Older Bahamians were encouraged to embrace their golden years as a season of purpose, joy and fulfilment as the Ministry of Social Services officially opened Older Persons and Blindness Awareness Month 2026 with a church service at Bible Truth Ministries on October 1.

Senior Pastor of Bible Truth Ministries, Pastor Ellison Greenslade, delivered a stirring message encouraging seniors who have spent much of their lives caring for families and helping others to also make room for themselves — to enjoy the years they have worked so hard to reach, establish healthy boundaries and keep God at the centre of their lives.

The service, held under the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” coincided with the International Day of Older Persons, observed globally on October 1, and came at a particularly significant time for The Bahamas, with legislation aimed at strengthening the rights, protection, care and support of older persons now before Parliament.

The Ministry of Social Services, Department of Social Services hosted the service in conjunction with the National Council on Older Persons and the Bahamas Alliance for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Minister of Social Services, Senator the Hon. Barbara Cartwright, said longer lives must be accompanied by dignity, security, inclusion and purpose, reminding the congregation of the tremendous contribution older persons have made to the development of families, communities and the nation.

“As Bahamians live longer, we must think beyond simply adding years to life and consider how we ensure that those additional years are lived with dignity, security, inclusion and purpose. Older persons must remain visible, valued and engaged in the life of our country,” Minister Cartwright said.

She said beginning the month in the House of God was fitting, as the nation paused to give thanks for the lives, contributions and enduring presence of its older citizens.

“Our seniors are the keepers of so much of our history. They raised families, built communities, served our churches and workplaces, and helped lay the foundation upon which succeeding generations continue to build,” she said.

The Minister also highlighted the timeliness of this year’s observance as legislation concerning older persons is now before Parliament, strengthening the national conversation about how The Bahamas protects, cares for and supports its ageing population.

Dr. Indira Grimes, Chairman of the National Council on Older Persons, also underscored the significance of the occasion, noting that October 1 is observed internationally as the International Day of Older Persons.

Dr. Grimes reflected on the work that has brought the country to this point, noting that the legislation now before Parliament is the fruit of a multi-sectoral committee established by the Ministry of Social Services to bring stakeholders together to examine the needs of older persons and the systems required to protect and support them.

Pastor Greenslade, meanwhile, challenged seniors to think differently about this stage of their lives.

He reminded them that after years of pouring into children, relatives, friends and communities, there comes a time to recognise that caring for themselves is also important. He encouraged seniors not to feel compelled to say “yes” to every request while consistently placing their own needs last.

Instead, he urged them to take back ownership of their time, enjoy their golden years and continue living with purpose, while keeping God at the helm.

His sermon also turned to the spiritual meaning of longevity and eternity. Pastor Greenslade reminded the congregation that eternal life awaits everyone and encouraged those present to consider not only the length of their earthly lives, but where they would spend eternity.

This year’s observance carries an additional dimension as October is also Blindness Awareness Month, with particular attention being given to older persons who are blind or visually impaired.

Minister Cartwright said that focus reinforces the importance of ensuring that inclusion remains central to the way the country serves its older population.

Mr. Stephen Pitt of the Bahamas Alliance for the Blind and Visually Impaired brought greetings during the service, which also featured participation from officers of the Department of Social Services and Disability Affairs Division.

The service was moderated by Ms. Cheryl Knowles of the Ministry of Social Services, with welcome remarks delivered by Ms. Maxine Duncombe, Director of Social Services. Mr. Marcellus Taylor, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services, introduced Minister Cartwright.

Other participants included Mr. Antoine Munroe of the Disability Affairs Division, who rendered a selection; Ms. Sonia Bostwick, who delivered the Scripture reading from Isaiah 46:4; Mr. Chadwick James, who offered the opening prayer; and Ms. Denica Sweeting of the Department of Social Services, who rendered a solo. Praise and worship was led by the Department of Social Services Choir.

Ms. Eartha Charlow, Assistant Director in the Department of Social Services, delivered the vote of thanks.

The church service marked the beginning of a month of activities designed to celebrate older persons while encouraging a wider national conversation about ageing, longevity, disability and inclusion.

Throughout October, Bahamians are being encouraged to engage older persons in their homes, churches, workplaces, civic organisations and communities — to listen to their experiences, learn from their wisdom and consider how families, communities and national systems can better respond to longer lives.

The message at the start of the month was clear: the golden years should be lived — with faith, dignity, inclusion, purpose and joy.

The post Seniors encouraged to embrace and enjoy their golden years as Older Persons Month begins appeared first on ZNS BAHAMAS.