Seniors who attended an inaugural event marking the International Day of Older Persons said it was a good forum to gain important information and network with service providers.

Seniors Expo 2026 today at the Bermuda College also enabled them to celebrate each other’s journey through life.

“It’s very informative, I’m glad I came and it’s really something to experience,” Waverley Harvey, a retiree, said. “It’s bringing people together and we are just glad we are all here together.”

Ms Harvey was among dozens who attended the gathering under the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives”.

The senior citizen was accompanied by her colleagues from the Joy Club, a social group at the East End.

Shirley Jacobs, another group member, said: “I’ve been a senior for more than ten years and this is the first event like this I’ve attended.

“I am really enjoying it here and a lot of people have shown up.”

Ms Jacobs said the women, who are also part of Knit Pickers, a knitting and crochet group at St George’s, looked forward to sharing their experiences.

Tinée Furbert, the youth, social development and seniors minister, said she was encouraged by the attendance.

“I am pleased to see that our seniors have shown up,” she said, as she hailed the efforts of families, caregivers and seniors’ organisations.

Ms Furbert said many there had “shaped” Bermuda.

She said: “You have helped raised your children, your grandchildren, you served in the community.

“You worked hard in your professions, you shared your knowledge and support to the people around you.

“Your experience belongs in the decisions that affect your lives.”

She said they also shaped the National Seniors Strategy, adding that their input was vital to the plan’s foundation.

Ms Furbert added: “People are living longer and that is what we’re celebrating.

“It also asks more of our systems, care at home, housing, insurance, health services and protection from financial harm.”

She said the expo brought together the requisite people to answer questions from seniors and their families.

A number of government and non-profit organisations were on hand for attendees.

Lisa James, founder and chairwoman of the Bermuda Caregivers Alliance, shared the organisation’s mandate to supports, educate and advocate for those who care for others.

“Today I want us to think not only about ageing and living longer but also about the people who make this happen, who make this possible.”

Ms James told the audience that caregivers’ support mattered in an island with an ageing population.

In 2024, a survey found that 21.7 per cent of the island’s population was 65 and above and a projection for 2026 indicated that there will be 15,025 seniors in Bermuda, or one person in four.

Ms James added: “The demand is growing, the supply is unclear — we require more education, awareness and oversight.”

She spoke on burnout among professionals as well as family caregivers, from factors including “continually putting your own health last”.

Ms James said burnout was no personal failure, but a warning that the caregiving sector “needs more support”.

Erica Fulton, executive director of Dementia Bermuda, shared with the audience the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's, noting that people often asked.

She said: “Dementia is the umbrella term used to describe the changes in a person and it is different brain diseases, while Alzheimer’s is a brain disease.

“Dementia is caused by disease; it is not caused by ageing.”

Ms Fulton provided information on dementia in Bermuda and the services offered by the charity to support those affected.

Officials from the Bermuda Housing Corporation were also on hand.

Deeanda Bannister, a rental inspector at the BHC, said: “Our seniors are important so our agency is here to support this type of event.

“I think it’s informative for those who are here today and for those who couldn’t attend, I think there should be more like this.”