Council Announces Full Programme for 3rd Annual Ageing Forum
The Council of Older Persons has announced the full programme for its 3rd Annual Ageing Forum, bringing together Cayman Islands leaders, health and wellness professionals, community advocates and service providers for an afternoon focused on practical ways to support people in ageing well.
Held under the theme “Ageing Well, Together,” the free public Forum takes place on Saturday, 26 Sept. 2026 at Hotel Indigo's Azure Ballroom. Lunch, registration and an opportunity to visit exhibitor booths begin at 12:00 p.m., with the formal programme commencing at 1:00 p.m.
Now in its third year, the Forum is designed for older persons as well as families, caregivers, persons approaching retirement, professionals and anyone interested in planning for their own future. Attendees are welcome to register for a particular session or stay for the full Forum.
The programme will open with Ben Meade as MC and welcome remarks from Hon. André M. Ebanks, Premier and Minister for Financial Services & Commerce, and Hon. Isaac Rankine, Minister for Social Development & Innovation and Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage. Dr. Glaister Bell, Chair of the Council of Older Persons, will deliver opening remarks.
This year's keynote address will be delivered by author and University College of the Cayman Islands President Emeritus Mr. Roy Bodden, who will speak on “Growing Old in Twenty-first Century Cayman: Challenges and Opportunities.”
Throughout the afternoon, attendees will hear practical presentations addressing different dimensions of ageing well. Dr. Paulette Gayle of the Health Services Authority (HSA), will present on Understanding Mental Health in Older Persons; Andrea Hill of Andrea Hill Holistic Nutrition will discuss Healthy Ageing, Healthy Eating; and Yasmin Smith, Community Nurse with HSA, will present on Caring for Ageing Parents. Polly Serpell will lead a Chair Yoga movement break, providing an opportunity for participants to incorporate gentle physical activity into the day.
Later in the programme, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) will present Tech-Savvy & Scam-Smart: Staying Safe and Connected, addressing the increasingly important role of digital awareness and safety as more everyday services and communications move online.
The day's presentations will culminate in an “Ageing Well, Together” panel discussion, moderated by Ben Meade, featuring Dr. Ryan Punambolam of Doctors Hospital, Daphne Orrett, Joy Basdeo and Dr. Sonia Martin. Mrs. Annette Vaughan, Deputy Chair of the Council of Older Persons, will deliver the Vote of Thanks.
Council Chair Dr. Glaister Bell said the range of topics reflects the Council's focus on providing older persons and their families with useful information while encouraging a wider community conversation about ageing.
“Ageing well is something that concerns every one of us, whether we are older persons today, caring for ageing parents or simply thinking about our own future. Through this Forum, we want to bring people together, share practical information and encourage conversations that help older persons remain active, informed, independent and connected. ‘Ageing Well, Together’ recognisesthat creating an age-friendly Cayman is a responsibility and opportunity we all share.”
The Council of Older Persons is established under the Older Persons Act, 2017 as an advisory body comprising older persons and professionals and experts from the public and private sectors. Its purpose includes championing the welfare of older persons and advocating for programmes, projects and legislative measures focused on older persons.
The Forum is supported by the Ministry of Social Development & Innovation (MSDI) as Main Sponsor, reflecting the partnership between the Ministry and Council in advancing the wellbeing, inclusion and participation of older persons in the Cayman Islands.
Minister for Social Development & Innovation Hon. Isaac Rankine said:
“Supporting people as they age is an important part of our work in social development. Through the Ministry’s partnership with the Council of Older Persons, we are working to strengthen access to information, resources and support that help older persons and their families navigate the years ahead. Our older persons are an important part of Cayman’s heritage and the communities we have built, and we want them to continue to be supported, valued and engaged. The Ageing Forum reflects that commitment, bringing people and organisations together to share knowledge, strengthen support and help Cayman age well, together.”
The Forum supports the Cayman Islands Government’s Broad Outcome for Health and Social Development, including its focus on improving quality of life across all ages and supporting an age-friendly society in which older persons can remain active, independent and engaged.
Alongside the presentations, attendees will have opportunities to visit exhibitor booths, connect directly with organisations and service providers, ask questions and learn about resources available in the community. The programme lists exhibitors including the Alzheimer's and Dementia Association, Credit Union, Disability Council and Council of Older Persons, Doctors Hospital, Health Services Authority, Jasmine, Ministry of Social Development & Innovation and The Wellness Centre.
The 3rd Annual Ageing Forum is FREE and open to the public. Attendees can register for one session or stay for the full day.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
Location: Hotel Indigo, Azure Ballroom
Lunch, Registration & Exhibitor Booths: 12:00 p.m.
Forum: 1:00 p.m. onwards
Cost: FREE
To register or for more information, visit gov.ky/opc, or call or message 922-2684.
Sponsors
The Council of Older Persons extends its appreciation to the Ministry of Social Development & Innovation, Health Services Authority, Cayman Islands Civil Service Association Co-operative Credit Union, The Wellness Centre, Healthy Futures and Doctors Hospital for their support of the 2026 Ageing Forum.
