As the world marks the International Day for the Elderly, today we celebrate the lives of 580 million individuals worldwide who are over the age of 60.

The percentage of elderly living in Malta is 18 per cent of the total population and this figure is expected to rise sharply in the years to come, especially among those who are 75 years and over.

This demographic phenomenon is undoubtedly a great achievement of modern civilisation. This is a result on the one hand of better care and services for the elderly and on the other, it is a result of the success achieved in the medical, social and economic sectors of society.

We have to acknowledge that, with a population that is getting older, ever greater demands are being made on society. However, it is indeed our responsibility to guarantee a respectable standard of living for all, to provide high quality care and attention to those who need them and, finally, to encourage older people to continue participating in the economic and social life. In this way the elderly will avoid being marginalised.

We have to keep in mind that a healthy and active elderly person is an asset to the family, the community and the country's economic growth.

Bearing this in mind, we have made it our policy to enable elderly people to keep residing at their homes, for as long as possible, in an environment they know best and that is most congenial to them. Also, we have been more pro-active and resourceful in helping the elderly and their carers. The introduction of a number of services for the elderly as well as day centres are ample proof of this.

On this special occasion, I'd like to highlight the importance of inter-generational solidarity that can contribute towards the reduction of social isolation of octogenarians. At the same time, the younger generation have the opportunity to appreciate the unique potential of the elderly and benefit from a wealth of wisdom and experience.

Yesterday's children are today's adults and tomorrow's elderly. The quality of life we enjoy as elderly persons depends on the opportunities that each and every one of us learns to obtain throughout life.

The concept of active ageing promotes the continuing involvement of the elderly in socially productive activities and meaningful work. Active ageing is the process of optimising opportunities for physical, social and mental well-being in order to extend healthy life expectancy, productivity and quality of life in older age.

This is the way forward. And we all have to keep in mind that people can contribute to society in terms of capability rather than chronology - thus working longer, retiring later and more gradually, being active after retirement and engaging in health prolonging activities.

May I take this opportunity to thank all those who work so hard towards ensuring a better quality of life for the elderly.

A special thanks goes to the elderly, for all that they have done and still continue to do for our society. I urge them to cherish the fact that each new day is a gift... and because of this, they should make the most of it.

Together we can look towards the future with great optimism. Let us preserve what we have achieved together and continue to work for a better future.

Ms D'Amato is Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care.