Age Concern Bermuda launched a new programme yesterday aimed at improving healthcare access for seniors.

More than 80 people took advantage of the free screenings offered at the first of three health check events set for this year.

“The initiative represents an innovative and creative type of partnership to improve the wellbeing of seniors on the island: private, public and philanthropic,” advocacy chairman Charles Jeffers said.

He added that the initiative — launched in partnership with the Department of Health, the Bermuda International Eye Institute and event sponsor, the Chubb Charitable Foundation — specifically targets those over 50 who are at high risk or diagnosed with high blood pressure and obesity.

Participants had an initial assessment and provided a medical history before being guided through tests including pressure readings as well as dental, eye and dietary screenings.

“I think it’s important as we get older that we keep a check on our health,” La-Verne Tucker, of Devonshire, told The Royal Gazette. “And I think opportunities such as this are vital.”

Dorothy Trott, 72, added that they were particularly important for seniors because some people were not getting the healthcare they needed because of a lack of transportation, health insurance or family support. “I think it’s wonderful, it’s marvellous, it’s needed,” the Hamilton Parish resident said.

New Age Concern member Vaughn Butterfield, who was curious to see what the charity has to offer, came along for a general health assessment.

“I think it’s very good,” the 65-year-old from Pembroke said. She added that it was particularly helpful for those who were not able to see a doctor directly.

Pearl Smith, from Southampton, agreed. She was impressed by last year’s pilot programme, which taught her to be more consistent with her health check-ups.

Noting that seniors can be more vulnerable, Ms Smith, 70, added: “We have to be on top our health at all times because anything can happen.”

Age Concern executive director Claudette Fleming said there had been an “overwhelming” response to the pilot held last July, with more than 100 attending. They realised more health check events were needed after some people had to be turned away.

She said the pilot came about after they discovered that utilisation rates for medical services outside the hospital were decreasing.

“Ordinarily, this would be good news but knowing that the rate of chronic disease in Bermuda is reaching epidemic levels, we became increasingly concerned,” she added.

Dr Fleming said the pilot also revealed that location, as well as co-pays, plays a role when it comes to seniors accessing healthcare.

Some go overseas for certain services because costs in Bermuda can be prohibitive, she noted.

But she added that the charity hoped to find out more about the issue by looking at the data collected through the health checks, which will be repeated in July and November.

Health and seniors minister Jeanne Atherden said such events were important “because the healthier we stay as a population, the less we need to pay for healthcare”.

She also noted that the initiative was “really aligned” with the Bermuda Health Strategy and Action Plan.

“Our population is in a health crisis. On the one hand, the bad news is that people in Bermuda are becoming ill with chronic non-communicable diseases like kidney disease and diabetes at a much younger age. On the other hand, the good news is that seniors are living longer and healthier than ever before.”

But she added that “the combination of sick older adults and well older people is placing a stress on our resources”.

“The bottom line is getting more information out there, reducing the barriers and then turning around and making sure its accessed in a way that is more friendly to seniors.”

Ms Atherden, Dr Fleming and Mr Jeffers thanked all those involved in making the event at Chubb a success.

More than 40 staff volunteered. Chubb Charitable Foundation chairwoman Lori Dunstan, said: “It has been an eye-opening experience working with Age Concern and the healthcare agencies and understanding the challenges faced by our ageing population. Age Concern plays a critical role in supporting seniors and Chubb fully supports their efforts.”