Seniors flocked into a nearly packed St. Paul's Centennial Hall to find out as much information as they could about health insurance and pensions yesterday for Social Insurance Senior's Day.

Professionals from various disciplines such as the Diabetes Centre, Age Concern and Hospital Insurance Pension (HIP) all set up stations and provided answers to some common and not so common questions concerning seniors.

There were nutritionists on hand and health screenings were provided as the seniors visited the station.

The Assistant Director for Health Insurance Collin Anderson said: "The main aim of the day was to get the information about pensions and HIP out to seniors so they can be informed and make better decisions."

The amount of seniors that came out to the session was encouraging, he added. "I'm extremely pleased with today's attendance. I think is shows the level of public interest about pension and health issues."

He added: "My team went away in January for a few days for a brain-storming session and this is one of the ideas that came about."

Mr. Anderson said that the department started to plan for this event in late March and this is only one of the initiatives that they have planned for the future.

He said: "We also have three new benefits that will be introduced August 1 for HIP."

The programme will begin offering basic dental coverage; specialists procedures outside of hospital care and will be increasing benefits for kidney transplants to $100,000.

Mr. Anderson said a common question among seniors was: 'Why doesn't HIP pay for all of my medical expenses?'

"HIP is designed to be a basic insurance coverage," he said. "In order to keep it affordable, we need to limit the benefits."

Minister of Health Nelson Bascome gave the welcoming speech at the event.

"The response was awesome, I am really surprised," he said of the high attendance.

"I think this is an excellent opportunity for seniors to get information on the improved services of HIP and Social Insurance and also be able to get a health screening from the Department of Health."

Of the 'one stop' services on offer yesterday, Eunice Christopher, 70, said: "I am very interested to find out more about diabetes, so I think this is a very good idea that Government is offering to us."

Senior Florence Ming said: "I just finished visiting the Health and Nursing station and I found out that instead of going to the doctor, which can get very expensive, I can go to the clinic, they offer the same services there, and it's free."

Ms Ming, who appeared very young for her 70 years, said: "I have so much energy because I take a nap every day, even if it's only for an hour and after I feel rejuvenated."