Measuring and modelling demographic trends in Malta : implications for ageing policy

Abstract

Malta’s population experienced a sharp ageing transition due to increasing and decreasing levels of life expectancy and fertility rates respectively. This article reviews demographic changes relating to population ageing that took place in Malta, and future population projections which anticipate even higher numbers and percentages of older persons. At end of 2017, 18.8% of the total population, or 89,517 persons, were aged 65-plus. The largest share is made up of women, with 53.4% of the total. The sex ratios for cohorts aged 65-plus and 80-plus in 2013 numbered 83 and 60 respectively. Population projections indicate clearly that Malta will be one of the fastest ageing countries in the European Union. the (Maltese) percentage of children (0-14) of the total population is projected to increase slightly from 14.5% to 15.4% (+0.9%), whilst the working-age population (15-64) will experience dramatic decrease, from 68 to 56.1% (-11.9%). On the other hand, the older population segment will incur extraordinary increases. The 65-plus/80-plus population will reach 28.5%/10.5% of the total population in 2060, from 17.5%/3.8% in 2013 (+11.0/6.7%). The ageing-related challenges that the Maltese government that is currently facing traverse three key overlapping areas of policy boundaries and include the labour market, health care, and long-term care. There will also be policy issues which, if not immediate, will certainly need to be addressed in the foreseeable future. These include policy relating to ethnic minorities, LGBTIQ ageing, palliative care, and capacity building.