For over a decade, EMCS has been entrusted with the collection of SHARE data in Malta, contributing to one of Europe’s most important long-term research initiatives. This ongoing work ensures that Malta’s demographic, social, and economic realities are accurately represented in the wider European evidence base.
Across Europe, this data is now shaping how we understand ageing, health, and wellbeing with important implications for policymakers, employers, and society at large.
Recent findings from the SHARE (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe) programme highlight critical trends, from undiagnosed health conditions to the social factors affecting quality of life in later years.
Among the most striking insights is the discovery that millions of Europeans may be living with undiagnosed kidney disease, even among individuals already managing multiple health conditions. This points to gaps in screening systems and a broader need to rethink how healthcare monitoring is approached across ageing populations.
At the same time, research shows that cognitive abilities among older generations are improving overall, suggesting progress in education, lifestyle, and healthcare though not evenly across all groups. Meanwhile, other findings reveal surprising connections between loneliness and brain health, underlining the profound impact of social factors on physical wellbeing.
Beyond health, SHARE research also explores family and societal dynamics. For instance, studies suggest that parents report higher life satisfaction when their children experience upward mobility, while end-of-life planning appears less influenced by personality traits than previously assumed offering new considerations for policymakers designing support systems.
While these findings are European in scope, Malta’s contribution plays an essential role in strengthening the overall picture.
Through its long-standing work on SHARE, EMCS continues to ensure that local data feeds into this wider research effort, supporting more accurate insights, better policymaking, and more targeted social interventions.
As Europe continues to grapple with the challenges of an ageing population, initiatives like SHARE and Malta’s active participation through EMCS, are critical in shaping informed, data-driven decisions for the future.
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