Bermuda’s average age leaped from 37 to 41 in a ten-year spell, according to Census figures released yesterday.Researchers noted the growing burden on the working population to support elderly people, with the Island’s number of seniors climbing from 6,722 in 2000 to 8,678 to 2010; from 11 percent of the Country to 14 percent.The ageing population reflects current low fertility trends, the ageing of the so-called baby boom generation born in the two decades after the Second World War, and improvements in medicine which allow people to live longer.Campaigners have repeatedly warned an ageing population will leave fewer working people caring for larger numbers of seniors, many of whom have medical conditions which are increasingly expensive to treat.New Census figures show the number of people aged under 20 dropped from 15,389 in 2000 to 13,922 last year.The 20 to 44 age bracket has also fallen, from 25,190 to 22,255.However, the 45 to 64 age group, which contains the baby boomers, has jumped from 14,758 to 19,331, indicating the number of seniors should continue to expand.A breakdown by sex shows women live an average two years longer than men. Among the over 65s, 58 percent are women and 42 percent are men.In its report yesterday, the Department of Statistics warned the ageing trend is likely to continue, stating: “According to the latest population projections, the proportion of seniors is expected to reach 22 percent by 2030 while the proportion of children is expected to continue falling.“If these demographic shifts continue, they will have a major impact on the size of the labour force, on pension and health insurance plans and, in general, on Bermuda’s economy and society.”Announcing the results yesterday, Premier Paula Cox told the media of the rising average age: “As we all know, this is reflective of an ageing population, and is consistent with the experience of other developed countries.“This Government is committed to providing for our seniors as we recognise the steady growth of our elderly population.”The Premier pointed to the Ministry of Health’s Conference on Ageing earlier this year, which she said would help develop a national plan to support the senior population.Ideas suggested at that conference included future seniors working past 65 or starting retirement savings earlier.