Socio-economic implications of population ageing in Malta : risks and opportunities

Abstract

Preliminary figures based on the 2011 Malta Census of Population and Housing indicated that, at end of 2012, 24 per cent of the total population, or 102,026 persons, were aged 60-plus. It is widely recognised that such demographic projections will have profound implications on the different sectors of the economy and society ranging from labour and capital markets, the demand and supply for social and health care services, as well as community housing and institutional care. On one hand, it is not uncommon to come across popular discourse that pronounces the ageing of population as an ‘agequake’ on a global scale. On the other hand, there is an alternative, optimistic, view of ageing, that sees the coming of population ageing as a positive development. This article explores the interface between the economy and ageing, by outlining the major risks and opportunities associated with an ageing population. The final part of the article recommends areas for further research and policy analysis.