Activity theory as a foundation for active ageing policy : the Maltese experience

Abstract

Reflecting upon the possibility of value-free policy that is unfettered from any epistemic morals, this article focuses on the overt and covert influences involved in the choice of the Maltese government to hinge ageing policy on activity theory. The influence of activity theory on international and national ageing policies reached unprecedented heights as the World Health Organization, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and European Union all began championing the concept of active ageing as the foundation for ageing policy in their respective member organisations. An Active Ageing Index was also developed to quantify the extent to which older persons can realise their potential for active ageing lifestyles. Malta also supported such a policy ethos and in November 2013 the Maltese government launched the National Strategic Policy for Active Ageing: Malta 2014–2020. While this strategic policy was successful in enabling higher rates of employment, social participation, and independent living amongst persons aged 60-plus, at the same time it overlooked the heterogeneity of older persons in terms of socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability. The possibility that active ageing lifestyles are stifled by older persons’ experiences of ageism and age discrimination was also overlooked. It is argued that the second National Strategic Policy for active ageing policy in Malta, targeting the years 2021–2027, mitigates against such lacunae by employing a more democratic understanding of activity theory and active ageing ideals.