It’s time for Bermuda to start thinking about its ageing population - according to an expert.

Marian Sherratt, of the Bermuda Council on Ageing (BCA), made the demand after revealing the number of those aged 65 and older will represent more than a fifth of the population by 2030 - double the current number of 7,000.

BCA, an independent bipartisan council founded in 2006, was formed to promote social and economic changes within the Island’s ageing population.

It is funded by grants from Atlantic Philanthropies - an international organisation dedicated to bringing about lasting changes in the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

Speaking yesterday at the Hamilton Rotary Club, Mrs. Sherratt, BCA Executive Director, highlighted the dilemma facing today’s seniors.

She said: “We need only refer to the Bible to know that some people have lived to be very old indeed.

“Just look at Abraham and how old was he when he fathered a child? And how old was his wife? I think I’m getting into ‘miracle’ territory here.

“The fastest growing segment of our population are those aged 85 and over and it’s estimated that 50 percent of all baby-boomers will live to see 100.”

She attributed the trends to the advancement of medicine and technology, which has created this segment of society that would not have existed many years ago.

In addition, she called for the mandatory retirement age of 65 to be changed.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) - a special agency of the United Nations - has also called on Governments to rethink the retirement age.

Its mandate is centred on seeking the promotion of social justice and internationally recognise human and labour rights. Mrs. Sherratt explained: “Modern medicine has meant that very few women die in childbirth and most children survive their childhood when that certainly was not always the case.

“One hundred or even fifty years ago, who could have imagined kidney transplants, hip-replacements quadruple heart by-passes and even heart surgery that is done through a vein in your leg?

“Unfortunately, there is a dark side to the impact of modern medicine, is never have so many people lived with so many chronic health problems.”

Mrs. Sherratt examined the plight of those forced to retire when they turn 65 - despite their capabilities, financial needs and a “world-wide” shortage in skilled labour.

Born and raised in Bermuda, Mrs. Sherratt, 57, returned to college at the age of 47 and obtained a BA Honours degree in social anthropology from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2003 and is married with two adult children.

She went on to earn her Master’s degree in social anthropology from the same university last year.

Also, in 2004, she helped author a research report called ‘Ageing in Bermuda: Meeting the Needs of Seniors’ for New York’s Fordham University.