How Malta’s Food Scene Can Promote Healthier Living

Title: "How Adult Care Services Can Support Healthier Lives: Lessons for Malta's Food and Lifestyle Scene"

In the realm of health and lifestyle, the connection between nutrition, mental well-being, and physical health is undeniable. Yet, fewer than two-thirds of adult social care services in England are reportedly doing a good job of supporting people to live healthier lives, according to recent findings. This data highlights the urgent need for a “radical rethink” of how care services operate—a lesson not only for England but also for Malta, where the food and restaurant industry plays a vital role in shaping public health and longevity.

The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) has raised concerns that the current adult social care system is “a long way” from supporting individuals to live their best quality of life for as long as possible. A Freedom of Information request submitted by the charity revealed shortcomings in 462 out of 1,097 recent inspections conducted by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Only 58% of these services met a “good” standard when it came to supporting healthier living.

Relevant measures included encouraging healthier dietary choices, promoting physical activity, and identifying health risks through GP referrals or preventive health checks. For Malta, this raises an interesting question: how can the food and hospitality industry collaborate with care services to encourage healthier lifestyles and prevent health deterioration? With Malta’s vibrant restaurant scene and its growing emphasis on Mediterranean cuisine, which is renowned for promoting longevity, there’s an opportunity to extend these principles to care settings and community initiatives.

In conversations with carers, the RSPH found that many identify early warning signs of health problems in those they care for but are unable to act until a crisis point is reached due to a lack of support. This mirrors broader challenges seen globally, where preventive care often takes a backseat to reactive measures. For Malta, integrating nutrition-focused education into care services and collaborating with local restaurants to provide balanced meal plans could be a game-changer.

The RSPH recommended stronger connections between care staff and formal health services, ensuring carers can intervene early by making referrals when necessary. They also suggested phasing out rushed 15-minute care visits in favor of tailored care plans that address individual needs. This is particularly relevant for Malta, where the concept of “slow food” and personalized dining experiences could inspire a similar ethos in care practices. Imagine care homes partnering with local farms and restaurants to deliver fresh, nutrient-rich meals designed to support both physical and mental well-being.

William Roberts, Chief Executive of the RSPH, emphasized the need to “radically rethink” adult social care, stating that the system should aim to help people live the best quality of life for as long as possible. Roberts argued that the nation has the skills and knowledge to turn things around, but action must be taken now—this sentiment resonates with Malta's ongoing efforts to promote a healthier lifestyle through food and community initiatives.

Jane Townson, Chief Executive of the Homecare Association, welcomed the RSPH’s call for greater collaboration between homecare and public health services. She noted that issues such as rushed visits and high staff turnover stem from how services are commissioned and funded. This insight could be adapted for Malta’s context, where local councils, health organizations, and restaurant businesses might work together to create sustainable care packages that include nutritious meal options and physical activity programs.

Meanwhile, Age UK has warned that the health and care system is under “unprecedented pressure.” In its latest report, the charity urged the government to reduce emergency hospital admissions for conditions that could be managed in the community, guarantee structured medication reviews and falls risk assessments for older people, and bring down the number of hospital delays for patients fit for discharge. These challenges highlight the importance of integrating preventive measures—such as healthy eating and regular exercise—into care systems. For Malta, this underscores the role restaurants and food providers can play in creating community-focused initiatives that promote wellness.

Charity Director Caroline Abrahams stressed the need to adapt health and care services for an aging population, noting that much of the last decade has been wasted in addressing these needs. For Malta, where population aging is also a growing concern, embracing the Mediterranean diet and fostering partnerships between health organizations and the food industry could help bridge the gap between care services and healthier living.

The Department of Health and Social Care in England has pledged to fix the system, including funding 15,000 home adaptations and shifting the focus from sickness to prevention. For Malta, similar investments in preventive care—such as subsidized healthy meal programs, nutrition workshops, and partnerships with local chefs—could pave the way for a healthier, happier aging population.

Malta’s food and restaurant industry has long celebrated the importance of fresh, balanced meals and the communal joy of dining. By extending these principles to care settings and community health initiatives, the country has the potential to set an example for how food and lifestyle can be integral to supporting longevity and well-being. Whether it's through nutritious meal delivery programs for care homes or collaborations between restaurants and health organizations, there’s a unique opportunity to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, can live their healthiest life.