The global population is getting progressively older, supported by slower birth rates and advancements in nutrition and medicine. Euromonitor predicts that one billion people will be over the age of 60 by 2017. Governments need to bolster health systems to handle the increasing number of elderly in need of care, and should also look to reform pension and welfare systems. Some governments, in order to combat a potential workforce shortage, have started encouraging their populations to have children.