Demographic Change and Population Ageing in the Maldives: Strengthening Response Through UN Partnership

Population ageing is reshaping societies worldwide. As people live longer and fertility rates decline, countries are experiencing profound changes in their economies, labour markets, and social systems. Recognized globally as one of the major demographic megatrends, alongside climate change, urbanization, technological advancement, and rising inequalities, population ageing demands timely, coordinated, and inclusive policy responses.

The Asia-Pacific region is ageing faster than any other in the world. By 2050, the number and proportion of older persons in the region are expected to double, while the shares of children, youth, and working-age populations decline. This rapid transition leaves countries with limited time to adapt their policies, institutions, and services.

 In the Maldives, demographic change is occurring at an especially accelerated pace. Significant improvements in health and living standards have increased life expectancy at birth from 54.8 years in 1980 to an estimated 81.5 years in 2025. Simultaneously, declining fertility rates are reshaping the population structure. As a result, the proportion of people aged 65 and above is projected to rise sharply - from 5.0 percent in 2025 to 21.5 percent by 2050. The Maldives is projected to become an “ageing” society by 2031 and an “aged” society by 2044, placing it among the countries experiencing the fastest demographic transitions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Population ageing carries wide-ranging implications for the Maldives’ development trajectory. A shrinking working-age population may place pressure on economic growth and public finances, while demand for healthcare, long-term care, and social protection is anticipated to increase. At the same time, longer lives present opportunities to harness the experience, skills, and contributions of older persons, provided there are age-friendly workplaces, lifelong learning opportunities, and inclusive labour market policies. Addressing these challenges and maximizing these opportunities requires early planning, cross-sectoral coordination, and evidence-based policymaking.

Recognizing the urgency of demographic change, the Government of Maldives has strengthened its response through close collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). During the Fourth Asia-Pacific Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), the Government sought ESCAP’s technical support to review and update its national policy framework on ageing.

Through this partnership, the National Policy on Ageing was revised to align with regional and global commitments under MIPAA, while incorporating emerging priorities relevant to the Maldivian context. ESCAP’s analytical expertise, regional data, and policy experience ensured that the updated policy reflects both national realities and international good practices, underscoring the importance of early planning, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive approaches to build a society that supports all generations.

The revised National Policy on Ageing adopts a life-course approach, aiming to ensure that older persons can age with dignity, security, and continued participation in society. Key focus areas include opportunities for decent work, lifelong learning, and social participation; access to quality, affordable, and integrated health services, including long-term care and the promotion of healthy ageing; and enabling and supportive environments, such as strengthened social protection systems, support for families and caregivers, and age-friendly communities. These priorities align closely with the objectives of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and draw on regional lessons and evidence shared through ESCAP platforms.

Building on the revised policy framework, the National Action Plan on Ageing 2025 - 2028 was launched on 9 December 2025, translating strategic commitments into concrete actions, timelines, and responsibilities across sectors. The Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to ensure that population ageing is systematically integrated into national development planning. Its launch coincides with the Maldives’ celebration of 60 years of UN membership and the United Nations’ 80th anniversary, highlighting the longstanding partnership between the Government of Maldives and the UN. Through this collaboration, the UN in Maldives remains committed to supporting government priorities and strengthening capacity to address the challenges and opportunities of population ageing, fostering inclusive and sustainable development for all generations.