World Health Day this year is being celebrated on Saturday with the theme "Good health adds life to years".

The focus is how good health throughout life can help older men and women lead full and productive lives and be a resource for their families and communities.

With a dramatic increase in life expectancy over the past years, older people will soon outnumber children.

Between 2000 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will double from about 11 to 22 per cent. Within the next five years, the number of adults aged 65 and over will outnumber children under five. By 2050, these older adults will outnumber children under 14.

According to the 2005 census, 19.9% of the Maltese population is 60 years plus. Based on projections compiled by the National Statistics Office, the percentage of persons age 65 and over is expected to increase to 20% by 2025 and 24% by 2050. The expected percentage of those under 20 is projected to drop to 17% in 2050.

"We are committed to reduce the burden of disease and to help people to maintain good health as long as possible in their lifespan. This is essential to sustain health and social policies," the government said in a statement for the occasion.

Malta has joined the rest of Europe in preparations the European Year for Active Ageing and Intergenerational solidarity whereby the main aim is to promote active ageing.

The programme of initiatives will be launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly on April 13.

www.ey2012.gov.mt