Currently, one in five people in Malta are 65 years of age or older; however the United Nations' population unit estimates that this will rise to one in three by 2050.

This would mark a 50 per cent increase between 2024 and 2050, or in real terms, from 108,000 people to 163,000 people aged 65 or older.

These figures were highlighted by the Chief of the Population Unit Lisa Warth, at a conference organised in Malta by the International Institute on Ageing United Nations - Malta (INIA) and Healthmark.

Held on 28th November at Salini Resort in St Paul’s Bay, the conference brought together more than 150 local and international experts to discuss the emerging challenges and opportunities associated with Malta’s rapid population ageing.

Ms Warth discussed various global initiatives which Malta could take inspiration, as she highlighted the importance of promoting active and healthy ageing throughout life, offering citizens with long-term care and support, and integrating ageing issues across all policy fields.

Marvin Formosa, Director of INIA, urged all stakeholders to work together to address the emerging challenges, by examining global trends and applying success stories to Malta’s specific context.

A keynote speech by Alexiei Dingli, AI expert from the University of Malta, delved into the transformative potential of AI senior companions.

“These intelligent technologies can reduce isolation, improve health monitoring, and enhance independence,” Prof. Dingli said.

Mark-Anthony Vassallo, Consultant Geriatrician, addressed the critical medical and ethical dimensions of elderly care.

“Advance care planning, dignity, and freedom are cornerstones of effective ageing policies,” Dr Vassallo noted, highlighting the role of collaboration between patients, families, and healthcare providers to uphold older persons' rights

Meanwhile, CEO of Healthmark Charlotte Sant Portanier commented that it is in everybody’s interests to make sure the rights and dignity of older persons are safeguarded, and people are empowered to live safe, active and healthy lives.

“These are our parents, our grandparents, our great-grandparents, and if we are lucky, we too will one day make it to our pensionable age,” she said.