Thursday, October 1, marks International Day of Older Persons, and the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) is using the occasion to encourage the community to recognize the valuable contribution of older persons while promoting healthy ageing, independence, dignity and inclusion.
International Day of Older Persons is observed annually on October 1. The 2026 theme is: “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
The theme recognizes one of the major demographic transformations taking place around the world: people are living longer. Increased longevity represents significant progress, but it also requires communities and health and social systems to adapt to the changing needs of ageing populations.
For CPS, healthy ageing means more than simply living longer. It means helping people maintain their physical and mental health, independence, social connections and quality of life for as long as possible.
As people age, the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers can increase. Regular health checks and early detection can help identify risk factors and health conditions before they develop into more serious complications.
CPS therefore encourages older persons to remain proactive about their health by having regular medical check-ups, monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar where appropriate, taking prescribed medications as directed by their healthcare provider and discussing any changes in their health with their physician.
Maintaining an active lifestyle is also an important part of healthy ageing. Physical activity appropriate to an individual’s age, health and physical ability can help maintain mobility, muscle strength, balance and cardiovascular health and can contribute to overall mental well-being.
Healthy eating is equally important. Older persons should strive for balanced meals that include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, appropriate sources of protein and adequate hydration while limiting foods that are high in salt, added sugars and unhealthy fats.
Mental and social well-being should also remain a priority. Staying connected with family, friends and the wider community can help reduce social isolation and loneliness. Families are encouraged to include older relatives in family activities, maintain regular communication and pay attention to changes in their emotional or physical well-being.
The 2026 theme also encourages societies to rethink how communities, healthcare services, housing, transportation, social protection and other systems can better respond to people living longer lives.
Creating an age-friendly society requires ensuring that older persons can continue participating in community life, accessing appropriate healthcare and other essential services, maintaining their independence wherever possible and living with dignity and security.
Older persons should not be viewed solely through the perspective of the care they may require. They continue to serve as parents, grandparents, caregivers, mentors, community leaders, volunteers and repositories of knowledge and experience.
Their experiences also represent an important connection between generations. Within Sint Maarten, older persons have witnessed and contributed to the country’s social, cultural and economic transformation and continue to play an important role in families and communities.
CPS encourages the Sint Maarten community to use International Day of Older Persons 2026 to celebrate older persons and consider what can be done individually, within families and throughout the community to ensure that longer lives are also healthier, safer and more fulfilling lives.
