for Aging’s mission. A recent Tribune item was an opportunity to engage the public on this vital issue and build upon the momentum that began with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s proposed 2023 funding for family caregivers.

We are excited to share with you RRF’s latest issue brief, providing an overview of housing insecurity for older adults and describes RRF’s approaches to funding innovative projects promoting safe and affordable housing.

We are pleased to introduce RRF’s third issue brief, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to addressing social isolation and loneliness among older people.

RRF fondly remembers the contributions of Trustee Emeritus Marvin Meyerson.

RRF introduces a New Issue Brief on our Caregiving Priority Area, “Investing in Caregivers: An Essential Resource for Our Nation.”

This past weekend, RRF Foundation for Aging lost a special member of our community. Marilyn Hennessy, the Foundation’s first paid staff person, CEO, and President passed away. We shall try to honor and live out Marilyn’s spirit, grace, humility, and tenacity as we carry forth her legacy.

We are pleased to introduce RRF’s first issue brief: “Working Together to Achieve Economic Security in Later Life.” Watch our introductory video and read it here!

An RRF Op-Ed was published in Crain’s Chicago Business: “For older people, a financial booster shot.” Learn more here.

We are excited to share RRF’s newest online resource, our interactive Knowledge Center. Learn more about this new feature!

RRF welcomes Serena Worthington to its team! Serena has significant experience in aging services and advocacy at both the local and national level.