mobility and independence in later life.

So "Get fit, stay fit, have fun'' will be the message the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Housing will stress during Senior Citizens Week, which begins on Sunday.

"Too many seniors adopt the attitude that they've spent their lives working, and now it's time for them to sit back and be waited on,'' Government Health Promotion Co-ordinator, Mrs. Ivena Laurenceo, noted.

Aware that some seniors' clubs offer exercise programmes, Mrs. Laurenceo said the Ministry was anxious to involve all of Bermuda's seniors in a regular fitness regime.

To that end, the Ministry is sponsoring a series of television programmes especially aimed at seniors, during which exercise routines demonstrated by Mrs. Vicky Jensen will be followed by talks from various specialists who work with seniors.

"We felt it was time to do something to involve seniors throughout the Island,'' Mrs. Laurenceo explained. "The programmes will be 30 minutes long and air at 10 a.m. on Mondays, beginning June 1. Mrs. Jensen will do 20 minutes of exercises, which she wants people in their homes to join in on. All of the exercises will be done seated in a chair, so even people who are confined to a wheelchair or in bed can participate.

"During the last ten minutes of each programme I will interview someone who is involved with older persons -- physio- and occupational therapists, a nutritionist and a district nurse -- and also give tips on how to stay healthy.

"The district nurse is going to talk about foot care, the nutritionist about healthy eating later in life and how important it is to restrict salt in order to keep healthy, the occupational therapist will discuss how being active in the home could have prevented many seniors from being institutionalised, and the physiotherapist will talk about the importance of having a positive attitude in life -- in socialising and doing things for others.'' Because of its broad content, Mrs. Laurenceo said the television series was entitled, Quality of Life.

"We can all improve the quality of our lives, and it is never too late to do so,'' she said.

Turning to the importance of exercise, Mrs. Laurenceo said that too many seniors believed they were "too old'' for such activity, yet exercise was a key element in maintaining independence, and also in prolonging life -- as scientific evidence increasingly proved.

"People think being older means adopting a more sedentary life style, and then they complain of having no energy! The reason they have no energy is because of inactivity. People don't need vitamins for energy, they need exercise. That will give them the energy they are striving for,'' she stressed.

Indeed, the benefits of exercise were many, Mrs. Laurenceo said.

"Exercise makes people feel and look good. People who exercise have more energy, are less anxious, have less stress, sleep better, are happier and more confident. In addition, exercise conditions the heart and lungs, enriches the blood, controls weight, prevents constipation through good bowel tone, and keeps the joints and bones working better, thus preventing injuries through better muscle tone.'' She explained that, without exercise, older people who sit for long periods of time and then get up have a higher chance of falling or injury.

"When they exercise the muscles are strengthened, joints become more flexible, and the bones are stronger. Every time an older person puts their weight on their feet they are actually strengthening their bones because the calcium deposits are being strengthened. The stronger the bones, the better they are able to bear a person's weight. Sitting and inactivity are really injurious to one's health. In fact, inactivity is the cause of many falls in older people.'' Since oxygen is important to the body, and older people tend not to breathe deeply, exercise is an excellent way of improving this.

"It causes them to take deeper breaths, thus getting more oxygen to the brain and body tissues.'' Those with illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis and some heart problems also showed improvement with exercise.

"Exercise keeps arthritic joints more flexible, improves the diabetic condition and also that of people with heart problems -- providing the doctor approves. It has also been known to improve the condition of those who have high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels,'' she said.

Recognising that motivation for exercising regularly may be hard to find in some, the Health Promotion Co-ordinator said: "We are not asking people to engage in aerobics or strenuous exercise, we just want them to reach their highest level of functioning. It doesn't matter what exercise they engage in, the thing is to choose something they enjoy and have fun doing it because the more they enjoy it, the more likely they are to continue exercising. We are asking for a lifetime commitment to exercise.'' For further information on the television series, Quality of Life, watch your local TV guide, or telephone Mrs. Laurenceo at 236-0224. No matter what age you are or what shape you're in, there's an exercise for you. Different kinds of exercise can improve your flexibility, strength, and the condition of your heart and lungs.

Stretching and yoga are good for improving flexibility, weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging or doing callisthenics strengthen muscles.

Brisk walking, bicycling and swimming improve the condition of the heart and lungs, provided they are done at least three times a week.

Preparing the body for exercise is important at any age and all fitness levels. A warm-up period should begin with slow, rhythmic activity such as walking. Gradually increase the intensity until your pulse rate, respiration rate and body temperature are elevated. It is also advisable to do some easy stretching exercises before moving on the to the strength and endurance activities.

Once you have begun your daily exercise, keep these points in mind for more satisfying results: Start gradually, about five to ten minutes at first.

Increase amount of exercise each day, up to about 25 minutes.

Avoid dizziness by pausing briefly before changing direction.

Breathe deeply and evenly between exercises and during exercise. Don't hold your breath.

Rest whenever it is necessary.

Exercise to lively music, or with friends for added enjoyment.

Make exercising a part of your daily routine. If the weather prevents outdoor activity, walk indoors.

If you have a history of heart disease, are over 40, smoke, or are not used to vigorous exercise, check with your doctor before beginning any exercise programme.

STRETCHING THE POINT -- Senior Islanders' Club members, some costumed for a subsequent event, participate in a regular exercise programme at their Spanish Point headquarters.