When most people hear the name Fred Hassell they immediately think of his valuable work with senior citizens.

He is a coordinator appointed by the Ministry of Development, Opportunity and Government Services whose headquarters is the Admiralty House Community Centre at Spanish Point.

About 25 years ago he was inspired by a an American volunteer to work with the Meals on Wheels programme.

"I came into this line of work by sheer accident. I was helping out with the Meals on Wheels and I realised how much I enjoyed helping older people. I found this line of work brought out the best in me. I have been encouraged and inspired working with seniors,'' he explained.

The energetic Mr. Hassell thrives in promoting seniors in a positive light and promotes numerous senior clubs throughout the Island.

He is a very busy man as he is also an ordained minister in the Apolostic Church in Southampton.

Additionally, he holds a series seven financial certification. Catch him, if you can! He hosts with vibrant, veteran broadcaster Marlene B. Landy a weekly community radio show focused on seniors called, `Sixtysomething' on ZFB.

They play classical music, religious songs, show tunes and a vast variety of music. The show is aired on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to noon.

They feature guests on the show and the up beat duo answered questions for this story live on their show, March 9, with guest Beverley Causey-Smith.

"Marlene trained me to be a broadcaster, and I appreciate her professionalism.'' explained Mr. Hassell.

"I have been in broadcast journalism continually since 1962 without a break,'' added Ms. Landy.

Do you feel that Bermuda's seniors have a serious voice through out the Island? Ans: Mr. Hassell , "Yes, this is the international year of the older person and we have a committee chaired by Sir John Plowman and we have been meeting for the last year taking many issues seriously. We are looking at past studies about protecting our elders and looking at legislation that will affect their future. We have held different forums about fitness and exercise and we are trying to get the young seniors in their 60s to do more volunteering.'' What about the quality of life for seniors in Bermuda? Are most of them comfortable and enjoying maturity? Ans: Ms. Landy , "I would have to answer yes! I have been a senior since 19 something. In North America you qualify as a senior at age 55 but in Bermuda you cannot get your pension until age 65. We have a lot of healthy active seniors and this helps them to enjoy retirement. I know seniors who are regular walkers and swim year round and some are way older than I am.'' Ans: Mr. Hassell , Half of the people age 65 and older are still working in Bermuda which is a good sign. This motivates seniors to stay vibrant and keep active in the community. In the last 100 years people are living about 30 years longer than before and now we are focusing more on wellness issues.'' Do you think seniors should be forced to retire at age 65? Ans: Ms. Landy , "No because people are living longer and are healthy.

Seniors have a lot to offer in the work place and everywhere because they have a lot to contribute. They have experience and offer sound advice in most cases. Older people can mentor younger people and this way everyone benefits.

Are pension funds important to seniors? Ans: Landy and Hassell , "Absolutely, I don't think anyone in Bermuda could retire without a pension fund. It is vital. After age 65 some seniors will have 30 more years of living. The worst thing that can happen is seniors can out live their money and that is happening. The new occupational pension fund the government is implementing is vital.'' Could you tell me about some of the senior clubs and what they do? Ans: Mr. Hassell , "There are 14 groups which meet Island wide. The last Friday of each month we have a round robin social where everyone gets together at one central location and the location rotates. Some clubs meet weekly and others meet monthly. They have luncheons and special speakers, go on outings and even take trips abroad. We have had an Elderhotel group go up to Canada and I would like to see more Bermudians touring with Elderhostel abroad.'' Mr. Hassell invites seniors to come for an evening out at the Mariners Club, Richmond Road on Thursday, April 15 from 5:30 until 7:30 to a talk given by The Bermuda Stock Exchange. You can learn how you can "Own your share of Bermuda.'' Other topics will include internet investments and how to start your investment club.

Mr. Hassell may be contacted at the Admiralty House Community Centre at Spanish Point.

He welcomes suggestions from seniors and interested persons. If you would like to volunteer with any senior activity just give him a call or send him a fax.

Phone is 295-9094 and fax is 295-4695.

Mr. Hassell concluded with this quote from Troy Edwards, "Age does not depend upon years, but upon temperament and health. Some men are born old, and some never grow so.'' Dynamic Duo: Veteran Marlene B Landy and Fred Hassell doing their weekly radio talk show, `Sixtysomething' on ZFB on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to noon.

SENIORS SR