In the UK this is already having a significant impact on society - there are now more people over the age of 60 than under the age of 16. In light of this, it’s perhaps surprising that society is still so youth orientated. Business has been slow to respond to the shifting population profile and people as young as 40 regularly experience discrimination in the workplace.

Older workers are not necessarily less of an asset than their younger colleagues, far from it. They have more experience, they take less time off sick and they’re generally more committed and loyal. Add to those factors the economic advantages – the average cost of replacing an employee is £4,800 – and the case for looking after your older employees becomes very persuasive indeed.

With age discrimination legislation now in force, the time is right for employers to change their attitude to age in the workplace, not only in terms of compliance, but also profitability. Businesses of all kinds can benefit from taking a more positive view of age, irrespective of legislation.