By focusing on education and training opportunities for young individuals, particularly in growing sectors such as healthcare, technology, and tourism, the government can better manage the aging population and establish effective support systems.
Beneath its picturesque surface, the Maldives, like any other country, navigates the complexities of the 21st century. One of its most pressing issues is an aging population.
The Maldives, with a relatively small population of 515,132 according to the 2022 census, comprising of 382,639 resident Maldivians and 132,493 foreigners.
Between 2014 and 2022, the Maldivian population increased by 107,472, marking a 26 percent rise since 2014.
The population is heavily concentrated in the capital city, Malé, one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The remaining population is distributed across the atolls, with many smaller islands experiencing significant depopulation due to urban migration.
The Maldives saw rapid population growth in the 1980s, driven by advancements in healthcare, control of communicable diseases and economic development, leading to a baby boom. However, birth rates began to decline in the 1990s. The 2006 Census Analysis attributed the increase in births from 2001 onwards to the entry of baby boomers into childbearing age. Despite this, growth rates have slowed over the past two decades, although the population continues to expand.
Between 1911 and 1953, the population of the Maldives remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 70,000 and 80,000. From 1911 to 1977, the population nearly doubled to 142,832. Growth was slow before 1958, with an annual increase of one percent or less. According to the Census 2006 report, negative growth rates were recorded from 1911 to 1921 and from 1946 to 1953, with the highest growth rate of 1.18 percent occurring between 1921 and 1931, following World War I. These low growth rates were attributed to high mortality rates coupled with uncontrolled childbearing.
According to the Census 2022 report, the Maldives' population began to rise in the late 1950s, continuing this upward trend in the following decades. This period marked the global baby boom era, when fertility rates and the number of newborns surged following World War II during 1946 to 1964. In 1958, the Maldives experienced its highest average annual growth rate of 5.28 percent.
However, growth rates declined from 1961 to 1964. From 1965 onwards, the population growth rate increased at an unprecedented pace of about 3 percent due to shifts in fertility and mortality rates, a trend that persisted through the 1960s and 1980s.
In the 1990s, however, the growth rate began to decline, settling at 1.56 percent annually. This decline was primarily driven by a significant drop in fertility rates. The total fertility rate fell from approximately 6.4 in the 1990s to 1.7 in the 2022 census, indicating that the average number of children per woman has dropped below replacement level. As a result, population growth has slowed over the past two decades although the rate of decline has lessened and remains under 2 percent.
These trends have led to an aging population in the Maldives. The proportion of individuals aged 65 and above is steadily increasing, while the proportion of the working-age population is beginning to decline. This demographic shift poses significant challenges for the country’s social and economic structures.
- Economic Implications
One of the most significant impacts of an aging population is on the economy. As the proportion of elderly individuals increases, the dependency ratio rises, meaning that a smaller working-age population must support a larger elderly population.
This can strain public finances, as the government needs to allocate more resources to healthcare, pensions, and social services for the elderly. Additionally, an aging workforce can lead to a decline in productivity, as older workers may struggle with physically demanding jobs and may also experience slower adaptation to new technologies and methods.
- Burdened Healthcare System
An aging population places increased pressure on the healthcare system. The elderly are more prone to chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, which necessitate long-term care and treatment. This growing demand for healthcare services is expected to lead to higher costs and a greater burden on Aasandha, the universal healthcare insurance system in the Maldives. Additionally, the country may face a shortage of healthcare professionals trained in geriatric care, further exacerbating the challenge.
- Housing and Infrastructure
The housing needs of an aging population are significantly different from those of a younger population. The older generation may require homes that are accessible, safe, and equipped with features to support independent living, particularly for those who need assistance and have reduced mobility. This may necessitate changes in housing policies and the development of age-friendly infrastructure, including accessible public transportation, healthcare facilities, and community centers.
Addressing the challenges posed by an aging population requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. The Maldives government is working towards the implementation of several strategies to mitigate these impacts and ensure adequate support for its elderly citizens.
- Promoting Active Aging
Encouraging active aging is crucial to ensure that the elderly remain healthy, engaged, and productive members of society.
Under the current administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the "Israhvehinge Naadhee," a social center for senior citizens, has been inaugurated in Malé.
This center offers a range of activities and a designated space for social gatherings. President Muizzu emphasized that the establishment of such centers across the country marks the end of sidelining the elderly in the Maldives.
“This government will mainstream prioritizing senior citizens,” President Muizzu said.
- Strengthening Healthcare System
To tackle the healthcare challenges posed by an aging population, the government must enhance the healthcare system. Key areas for improvement include investing in geriatric care, training healthcare professionals to manage chronic diseases, and improving access to healthcare services for the elderly, especially in remote islands.
In January this year, the government launched a special clinic for senior citizens at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), the largest state-owned hospital in the Maldives. This clinic allows elderly patients to take memos online instead of physically visiting the hospital.
At the launch ceremony, Health Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel said that the clinic was the realization of a long-held dream of senior citizens and emphasized that while the service is initially available at IGMH, there are plans to expand it across the Maldives.
The Minister also noted ongoing efforts to enhance specialized education in geriatric care. The Ministry of Health is exploring educational opportunities for those interested in this field and is in discussions with institutions in neighboring countries to provide training in senior citizen care.
"Members of the ministry are actively reaching out to educational institutes abroad to establish programs in geriatric care," Khaleel said.
- Elderly Care Policies, Family Support and Social Inclusion
Creating age-friendly cities and communities extends beyond physical and material interventions. It requires fostering environments that promote active participation, social networking, and meaningful roles for the elderly.
With the establishment of Israhvehinge Naadhee, the Maldives has taken steps towards enhancing social inclusion for the elderly. This new social centre for the elderly offers a variety of activities and dedicated areas for social gatherings.
To further support the elderly, free public transportation is provided for elderly citizens with accessible and designed seating on buses ensuring stress free travel.
Additionally, the current administration is working towards the development of elderly care facilities and services, such as assisted living, across the country to support those in need.
The government’s policy to develop senior care facilities and services, such as assisted living across the Maldives is also an initiative to provide support for those who need it. In an effort to encourage intergenerational living arrangements, the government has also decided to award additional housing points to applicants who are caring for their parents or other elderly dependents.
According to the President's Office, this new policy, introduced by President Muizzu, will be implemented in upcoming social housing schemes. where priority will be given to individuals caring for elderly family members.
The President said that in issuing housing, priority will be given to individuals who are caring for parents and other elderly dependents. He further said that in shaping policies, arrangements will be made to allow senior citizens who are living independently to also apply for social housing.
- Enhancing Education and Workforce Development
Investing in education and workforce development is essential for ensuring that the Maldives has a skilled and adaptable workforce.
Minister of Social and Family Development Dr Aishath Shiham said that measures need to be enforced to duly prepare for the rising population of senior citizens.
Speaking at the Maldives Finance Forum, organized by the Maldives Pension Administration Office (MPAO) in July, Minister Shiham acknowledged the challenges posed by a growing elderly population. However, she argued that these challenges could be turned into opportunities if the country leverages its human resources by engaging its youth population and creating pathways for their success.
"By promoting young workers, developing essential job skills, and creating employment opportunities, we can accelerate economic growth and help youth become financially responsible, hard-working individuals dedicated to advancing the country," she said.
Census reveals that individuals under 15 years of age make up 20 percent of the population, while those aged between 15 to 64 constitute 76 percent of the workforce and senior citizens over 65 account for 4 percent of the population.
Considering future changes predicted in the community, the Maldives will observe a sharp rise in elderly population up to 7 percent by the end of 2030. This figure is expected to double to 14 percent by 2050 and demographic surveys show that the Maldivian population's median age will rise from 32.1 years to 47 years by the end of 2050.
By focusing on education and training opportunities for young individuals, particularly in growing sectors such as healthcare, technology, and tourism, the government can better manage the aging population and establish effective support systems.
The aging population in the Maldives presents a complex challenge that demands a multi-dimensional response. Addressing this issue goes beyond merely providing care for the elderly; it involves creating a society where all generations can thrive together. By fostering inclusive policies that support the well-being of every age group, the Maldives can build a resilient society capable of meeting the demands of an aging population.
Implementing comprehensive strategies to address these challenges will enable the Maldives government to support the nation’s elderly populace and navigate this demographic transition. Through targeted economic, healthcare, and social policies, the Maldives can pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for all its citizens.
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