Ageing in Malta
1 October is the International Day of Older Persons as established by the United Nations General Assembly on 14 December 1990.
Statistics issued by the Malta Statistics Office show that around 20% of the population of Malta is over 65 years old. An ageing population is one of the most significant demographic and socioeconomic developments that the Maltese society is facing. This is the result of declining fertility and mortality levels, advances in health care, health care which is easily accessible to all and major improvements in life expectancy and healthy life years during which older persons spend a considerable amount of time in relatively active years following retirement.
The theme of the 2021 commemoration is “Digital Equity for All Ages”, to bring awareness on the importance of digital inclusion of older persons while tackling stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination associated with digitalisation, taking into account sociocultural norms and the right to autonomy. The International Day of Older Persons is also an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older persons make to society and raise awareness of the issues and challenges of ageing in today’s world.
Ageing refers to a process whereby people accumulate years and progressively experience changes to their biological, psychological and social functioning as they move through different phases of life. It is as such a fact that our ageing population is not a homogenous category and varies considerably; indeed, we become increasingly diverse as we age.
Rather than portraying the rising number of older persons in a homogenous way and perceiving them as a burden, uniformly frail, vulnerable and dependant, we are committed in breaking away from the traditional outlook that equates later life with physical and cognitive infirmity and instead strive hard towards the celebration of older generations, transforming the ageing society from one of dependency to active participation and ageing, thus increasing dignity, independence and autonomy later in life. Whilst living independently in the community is ensured by the government through the provision of a range of support services, the needs of frail older persons are not neglected. The Office of the Commissioner for Older Persons commits itself towards achieving a society for all ages and ensuring that our nation adopts measures that will transform Malta into an age-friendly nation and a society for all ages. It is a society in which the respect, equality, independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity of older persons is pursued at all times.
As Commissioner for Older Persons and also as a doctor by profession, I can never stop stressing the importance of healthy ageing, even through daily and small adjustments. The Office creates an awareness on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, the benefits of exercise and certain diets eg. the Mediterranean diet, eating more fruits and vegetables and less red meat and saturated fats. Also, more awareness on certain risk factors like diets high in saturated fats and carbohydrates, smoking, increased consumption of alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle; these all contribute to an increased predisposition to the development of Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Problems.
Of great importance is disease prevention and early diagnosis throughout the life cycle. In Malta we have free health care services where routine checks or investigations, such as for Diabetes, could be availed of, besides regular screening programmes like glaucoma, breast, prostate or bowel screening. Early diagnosis is important for better prognosis and this will add up to more healthy life years and independent living later on in life.
Since ageing is associated with an increased risk of visual problems, it is of great importance that regular eyesight (visual acuity) checks are carried out., since visual impairment can be a major cause of falls in the elderly with associated higher morbidity.
As Commissioner, I not only discourage dependency in old age but wholeheartedly promote a sense of empowerment amongst older persons. The large majority of older persons in Malta are healthy, physically active and intellectually sharp.
Advances in healthy life years, whilst improving the wellbeing of older persons will also act as a catalyst to extend working lives though older person are not only spending a considerable number of years actively participating in the formal labour market, but are also engaging in other unpaid activities, that may range from care provision for family members to volunteering, to social participation whilst living healthy, independent and secure lives as they age. Caring for family members include sick or dependent relatives or grandchildren.
Social participation later on in life goes beyond taking up hobbies and following leisurely pursuits. The term refers to active participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic activities for the benefit of the community in general.
It is for this reason that the Office of the Commission for Older Persons encourages older persons to remain active and that everyone according to their own potential and capabilities strive to continue to contribute towards their families, towards society and towards their country. By keeping social contact, psychologically they are going to feel better and their quality of life will improve, since they feel they are still needed, have something to offer and as such they have a scope in life. These social contacts will help in the fight against solitude, which as the Office of the Commissioner for Older Persons, we feel is a harsh reality which is given its due importance among other measures, by creating more awareness.
It is of paramount importance that to combat solitude everyone must play their role including the community, the Church, NGOs and the families. It is our collective responsibility to address this issue together and provide meaningful contact among one another. By combatting loneliness we will prevent exclusion, poverty, loss of autonomy and psychological distress, thus improving the lives of our elderly, making sure that no one is socially excluded and that everyone is integrated in society, thus ensuring a good quality of life.
The Office of the Commissioner for Older Persons believes in not solely adding years to life but in parallel adding life to years and its priority is for older persons to stay safe, as healthy and independent as possible and to lead lives that have value, meaning and purpose. It is always guided by the general principle that the best interests of older persons are paramount. By tackling prejudice, inequality and discrimination, we want to see a Malta in which respect for the rights and dignity of older persons is a reality in all areas of life, where ageism and age discrimination is a thing of the past and where a positive view of ageing and of older persons prevail.
On a final note, The Office receives requests asking for advice or guidance on issues relating to older persons and also receives complaints or reports from, or on behalf of older persons. Each case is meticulously looked into and, when necessary, directed to the relevant entity which has the capacity to resolve that particular case.
If anyone wishes to get in touch with the Office of the Commissioner for Older Persons, the Office can be reached on tel. no. 25903876 or by sending an email to, officeofthecommissionerforolderpersons.msca@gov.mt.