One of the most significant factors that emerged in full force during the Convention for Maltese Living Abroad was the suggestion that issues relating to old age are the most urgent concerns relating to Maltese emigrants. It was argued that such people involve a growing sector of fellow Maltese with ever-increasing needs because they are finding it all the more difficult to cope with everyday life and, therefore, require proper constant attention.
The problem is apparently being felt the most in the huge continent of Australia where Maltese migrants over 65 years form a third of the total Malta-born generation. In fact, it is estimated that in 2011 there will be about 21,000 citizens of Maltese origin aged over 65 years, growing to an estimated 25,000 in the year 2026.
There are, of course, aging Maltese surrounded by their loved ones. However, there are also elderly Maltese people living in isolation, perhaps also facing difficulties in coming to terms with modern technology and unable to secure what has been defined as a culturally- and linguistically-appropriate aged care facility.
Most people everywhere and, perhaps, Maltese in particular, would do their utmost not to leave their home. Sometimes, people stay at home even at great risk to themselves because most do not like going to a nursing home. However, this is not always possible. Indeed, it is considered that there are several health issues that make it extremely difficult for the elderly Maltese living abroad to remain at home.
One may argue that issues relating to aging persons are the responsibility of the government of the respective countries where they have lived for many years. There is much truth in this. However, as has rightly and wisely been maintained by at least one experienced speaker during the convention, "it is incumbent on all of us who claim to have a social conscience to ensure that their needs are met".
What's more, one has to acknowledge that these needs are related to the fact that those concerned are living in a foreign country, which for them becomes all the more foreign as one loses one's ability to communicate adequately. Alas, it appears that the phenomenon of migrants who, upon reaching older age, tend to prefer to revert to their first language, is well known to those who work with older people of non-English speaking backgrounds.
It has been mentioned that elderly people living abroad who start communicating in their native language seek religion as a refuge. In this context, there are certain places where older Maltese living abroad can still seek the care and support of some small institution run by a religious order. However, even here, religious orders are experiencing a substantial shortage of new members while existing members are aging very fast. Therefore, these small much valued care facilities are, generally speaking, unable to expand their services beyond the present capacity.
Against this background, one urgent follow-up to the convention should be a joint government-Church-led effort, inspired by our belief in the dignity of the human person and the value of solidarity, to address the realities being faced by the elderly people of Maltese origin living abroad. A proper evaluation of the suggestions made during the convention itself could be a very good beginning in this direction.