چکیده (انگلیسی):

Malta is no exception to the unprecedented demographic changes that are being experienced by industrial countries. As a result of declining fertility and mortality levels, the Maltese islands have registered a decrease in fertility rates and a major improvement of life expectancy at birth. Following a brief introduction, the second section presents clear demographic data that outlines Malta’s gerontological transition, noting how the Maltese population has evolved out of a traditional pyramidal shape to an even-shaped block distribution of equal numbers at each cohort except at the top. The third section focuses on population projections for Malta which highlight how in the near future the nation will continue to experience a decline in the numbers and percentages of the younger and working age population, with the opposite effect with respect to older persons. The final section outlines Malta’s social policy on active ageing, as it related to labor issues, participation in society, and healthy, independent and secure living in later life. This part notes how to-date many older people already participate in and contribute to society in a variety of ways such as providing support to their families by caring for spouses or grandchildren, working as volunteers or paid employees, and in receipt of various health and social care services that enable ‘ageing in place’. The study concludes that although several inroads have been made in welfare ageing policies, further initiatives are warranted for older persons to lead active, successful, and productive lifestyles.