The older person in 2022 : what now?

Abstract

We are who we are because of those that came before us. I have heard this statement so many times, I take it for granted that we all understand what it means. As a health professional and an academic, I live in a society that offers services to our older citizens, aimed at improving their quality of life. In Malta, over the last decade, the number of people aged over 60 years has increased by almost 34,000, accounting for approximately 19% of the total population at the end of 2018 (NSO Malta, 2019). A similar increase in pattern is noted globally, highlighting the enlargement of the top of the age pyramid, although in Malta, the effects of migratory flow and the COVID-19 pandemic would need further exploration. So, what are the advantages of an ageing population? It may be argued that the obvious benefit of an ageing population is that more people will enjoy long lifespans, as access to food, decent housing and healthcare continues to increase across society. Malta has long been striving to support a healthy ageing population, with incrementally significant successes. [excerpt]