Minister Furbert On National Seniors Strategy

Minister of Youth, Social Development, and Seniors Tinée Furbert has shared details on the National Seniors Strategy [NSS], dubbed ‘Celebrating Life and Ageing Well.’

Minister Furbert said, “It is with immense pride and anticipation that I present Bermuda’s first National Seniors Strategy draft, Celebrating Life and Ageing Well, for 2024-2030. As part of our Government’s mid-year review, this initiative reflects our deep commitment to building a fairer and more inclusive Bermuda, where every senior is valued, respected, and empowered.

“As Minister for Youth, Social Development, and Seniors, I have had the privilege of connecting with our citizens across all walks of life. Their resilience, creativity, and fortitude during challenging times inspire me daily to champion their cause. I am dedicated to advocating for policies that enhance their quality of life and foster their active participation in society.

“The National Seniors Strategy is more than a document; it is a comprehensive framework designed to support our ageing population and ensure that seniors—and all Bermudians—can age well through every stage of life.

“This strategy takes a holistic approach, recognising that healthy ageing begins well before our senior years and requires supportive measures across a lifetime. Through proactive steps, we can address essential areas such as healthcare, social inclusion, financial security, and age-friendly communities.

“These are critical areas we’ve identified, and I want each of our seniors to know that I have heard you. Our government has heard you.

“To create an environment where seniors feel supported and connected, this approach requires meaningful collaboration across government agencies, charitable organisations, businesses, and communities. More importantly, this strategy reflects what our seniors have shared as vital to their fulfilment: sufficient income to meet the high cost of living, affordable and well-maintained housing, meaningful social connections across generations, accessible transportation, and affordable healthcare.

“We are committed to addressing these areas head on so our seniors can live with dignity, independence, and security.

“The NSS vision, ‘an inclusive Bermuda that celebrates and prepares responsibly for ageing,’ and its mission, ‘to promote and facilitate ageing well for all,’ are anchored in four key pillars. The strategy also lays out a three-year action plan from 2024 to 2027 for items directly under the Ministry’s remit, which will be updated annually to stay responsive to emerging needs.

“A subsequent action plan will follow for 2028 to 2030. This roadmap sets forth a clear path, calling for coordinated efforts across Ministries, Departments, and agencies, with all stakeholders aligning their efforts to realise our desired outcomes for a thriving senior community.

“The strategy’s goals are structured around four key pillars:

• 1. Healthy Ageing – Ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare, social support, and long-term care options tailored to seniors’ needs.

• 2. Empowered Citizens – Removing barriers like ageism and ableism, enhancing income security, and preserving independence so seniors can live with autonomy and confidence.

• 3. Age-Friendly Environments– Expanding inclusive public transport and securing affordable housing to provide spaces that accommodate the needs of our ageing population.

• 4. Community – Reinvigorating ‘the Village’ through intergenerational activities that bring us closer together while implementing safeguards to protect seniors from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

“We are on the cusp of significant demographic change: Bermuda’s population over 65 will grow significantly, with an anticipated increase to 15,825 seniors by 2026. This growth, while welcome, also brings challenges and opportunities for our healthcare, housing, and social support systems.

“To meet these needs, the Government’s mid-year budget has allocated funds towards improving healthcare access, affordable housing initiatives, and expanded public transport options—all critical to supporting the needs of our seniors. This financial commitment underscores our belief in an inclusive Bermuda that honours its elders and supports them in every way.

“The development of this strategy was possible thanks to the dedication and expertise of many partners. In August 2023, we held a kick-off meeting with the Bermuda Health Council to set the foundation, and since then, the National Seniors Strategy project team—comprised of officers in the Ministry’s Office of Ageing and Disability Services and the Health Council—has worked tirelessly.

“They conducted extensive research, examined best practices, and gathered critical feedback through surveys, focus groups, and town hall discussions across public, private, and charitable sectors.

“This data has informed every aspect of the strategy, ensuring that our approach truly reflects the real needs and aspirations of Bermuda’s seniors.

“However, to finalise this strategy and ensure it truly reflects the community’s needs, we need your voice. Public consultation is essential, and with the deadline approaching on 18 October, I urge each of you to take the time to review the draft and share your feedback.

“The draft strategy is accessible online via the Government’s Citizen’s Forum, and hard copies are available at the Office of Ageing and Disability Services.

“In closing, I implore each of you to get involved and join us as we work to build a better and fairer Bermuda where everyone, regardless of age, can celebrate life and age well. Review the strategy, share your thoughts, and help shape a future where our seniors thrive, contribute meaningfully, and live with dignity, security, and joy.”

The full National Seniors Strategy draft follows below [PDF here]:

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