Status of Seniors in Bermuda

Seniors in Bermuda are generally doing well but they may need government assistance with health care and transportation, among other needs, according to this survey by Bermuda’s Department of Statistics.

By Robyn Skinner

Thirty five percent of seniors in Bermuda make less than $25,000 a year, according to the Seniors Test for Ageing and Trends (STATS) survey that was released this morning.

The first survey of the Island’s seniors to be done by Bermudians and for Bermudians was released during a joint press conference with the Department of Statistics, Age Concern, the Ministry of Social Rehabilitation and the National Office for the Seniors and Physically Challenged.

Started in 2006, the survey visited 875 households – 508 households participated where 695 eligible seniors were interviewed.

Some of the findings were that:

• 35 percent have an annual income under $25,000


• 25 percent had incomes between $25,000 and $50,000


• 21 percent had incomes that exceeded $50,000


• 21 percent of the seniors have an annual income of over $50,000.


• 59 percent of the seniors report a net income of $2,284 per month after expenses.


• 18 percent of seniors report a net income of $184 per month after expense.


• 61 percent have major medical coverage


• 61 percent operate their own car

During the press conference Claudette Fleming, the Executive Director of Age Concern Bermuda said the general consensus was that seniors were happy in their position.

She said: “We are very proud of this home-grown effort, undertaken ‘by you’ with you and for you having used the local community to execute the planning, survey design, field work, compilation and analysis.

“Generally the findings indicate that seniors in Bermuda are ‘holding their own’ and report to be doing reasonably well.”

And Dr. Melvin Dickinson, the manager of the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged said he hoped the findings would help deliver appropriate services.

“With this statistical information we intend to review the findings with a view to ensure that the services that are provided are adequate, affordable and accessible.

“We also intend to work closely with groups and entities that aim to support the very important role carried out by the caregivers by way of improved legislation and policy as it applies to the continuum of care for our seniors.”