When I get older DrakeCarolyn HaslamRoger HaslamCheryl 2014 According to the World Health Organization, the world population is ageing rapidly. [1] Life expectancy is increasing and birth rates are decreasing. In the United Kingdom in 2012, 35 per cent of the total population was over 50 years of age and the projected figures are set to increase to 38 per cent in 2021 and 41 per cent in 2041. [2] The challenge faced by national policies is how to adapt to an ageing population. The government announced increases in the state pension age and mandatory retirement age has been removed. This will have a knock-on effect on employers and unless they examine the consequences of an ageing workforce and respond appropriately they may face increased injuries and reduced productivity.