While the United Nations’ celebrates 1 October as International Day of Older Persons, the Cayman Islands annually designates the entire month as Older Persons’ Month.

During the local observance to celebrate the contributions of seniors, they will be honoured, entertained, share fellowship and undertake day trips organised by the Department of Children and Family Services.

This year’s Older Persons’ Month theme on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac invites locals, residents and businesses to, “Take a Stand Against Ageism.”

One of the highlights of the month-long acknowledgement of the nation-building efforts of the Cayman Islands’ elderly population is the nation’s first-ever Older Persons’ Expo.

As the kick-off event, it will take place on Saturday, 1 October at the Family Life Centre on Walkers Road, George Town, from 10am to 2pm.

Hosted by the Ministry of Community Affairs, Youth and Sports and opened by the Her Excellency, the Governor, Helen Kilpatrick, the free expo will include dozens of private and public sector stalls. Kiosks will showcase a range of goods, services, resources and activities currently available to the Islands’ elderly population. The Honourable Osbourne Bodden, Minister responsible for Community Affairs, Youth and Sports, urges all older persons to attend this informative and exciting event.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy free chair massages, an interactive fitness demonstration, a lucky draw, as well as free health and wellness advice/screening. The expo will also feature a number of workshops including fraud management, and advanced care planning presentations. Refreshments will also be available.

Other Older Persons’ Month activities that seniors are invited to take part in include an Island Tour on Cayman Brac (Tuesday, 11 October), the Cultural Foundation Folk Song Concert at Harquail Theatre (Wednesday, 12 October), Bingo Night at the Aston Rutty Civic Centre (Friday, 14 October), a Seniors’ Gala at the Westin Ballroom (Saturday, 15 October), and a Tea Party at the Pines Retirement home (Saturday, 29 October).

Transport to the vast majority of Older Persons’ Month events will be organised by the Department of Children and Family Services. A full listing of events will shortly be available via the Older Persons’ Month Calendar 2016.

For more information, contact 949-0290

 Photo Captions:

OMP 1: Senior citizens enjoyed themselves on the dancefloor at last year’s Older Persons’ Month Seniors’ Bash at the Westin.

OMP 2: Long-time friends had a wonderful evening at last year’s Older Persons’ MonthSeniors’ Bash at the Westin.