Imagine this: you’ve just been made redundant at 58. You’ve got a healthy nest egg, enough to retire comfortably. But you don’t want to. You’re not ready to hang up your boots just yet. This is the reality for an increasing number of Malta’s mature workforce. They’re not ready to fade into the sunset, and they’re finding new ways to stay in the game.

Malta’s population is ageing. According to Eurostat, by 2070, one in three Maltese will be over 65. This demographic shift, often referred to as the ‘silver tsunami’, is transforming the job market. More mature workers are finding themselves out of a job, not by choice, but by circumstance. And many are refusing to let their skills and experience go to waste.

Take Joseph, for instance. A former manager in the hospitality industry, he was made redundant last year at 59. “I’ve got a good pension, my kids are grown, and the house is paid off,” he says, sitting in a café in Sliema’s busy high street. “But I don’t want to spend my days watching TV. I want to work.”

Malta’s mature job seekers are reinventing their careers in diverse ways. Some are turning to freelance work or consultancy, us their expertise to help businesses thrive. Others are retraining, learning new skills to adapt to the digital age. A few are even starting their own businesses, betting on their experience to see them through.

Government initiatives like the ‘Back to Work’ scheme are helping. The scheme provides training and job placement assistance to older workers. But many are also taking matters into their own hands, networking, upskilling, and pivoting their careers.

“I’ve started teaching hospitality management at a local college,” says Maria, a former HR manager who was made redundant at 57. “I never thought I’d be a teacher, but here I am. It’s challenging, but it’s also exciting.”

It’s not all smooth sailing, though. Ageism is a real barrier for many. Despite laws against it, some employers still prefer younger, cheaper workers. And the lack of flexible working options can also be a hurdle. But there are also opportunities. Businesses are increasingly recognising the value of mature workers’ experience and skills.

with Malta’s skills shortage, especially in tech and digital roles, there’s a growing need for workers of all ages. This could be a win-win, with older workers filling skills gaps and businesses benefiting from their expertise.

“We’re seeing a real shift in attitudes,” says Dr. Marthese Portelli, a labour market analyst. “Employers are starting to realise that age is just a number. What really matters is what you can bring to the table.”

Malta’s ageing workforce is here to stay. And as more mature workers find themselves out of a job, we can expect to see more stories like Joseph’s and Maria’s. But it’s not all doom and gloom. With the right policies, support, and attitudes, Malta’s mature workers could be a real asset, driving innovation, filling skills gaps, and contributing to the economy.

As Joseph puts it, “I’ve still got a lot to offer. I’m not ready to retire, and I don’t think I ever will be.”