Commission for Active Ageing to draw up national policy

Gerontology expert Marvin Formosa has been appointed as the chairman of the Active Ageing Commission whose role will be to draw up on national strategy for active ageing.

Commission members include Stephen Abela, Stephen Lungaro Mifsud, David Mamo, Josette Rapa, Anthony Scerri, Tracy Schembri and Stephanie Xuereb.

The commission was appointed by parliamentary secretary for active ageing Franco Mercieca.

He said that the commission was to address challenges brought about by ageing and demographic changes through a clear and holistic social policy.

"Even though the commission includes experts from various professions, it will still seek broad consultation with all stakeholders, ministries and the general public," Mercieca said, announcing that in the coming weeks the commission will be organising a national seminar and workshops were everyone will be given the opportunity to make his recommendations.

Merceica said it was important for pensioners to remain active in the labour market given that

those aged over 65 years will increase, so much so that by 2060 there will be more elderly than children, youths and adults.

"If a person lived to reach 70 years in 1960, people today reach 80 years of age. If five workers today provide for the pension of two elderly, in 2060 they must contribute to three," Mercieca said.

He added that by 2060, 38% of the Maltese population would be aged over 60.