Seniors’ needs against a backdrop of rising costs in Bermuda took centre stage at an in-person “talk and tea” forum held last Friday.

Eighty participants gathered at St Paul’s Church Hall in Paget — with more such gatherings planned.

Tinée Furbert, Minister of Social Development and Seniors, said “needs and concerns” of the island’s elderly were to be aired as Bermuda emerged from the grips of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The announcement of the meetings last month noted the heightened challenges of older Bermudians in light of the rising cost of living.

Ms Furbert said yesterday that she found it “refreshing to connect with our seniors in person”.

She added: “The event was well attended, and our seniors provided invaluable feedback.

“Our seniors had many questions and concerns that we were able to acknowledge and provide feedback and workable solutions.”

The minister noted the island was forecast to have a senior population of one-third by 2036.

Her remarks came as the Ministry of Economy and Labour acknowledged dire economic challenges threatening the island with the working population shrinking while increasing numbers of residents enjoyed their retirement.

Ms Furbert called it “enlightening to hear directly from our seniors what an age-friendly community would look like for them”.

She added: “Gathering data in this way helps us ensure we are listening to the needs of our senior population and working towards providing solutions.”