It was probably within the ambit of the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations that the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses has warned that, according to its estimates, Malta will be short of 18,000 beds for the elderly by 2050.
The union quoted National Statistics Office and World Health Organisation figures, which show that the island’s elderly can reach 108,000 in about 40 years’ time. Of these, 20 per cent are expected to require hospitalisation, meaning 21,600 beds. The number of beds available at present stands at 3,500 between government, private and Church homes.
Such forecasts make it imperative for both the public and the private sectors, but, especially, the government, to be continuously abreast of the situation if they are to address the matter effectively. It is all very clear. Health care systems will need to adapt and in good time to the needs of an ageing population. At the same time, they have to remain financially sustainable, which is no easy task, especially if, as is expected, there would be fewer people working and contributing to also support a growing number of elderly dependants.
Economists would quickly emphasise that such projections further illustrate the need to ensure that labour participation and productivity improve significantly. This is, of course, the case. It also underscores how essential it is that there is awareness of the benefits that can accrue from the new drive that the Year for Active Ageing is pushing for. Among other things, the campaign seeks to encourage older persons to remain both healthy and active.
European Commissioner John Dalli, responsible for health and consumer policy, may have stated the obvious when he spoke on the challenges emerging from the fact that, as a population grows older, demand for health services and long-term care is likely to increase. Yet, many, including politicians, often tend to forget this.
Mr Dalli maintained that the state of people’s health makes all the difference between their being able to work or not; between their needing health care or not.
He also noted that a population ageing in bad health translates into lower quality of life for citizens, higher costs and a smaller workforce with many people unable to work because of health problems. On the contrary, those still in good health can continue working and contributing to society as they grow older, apart, of course, from requiring less health care.
“This is why we need to help citizens age in good health and live active and independent lives. To foster active and healthy ageing, we must fully explore the potential of innovation for active and healthy ageing and to promote smart investment in our health systems,” argued Mr Dalli.
According to an EU study, Malta risks being one of the EU countries worst hit by an ageing population in 50 years’ time. The study estimates that, by 2060, Malta would have to fork out 13.4 per cent of its gross domestic product in pensions. It noted that, although Malta’s population was expected to decrease by 2060, it would have nine pensioners for every 10 working citizens.
Such figures further prove that the challenges facing the country in this regard are enormous. Through healthy and active ageing, many elderly people can make a valid contribution to their own family, their community and their country and live better themselves. This requires a well-planned and activated national strategy, sustained by practical solidarity between generations.