Older residents will have the opportunity to attend free smartphone classes, talent shows, social gatherings and galas throughout October, as the Department of Children and Family Services marks Older Persons Month with a programme focused on participation and protection.

Under the theme “Honouring Our Older Persons through Action and Protection”, the calendar includes more than 30 activities on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, alongside radio programmes and an at-home scavenger hunt for people who cannot attend in person.

Speaking on Radio Cayman’s Talk Today with Charles Glidden on 1 Oct., Department of Children and Family Services Director Paulinda Mendoza-Williams stressed that supporting Cayman’s older residents must continue throughout the year.

“We have to create an environment, a community that is mindful of their needs and keeping them engaged, keeping them active, and letting them know that they belong,” she said.

The programme caters to people aged 65 and older. Department of Children and Family Services representatives said activities are free, although registration is required for some events and spaces are limited. Caregivers, including family members, can accompany older participants.

The month follows the third annual Ageing Forum, held on 26 Sept., where speakers highlighted the importance of maintaining social connections and supporting independence.

Dr. Glaister Bell, chair of the Council of Older Persons, said loneliness could affect residents who had lost loved ones or had no relatives living on island. Such challenges, he said, “underscore the importance of creating strong, supportive, and connected communities for older persons.”

Social worker Mya Dunkley echoed that concern during the radio interview, saying events gave older residents time to speak with others and be heard.

“I think a lot of times that they’re lonely … because, you know, everybody’s working,” she said. “So not everybody gets to sit down and actually listen and talk with them. So, this time allows that.”

An afternoon tea at The Pines Retirement Home on 3 Oct., from 3–5pm, will offer local bush teas and an opportunity to meet other older residents, including some from The Pines and Golden Age Home.

Participants can bring a family member or someone to accompany them. Reservations can be made by calling The Pines on 949-5650 or sending a WhatsApp message to 928-4483. Organisers said the event would move indoors if it rains.

The opening church service takes place at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on 4 Oct., at 11.30am.

Two Older Persons Month ambassadors, one from Grand Cayman and one from Cayman Brac, will be named during the service following public nominations. The Grand Cayman ambassador will receive an award that day, while the Cayman Brac ambassador will receive an award at the island’s church service later in the month.

The ambassadors are recognised for their contributions to the community and to older people.

The public libraries will host practical “Learn Your Smartphone” sessions covering uses such as WhatsApp, messaging and social media, as well as ways to recognise and block unwanted contacts.

Department of Children and Family Services representatives said the training could help older residents maintain relationships, access services and protect themselves from scams. Participants must bring their own smartphones and can ask questions about using their devices.

Sessions take place at George Town Public Library on 6 Oct., Cayman Brac Public Library on 8 Oct., West Bay Public Library on 13 Oct., Bodden Town Public Library on 20 Oct. and East End Public Library on 21 Oct. Each runs from 10am to 12.30pm. The North Side Public Library session is scheduled for 27 Oct., from 10am to 1.30pm.

A Lunch and Learn session at George Town Public Library on 28 Oct., from noon to 1pm, will address advance care planning. Department of Children and Family Services representatives said younger adults and people working in central George Town were also welcome to attend.

Older performers will take to the stage at the Aston Rutty Civic Centre on Cayman Brac on 9 Oct. and the Harquail Theatre on Grand Cayman on 19 Oct., with talent shows running from 6–8pm.

Previous performances have included storytelling, singing, instrumental music and comedy skits. The wider community is invited to watch, while prospective performers should register in advance. Registration information is available on 244-8441 or through the Department of Children and Family Services .

The Rennie Barnes Social Club will host games, refreshments and social activities at 23 Barnes Drive in George Town on 7 and 14 Oct., from 6–8pm. Registration is required.

The virtual ‘At Home Scavenger Hunt’ takes place on 8 Oct., at 6.30pm, and is open to Sister Islands residents as well as those on Grand Cayman. Participants search for items in their homes and can receive help from children, grandchildren or other family members.

On 15 Oct., a panel of older people will discuss the month’s theme and issues affecting their lives. The discussion takes place at Constitution Hall from 12.15–2pm and will be broadcast on Radio Cayman. Organisers said six panellists had been confirmed, including a Cayman Brac representative.

The Grand Cayman gala takes place at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa on 17 Oct., from 6–10pm, with food, music, dancing and the selection of this year’s Older Persons Month king and queen.

Mendoza-Williams described the gala as the month’s signature event, saying older residents look forward to dressing up and enjoying the evening together. Participants in the king and queen competition will be judged on their dancing and attire.

Organisers encouraged early registration because seats fill quickly.

Cayman Brac’s gala will be held at the Seaman’s Centre on 24 Oct., at 6pm. Other Brac events include breakfast at the Alexander Hotel on 15 Oct., at 8am; a church service at Stake Bay Baptist Church on 25 Oct. at 11am; and bingo at the Aston Rutty Civic Centre on 27 Oct. at 11am.

On Grand Cayman, the Seniors Fun Day at Central Scranton Park on 22 Oct., from 2–6pm, will include bingo among its activities.

Frank Sound Church of God Chapel will host the North Side Seniors Brunch at the North Side Civic Centre on 26 Oct., from 10am to 1pm.

A seniors retreat runs from 29 Oct. to 1 Nov., offering a staycation with organised activities and shared accommodation. Organisers said transportation would be provided for participants to attend retreat activities. Registration and further details are available on 925-7245 or 928-1899.

Mendoza-Williams acknowledged that transportation remained a barrier for some older residents. The Department of Children and Family Services is working with service providers and community partners on arrangements for events, including the gala.

Participants should watch for public service announcements and updates in district WhatsApp groups about transportation.

For registration or further information, contact the Department of Children and Family Services on 949-0290 in Grand Cayman or 948-2331 in Cayman Brac.

District contacts are Vanda Powery on 916-7902 for West Bay; Dorline Welcome on 925-4083 for George Town and East End; Sophia Walker on 926-5569 for Bodden Town and North Side; and Julianne Scott on 925-9872 for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.