Bermuda's first survey of the island's senior population is going well, with volunteers driving the initiative forward.

According to project director Valerie Pethen (pictured), the scheme is proving a "heart-warming" experience for everyone involved. Sure to benefit is the island's growing population of senior citizens ¿ the information received is expected to give a better understanding of the issues most important to them.

Age Concern launched the Seniors' Test for Ageing Trends and Services (STATS) in collaboration with Government last November. Its initial aim is to compile information gathered via a random survey of 1,000 residents aged 60 and older, between November and February. Some 40 volunteers underwent several hours of training in order to participate.

"Age Concern is very appreciative that so many people have come forward to assist," said Mrs. Pethen. "All of our volunteers have gone through nine hours of training and we very much appreciate their time and commitment. It's not an easy survey, there are over 160 questions ¿ we're grateful for their commitment."

The project is believed to be the first of its kind in the world. The results will be used to determine which services are lacking for the elderly and their caregivers and could be relied upon for future policy decisions. Once this first round of interviews is complete, the idea is to then take the survey to all of the island's seniors residing in private homes ¿ nearly 7,000 in total.

Added Mrs. Pethen: "It's all being done by the volunteers. They're sitting down with them and talking about their personal needs and from that we'll find the services they need. And the seniors are looking forward to it. They want to talk to us.

"Their stories are gratifying and are helping us to reinforce the value of our seniors and to reconnect to what is meaningful for them. It's been heart-warming. Our seniors are a wonderful asset to Bermuda.

"Each one is a treasure and has contributed to the prosperity and stability of Bermuda and so one of our goals is to help the community appreciate seniors a lot more, to put the community directly in touch with seniors, and this has been helping (to that end). We have all age groups and both males and females sitting down and talking with them."

The Statistics Department is providing the technical support for the scheme, which is funded, in part, by the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs. Each volunteer has been asked to conduct five interviews ¿ each lasts approximately one and a half hours ¿ over the three-month period.

"A lot of seniors live alone or with family members who are out during the day," Mrs. Pethen noted. "For them, it's an opportunity to talk about their own personal needs. Our seniors are not old. People are living longer. Seventy is the new 50. A lot of them are working. Many are active. Most seniors want to, and are trying to, live a vibrant life. And they want to know that in their ageing years they can be cared for with the services they need."

The results would likely be out in the spring, she added.

"Seniors are the fastest growing part of our population and will account for 25 per cent of our population by 2020. We are looking through this to carry out our mission and vision ¿ that every senior should be able to live a productive, healthy life in their ageing years.

"And so we're interviewing residents who are 60 and older so we can make projections. The figures will be made available to government agencies that set policies affecting seniors and will be used by the National Office for Seniors."

More volunteers are needed as the programme moves forward, the STATS director said. Interested persons should contact Age Concern on 238-7525.