Introduction Since 1800, the global population has grown from one billion to the current estimated population of 6.5 billion. The world population is expected to continue to grow to 10 billion people by 2070. The largest population increase has occurred in the last 50 years and, based on United Nations (2007) estimates and projections up to 2050, it is believed that the population explosion experienced around the world over the last half century will have slowed in northern and contemporary countries, while the population will continue to increase in less developed countries and southern nations. While the large population places a sufficient burden on the UK's already fragile economic markets, it is worrying that this population is aging rapidly and relies heavily on the UK welfare state. Through the examination and use of both print and online sources, demographic trends and their causes are presented, and the impact and implications for the British welfare state are discussed.1- Demographic trends In Britain and elsewhere of Europe, the population is expected to decline (Appendix A) with two clear trends centered on the increase in the elderly, as well as the decrease in young people and people of working age.1.1- The aging populationAccording to a BBC news report (2011) , the number of individuals over the age of sixty could increase by 40% over the next thirty years. The Office for National Statistics (2009) recorded that from 1984 to 2009 there was a 1% increase in the number of older people, which equates to approximately 1.7 million. The largest increase appears to occur in the over 85 category. Since 1983, the number of people in this category has doubled... middle of paper... severe economic deficit due to low fertility and mortality rates. While there are several goals that could be implemented, such as increasing worker productivity and growth, all possible improvements will still require increased taxation and reduced government spending and will depend on the rapidly worsening health of the general population. Possible solutions to this serious problem are postponing the retirement age, increasing working hours, the possibility of increased migration and the privatization of health services. However, each of these ideas will likely meet strong resistance. If young and working people do not save more for retirement and prepare for the future, the economic fallout from an aging population will be a crisis worse than the 2007-2008 financial crisis and, perhaps, even the Great Depression. Depression..