The Central Bank of Malta has issued a notice (The Sunday Times, October 24) concerning a ‘Household finance and consumption survey’ planned for this month and January .

May I suggest that a part of this exercise focuses ­exclusively on the elderly (65+) living in the community on their own, in one- or two-household families.

As the risk-of-poverty rate among Maltese elderly is very high (22 per cent), it would be extremely useful to probe the budgetary spending of this age group. One of course would need to take into account the spending on food and other household items, payment of utility bills, regular purchase of medicines according to health needs, and services such as ordinary repairs and maintenance in the home.

This is not to mention fuel expenses and payment of licence and insurance for a family car.

Such a survey would show the way for just and adequate pensions for the elderly to ensure their well-being and dignity.

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