Diversity is the different characteristics and qualities that make someone or something different from the other. I view Bermuda's seniors as our elder role models. All that Bermuda is today is because of decisions made and actions taken by our ancestors. Change has not always originated from Government, but rather from the sacrifices of many ordinary Bermudians who over the years have had a to bear the fury of Bermuda's racially and economically divided society. Many of these seniors are still with us today and are shinning examples of the dignity and pride that has become synonymous with the word "Bermudian". This diverse culture of Bermudians deserves to be treated with all the respect, support and recognition that one would expect from Bermuda's finest. Unfortunately my research has shown me that many feel disillusioned due to the lack of respect, support and opportunities they receive at the hands of a system that seems to have little respect for the ageing.

Bermuda's senior citizens play an important role in preserving the history, traditions and diversity of this island. The wisdom of these elderly citizens' help youngsters like me to learn valuable life lessons, and most of all these senior citizens provide us with useful advice that we can use throughout our lives. I would like to see seniors become more a part of society.I strongly feel that a lot of our youth cannot identify with Bermuda's past, and senior citizens can play the role by bridging the gap between yesterday's Bermuda and the Bermuda as we know it today. Our older Bermudians are walking encyclopaedias, and we should take advantage of their knowledge before it is lost forever. They can play a role in the education system, by visiting schools and sharing with our young many of their life's experiences in a Bermuda of yesterday. Hopefully this will help restore a lot of the pride that seems to be missing in our younger Bermudians.

In Bermuda, someone is considered a senior citizen when they're 65 years or older. These seniors are living longer. However, they aren't gone yet, and they deserve the right to be treated fairly. They are the ones who are suffering and experiencing the most difficulties of life. Many feel that their pension is not enough, and they have to subsidise this by working longer, when they should be enjoying retirement. "In Bermuda, the maximum Social Security benefit obtainable is $920 a month for those who qualify, about 22% of all local pensioners (not nearly half as claimed by Government). Locally, benefits average $660 per month. Some receive only $400 a month and neither own their own homes nor are employed. How do they live! Certainly not in comfort or dignity, even when some are fortunate enough to pay no rent. (http://www.Bermuda-online.org/seniorcitizens.htm)". This is complicated when one considers that Bermuda is one of the richest countries in the world. Many pensioners get by solely on their social security. Often times, family members take advantage of their grandparent's pension and use it for themselves to pay bills or any other expenses.

As of April 1, 2006, any company that has less than 50 employees cannot have those over 65 years of age on the same group health plan; those over 65 have to go on their own individual plan. My grandfather just recently had to switch to his own individual health play within 30 days of April 1, 2006. This has proven to be very costly to him; he now pays about $900 a month for insurance. As a result, many are forced to use money received from pension to pay for medical expenses. I was surprised to discover that some of our seniors have to do without medicine and proper medical attention because they can't afford the expense. Seniors are also victimised through housing and crime.

In conclusion, our elders have broken down many barriers. They deserve recognition for fighting for the freedoms we enjoyed today. We should be honouring them from our white limestone roof tops, instead, rather than being a blast from the past, they have been just plain blasted!