Life expectancy in the European Union has increased by an average of eight years since 1960 and is expected to increase by a further five years over the next four decades
The increase in life expectancy along with low birth rates mean that Europe’s population is ageing fast and this is presenting European societies with a number of major challenges as they seek to adjust to this reality.
Recognising the magnitude of this challenge the European Union is in fact dedicating 2012 as the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. To mark the start of this European Year, on 13 January, the European Commission presented a Eurobarometer survey on the opinion towards the elderly in the EU 27 member states on a variety of areas. This survey seeks to raise awareness of the contribution of older people if they remain active.
The survey brings to the surface a number of interesting highlights on how the Maltese population perceives ageing and what role the elderly see themselves as having in today’s society. The majority of the Maltese population is not very willing to continue working according to the survey, however there is wide disparity in the readiness of different categories of workers to continue working after retiring age, with white collar workers (excluding managers) and manual workers being more ready to continue working after retirement than the self-employed.
On the other hand, Maltese opinion on whether there will be a need for an increase in the retirement age by 2030 is practically very similar to the average obtained by the EU 27, with over 33% of respondents to the survey stating that they disagree that the pensionable age will have to be increased by 2030.
Maltese public opinion surpasses the EU average substantially in its positive view of the elderly as having a key role in a number of issues, particularly in caring for a family member as well as providing financial support for their family. Moreover, the Maltese also see the elderly as contributing towards society as consumers and also through their work. On a further positive note, Maltese respondents were less prone than the European average to have either witnessed discrimination on people of old age or faced discrimination themselves with regards to old age.
The Eurobarometer survey complements the four focus groups that have been formed by the Maltese national committee European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. These four focus groups, composed of local experts, will address four challenges facing the elderly: Older people participating in formal employment, active ageing by means of healthy ageing initiatives, older people participating in volunteering, and, solidarity between generations. These priorities are well placed to address the questions that the Euro-barometer survey might raise.
As life expectancy has increased, the elderly are leading an increasingly active life, some by continuing to work, even in a part-time manner, after retirement, others by helping their families or volunteering with a number of local voluntary groups. Indeed, active participation in volunteering in Malta is on the increase particularly with regard to people aged 55 or under.
The survey shows in a clear manner that the Maltese strongly believe that the elderly have a very important role in our society. They are also of the opinion that the national government, local authorities, as well as religious groups and older people’s organisations play a positive role in tackling the challenges of active ageing in Malta.
Mark De Martino is an Executive EU Policy and Legislation within Meusac