This edited volume is an authoritative collection of multi-disciplinary academic contributions to the fields of gerontology and geriatrics in Malta. It is intended to be the first in a series of publications explicitly seeking to promote a multi-disciplinary approach to the complex study of population ageing in Malta.
In the preface, the editors provide the underlying vision that inspired this publication. This vision distances itself from a common, narrow depiction of population ageing as a sustainability problem and sets out to explore a variety of themes that are relevant to the subject of ageing. The preface is followed by the editors' informative introduction. It contextualises the value of the multi-disciplinary approach adopted in this volume within the current international discourse and scholarship on population ageing. It also provides an overview of the local policy context of the subject area.
The 16 chapters of the book are organised into three parts. Part l is devoted to ‘Gerontological Issues’. In the first chapter, Maja Miljanic Brinkworth provides a thorough overview of recent and emerging demographic trends and transitions developing in Malta. She presents some of the salient factors of the local path being followed and the relevant policy implications. In Chapter 2, Amanda Borg and Gordon Cordina articulate convincing concerns relating to the implementing of the European Commission's pension reform trust that links retirement age with life expectancy. They draw attention to the potential equity problems that may result if other significant factors are not also taken into consideration. In Chapter 3, Manwel Debono analyses the employment trends and working conditions of ageing and older workers in Malta in comparison to their European Union counterparts. He appraises policy measures aimed at facilitating the participation of older persons in employment and proposes further measures to this effect. In the following chapter, Helena Dalli critically examines the discriminatory manner in which ageing females and ageing males are socially represented and perceived. She notes how the transmission of dominant narratives and images in the media both mirror and shape stereotypes of ageing to the detriment of ageing females who suffer a double jeopardy. As the title of Chapter 5 by Saviour Formosa and Janice Formosa Pace implies, this contribution illustrates how employing the parameters of space, time and geodemographics can enhance understanding about the safety of older persons within certain habitats. It focuses on a study of the local spatio-temporal dynamics which features older adults both as offenders and as victims of criminal activity.
The second part of the book addresses ‘Geriatric Concerns’. In the first chapter, Anthony Fiorini provides an insightful account of the triumphs, the disappointments and the issues that characterised the professional development of geriatric medicine in Malta. He provides a convincing case for the need of an acute geriatrics ward in the general hospital and for sustaining professional services within rehabilitation and long-term residential care and within the community. In Chapter 7, Anthony Scerri explains the disputed contours of gerontological nursing and traces the scarce evidence that is available on gerontological nursing in Malta. He advocates efforts being directed at overcoming the perception that working exclusively with older persons is not professionally rewarding. Chapter 8 by Charles Scerri highlights the importance of a holistic approach to local dementia care that includes awareness raising, effective health and social care, and increased health-care professional training. In Chapter 9, Stephen Lungaro-Mifsud convincingly argues in favour of public health services of home physiotherapy and rehabilitation to aid functional independence in the cases of older adults discharged from hospital after life-changing medical events. In Chapter 10, Andrea Rose Zammit surveys the roles of good cognitive function and psychological wellbeing in later life. She underscores the importance of national polices that help older persons nurture these positive attributes. Chapter 11 by David Mamo and Antoine Vella elucidates the benefits arising from the availability of services of specialists in geriatric psychiatry within a well-coordinated, comprehensive and accessible inter-disciplinary model of public, geriatric care services.
The last part of the book is dedicated to ‘Later Life Care’. In Chapter 12, Natalie Haber draws attention to the experience of informal carers of older persons in Malta and what impact this work has on their lives. She advocates policies that promote the sharing of responsibility across different entities and stakeholders. In Chapter 13, Rosette Farrugia-Bonello thoroughly appraises the local development of community care services for older persons. She suggests a more comprehensive, community-based approach to health and social services policy that will allow more persons to enjoy ageing-in-place. In Chapter 14, Christian Borg Xuereb provides an informative overview of long-term care provision in Malta. He raises important issues such as that of respecting the full range of rights of persons in long-term care. In the following chapter, Natalie Briffa Farrugia focuses on the provision of residential care for older persons and documents the contribution of the Care Malta Group. She underscores the desirability of a well-regulated system. In Chapter 16, Maria Aurora Fenech draws attention to a wealth of research relating to the incidence of abuse and neglect of older persons in Malta. She sensitively and astutely suggests a range of policy measures aimed at holistically addressing this serious issue.
The volume closes with a concluding chapter written by the editors. Drawing on the multi-disciplinary contributions, they underscore the need for developing innovative and effective approaches that address the issues raised. Intended as the first in a series, this accessibly written volume sets a high professional standard. It will not only benefit practitioners, policy makers, academics and students, but should also be of interest to older persons themselves and their families. Spanning the public and the private sector, it provides a timely appraisal of relevant policy and practice developments to date. Based on such appraisal, the contributions highlight anticipated developments and challenges in the future and suggest potential solutions.
