This weekend's series on crime against senior citizens, which concluded in today's newspaper, shows how important it is that the elderly do not become isolated within the community.

There is no reason why seniors should be thrown on the rubbish heap when they turn 65 and it seems clear that those senior citizens who remain active once they retire tend to live longer and healthier lives.

It is probable that active seniors, who are out and about in the community, are less vulnerable than those who become house bound, either through choice, illness or economic necessity.

Government should take another look at the mandatory retirement of many senior citizens at the age of 65. The retirement age was put in place at a time when people's health deteriorated earlier and people died at younger ages.

While some people look forward to retirement, it is unfair that other people are forced to retire when they can continue to contribute and give to the whole community.

Given that Bermuda has more jobs than people, it makes even less sense. Those people who wish to continue to contribute and to work should be allowed to.

It is true that this may prevent young people from moving up and could make the expression "dead man's shoes" a literal expression as well as a figurative one. But in a growing economy, and assuming that companies handle their over-65 employees intelligently, this should not pose a major problem.

Keeping active is one of the solutions to the prevention of crime against seniors because it reduces their vulnerability. Equally, seniors need to take some responsibility for their own safety by following the crime prevention tips published in the newspaper and learning some sensible forms of self-defence.

But even with those steps, it must be recognised that senior citizens are less able to protect themselves than people under the age of 65, and often are the people who can least afford to be robbed of their fixed incomes.

Very often the perpetrators of crimes against seniors are drug addicts who see them as easy targets.

While it is true that crimes against any individual are serious, judges and Magistrates now take a severe line against those who commit crimes against children because it is recognised that they are more vulnerable than adults. The same is true of senior citizens and judges and Magistrates should take a hard line against the predators who pick on them.

Irene Barton, 80 told The Royal Gazette on Saturday: "In my neighbourhood people come running to me, because they are afraid. They are always telling me to call 911. And it is terrible, because you're not supposed to feel like a prisoner in your own home.

"I will not let anyone keep me in my own house. If it comes that I have to punch them in the face then that's what I will do, because I have a right to enjoy my home and my neighbourhood. If the Lord has let me last all these years there's no way that I am going to be pushed around by these bad boys. Once they know that you are in fear, you are in trouble."

Mrs. Barton is right to take a line. She and others like her need the support of the whole community so that they need not live in fear or be prisoners in their homes.