force in the coming election.

That was a message from City Hall yesterday, where a ceremony to start Senior Citizens Week saw political leaders engage in some mild electioneering.

Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade and NLP leader Mr. Gilbert Darrell urged the elderly to vote for themselves and for the good of the Country.

But Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness said Government wants to utilise the experience of the country's older folk to help younger people.

Statistics show that the over-65 population is increasing and by the Year 2021 a fifth of the population of Bermuda will be part of that age group. The elderly also make up 15 percent of registered voters.

Mayor of Hamilton the Rt. Wor. Cecil Dismont said: "When you are 65 you have freedom of speech and you don't worry about the sack because you still have that Government cheque coming in.

"There are more people becoming senior citizens than babies being born each year. Can you imagine what would happen if you got together and formed an association. During an election you would have politicians knocking on your door every day,'' said the mayor, a senior citizen himself.

Miracles of modern medicines and healthier lifestyles have led to increased life expectancy according to Mr. Edness, who attended the ceremony on behalf of the Premier.

Mr. Edness said: "With the obvious benefits of a healthier life and a longer and more satisfied life come implications for society in terms of how to make optimum use of the reservoir of talent in Bermuda's senior citizens.

"These senior citizens embrace a wealth of experience, talent and energy which ought to be tapped by the community at large.

"In my opinion there is a need for additional opportunities for senior citizens to share their thoughts and life experiences with those of a younger generation.

"There is sometimes the tendency to think that once a person reaches the aged of 55 or 60 that person should be `put out to pasture'.'' Mr. Edness said it was the Government's intention to do everything reasonably possible to see to the comfort of the men and women who gave so much to make Bermuda what it is today.

Opposition leader Mr. Wade stressed the importance of senior citizens registering for the vote in case of an election.

"You have needs like medical care, housing, nursing homes, day care and transportation.'' He said he wanted to chastise the Premier for failing to invite him to the annual senior citizens' tea party at Camden which took place on Sunday. He said he would be holding the tea party after the election.

Mr. Wade said: "You need to look at the parties and make assessments for yourselves first and then for the children. Make sure what you do is the best for our future.'' NLP leader Mr. Darrell pointed out that there were problems with health care in the United States and said Bermuda was better. But he asked senior citizens to make it known to Mr. Edness that they wanted even better provision.