Describe the UK's current population structure and explain the positives and negatives

The United Kingdom (UK) has experienced a change in its population structure. Even though a sustained population growth is an essential factor to a growing economy, because it sustains tax intake, the UK has a low fertility rate of 1.8 children born per woman. This can be explained by women having a more equal status in society and therefore more likely to be employed in higher earning and more demanding jobs: changing the age at which women have children as well as how many children they have. This is one example of the changing population structure in the UK.
Furthermore, the UK is experiencing an population. As the life expectancy increases and the fertility rate drops (as described above), the UK's population ages. There are benefits to an ageing population given that many 'retired' people still work which provides flexibility and experience to industry. Also, many business rely on the disposable income which is more akin to an ageing population, like garden centres and the tourism sector. However, there fore negatives to an ageing population given that the older generation are more likely to put pressure on the NHS with diseases like heart disease, cancers and diabetes.