A comprehensive survey of the senior population will be undertaken by the Department of Statistics.

The survey, which will assess the immediate and long term needs of the ageing population, will question more than 850 people over age 64 about their lifestyle and the services of which they avail.

The initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Department of Human Affairs, National Office for Seniors, Cabinet Office and the charity Age Concern.

Known as the Seniors’ Test for Ageing Trends and Services (STATS), it will use the data collected to match seniors’ needs with specific services and identify trends that will assist with long term planning. Minister of Cultural Affairs Wayne Perinchief said: “By international standards, Bermuda is considered to be an aged population. A population is considered to be aged if the segment that is over the age of 64 comprises of more than seven percent. Bermuda’s elderly population in 2000 accounted for 11 percent of the population.

“This group of the population outpaced other cohorts with a surge of 25 percent over the last 10 years.”

Chief Statistician Valerie Robinson-James said her department was already well underway in organising the survey which will take place in October 2007.

She said: “Seniors will be asked a broad range of questions such as their health conditions, the need for health and medical equipment, the extent of their health insurance coverage, use of home care services, living arrangements, computer access and use, transportation and mobility, and home safety and security.”

She added that the survey would include seniors with a pension and those without one.

Executive Director of Age Concern Claudette Flemming said the individual information gathered would be kept confidential but the data will be used to shape policy and better educate other non-profit organisations.

She added: “It is anticipated that in subsequent years, the STATS initiative will lead to a full assessment of every senior citizen on the Island so that we will know what every senior needs in order to direct resources accordingly.”

The parties also signed a memorandum of understanding.