Malta

Abstract

Malta’s population has evolved out of a traditional pyramidal shape to an evenshaped block distribution of equal numbers at each age cohort except at the top. Figures based on the 2011 Census indicate that, at end of 2013, 24.6 % of the total population, or 105,068 persons, were aged 60-plus. Participation in older adult learning is located in a variety of avenues, ranging from formal to non-formal to informal learning possibilities. Formal learning avenues are highly structured and hierarchical. Courses are designed by expert-teachers to meet explicit requirements of accrediting bodies. Whilst higher education is responsible for the issuing of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, the further education sector provides curricula that generally lead to vocational skills and diplomas. In Malta, key formal learning avenues open to adults include the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), the Directorate for Lifelong Learning within the Ministry for Education and Employment (DLL), the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), and University of Malta (UOM). In many ways, the situation is highly inadequate. Only 2 % of Maltese older adults aged 60-plus participate in formal learning avenues.