In defence of older people

The extended family structure which helped people cope with illness, old age and other burdens has largely disappeared. The state, on behalf of society, has taken its place. This is indeed a pity and Azzjoni Nazzjonali, in its last electoral manifesto, promised to do its utmost to reverse the trend, which we believe has been set in motion both by the tendency of the State to dish out benefits without any sense of selectivity, as well as economic factors that deprive the family from giving the assistance it would like to give to its older members and other relatives in need.

As a member of the EU, Malta has to abide by the rules of the union. While, on such topics as health, care of the elderly and pensions, a state is theoretically free to legislate as it deems necessary and desirable, such freedom is effectively limited by the deficit rule of the EU. Indeed, citizens recently have had occasion to note the remarks of the Commission on the need to reform the health system, on stipends and on pensions' reform, all of which made bad news. Locally there is a tendency to overlook such limitations. People seem to forget that when money shrinks, it shrinks for everybody.

Although there is a great deal of lip service paid to the European social model and to solidarity, those in the union with their hands on the levers of power, have failed at least so far to ensure a fairer distribution of wealth between different categories of citizens. Collective action is similarly absent where there is risk of poverty and social exclusion. The present recession has shown very clearly that economies and finance have to be at the service of the citizen and not the other way round. Only in such a context can one speak of a social Europe.

Throughout the 27 member states, an average of 16 per cent of the population is deemed to be at risk of poverty. In Malta the figure is 14.2 per cent of the population. Official statements indicate that government is satisfied that we are better than the average. However, when the figures are broken down further, one finds that while in 2006, 16 per cent of those aged 61 and over were at risk of poverty, in 2007 the figure goes up to 21 per cent. There is little doubt that the percentage in 2009 is even higher.

The problems are clear: more specialised health care, more accommodation for elderly persons, a higher pensions' Bill. But why look only at these negative aspects? Does the change not also provide opportunities? With greater longevity, people can continue to be economically active for longer. A determined effort starting now will not only contain the problem but convert it into an opportunity.

The European Parliament, as the link between the citizens and the institutions, has to become the first line of defence for Europe's people. If, elected, I would give priority to seeking the support of other MEPs for initiatives in favour of older citizens and inter-generational amity.