The importance of good health was stressed to seniors at a health seminar last week.

The event was organised by Age Concern.

"Health is important if you want to keep your quality of life," said Claudette Fleming, the charity's executive director.

She said a survey taken of seniors in 2008 showed they were interested in their health, but most were not eating healthy foods and were not exercising.

It also indicated that 80 percent of those aged 60 and over were on some form of medication.

Sarah Burrows of Live Healthy Bermuda and ophthalmologist Leonard Teye-Botchway of Bermuda International Eye Institute both spoke at the event.

Ms Burrows spoke briefly on optimal blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, weight and waist measurements. She also explained how a device, Tanita, could help analyse body composition.

The device is similar to a traditional bathroom scale in that it gives one's weight; however it also reads muscle mass, water and body fat levels.

Dr. Teye-Botchway explained some of the most common eye diseases and conditions that happen as we age.

He focused on cataracts, droopy eyelids, and sagginess under the eyes, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

About 50 seniors attended the seminar. Janet Richardson, 71, said she found it informative.

"I came to two meetings before I joined Age Concern," she said. "This is the second meeting since I joined. I am really trying to patronise them because they put on a lot of good programmes."

Body & Soul this week concentrates on the glaucoma section of Dr. Teye-Botchway's presentation. Other areas he spoke on will be featured in detail in subsequent weeks.