for Bermuda's Elderly.

The conference is to be held on November 4 in the Harbour Room at Number One Shed.

Sir John, who chairs the commitee responsible for overseeing Bermuda's participation in the United Nations International Year of Older Persons, urged all Bermudians to come and participate.

The event begins with registration of participants at 9.30 a.m. and the Premier will be there at 10 a.m. to officially open the sessions.

The conference will have four separate workshops running simultaneously to consider different aspects of the integration of seniors.

The first topic, Independence and Dignity given by Mrs. Nell Bassett-Carter, formerly "Auntie Nell'' on ZBM, will focus on the issues relating to older persons having access to food, water, shelter, clothing and medical care through elder education and training programmes, family and community support.

The second topic Participation presented by Mrs. Mary Baker, president of the Parkinson's Disease Society in the UK, will address the issues relating to the elderly being able to participate in the community by volunteering their time to pass on their knowlege and skills to the younger generations.

Topic three, Care, is being presented by Dr. Khin Myint, staff consultant geriatrician at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital will deal with issues relating to the elderly and their access to quality health care to enable them to achieve optimum physical, mental and emotional health as well as making these facilities more affordable for the elderly.

Topic four, Self-Fulfilment, is given by Mr. Fred Hassell of Admiralty House and will cover issues relating to the elderly being able to pursue opportunities to enhance their educational, cultural, spiritual and economical resources to their fullest potential.

Sir John spoke about the rising life expectancy of Bermuda's population.

"Bermuda's over 65 population takes up 6.5 percent of the total population.'' he said. "By the yaer 2010, the percentage will be at 10 per cent.'' He stressed the need to address "Senior Concerns'' in regards to affordable health care and insurance.

The conference will address issues that are relevant to seniors such as how they prefer to be addressed.

"Our effort during the last few months has not been directed so much toward a celebration of the achievements of older persons as it has been directed toward better integration of older persons in the larger community,'' Sir John said.

Pre-registration forms will be available to those who want to register before November 4 at the Department of Community Affairs, which is behind the old Fire Station at the junction of Front and Court Streets.

SENIORS SR