We are all aware that today around 25 per cent of our Maltese citizens are elderly. Times have changed. Married women are being encouraged to go out to work, not only to earn a living and contribute towards the common good of the nation, but also to make sure they will have a pension in their last ‘non-earning’ years.

The elderly are being encouraged to retain their careers for as long as possible. This helps their independence while the State feels less responsibility for them. At last come the years when it is time for us to reap the benefits of our working life. We can take life easier while remaining as active as possible according to circumstances including health.

At this stage most of us contribute to society in a voluntary way either in our own families or with NGOs. We do our best to give our expertise to society for free while receiving our pensions.

Luckily, in Malta, we have quite a few natural advantages for the elderly. Our climate is kind, distances are short and our roads are relatively safe from crime.

I have seen an old lady having to alight backwards while trying to hold on to the bus

The State provides many services to help us enjoy an active, meaningful life, helping to satisfy our needs as elderly persons.

We certainly prefer to live in our own home for as long as possible and welcome the services of home help, meals on wheels, telecare, daycare centres, handyman service, and so on.

However, although one might think that it is therefore easy for the elderly to live gracefully and actively, there are some everyday disadvantages which are overlooked.

Let’s take pavements, for example. Why are homebuilders allowed to leave pavements in a bad state, not only while they are building but also after the house is completed? I remember my 70-year-old mother having to cross her busy road to bypass rubble and other debris on the pavement near her house.

Then there are pavements that go up and down without notice because of the different levels of garages. Many elderly backs have been injured due to these ‘traps’.

And what about the bad parking habits causing obstacles or hindering pedestrian crossings? We Maltese are a very undisciplined people! It does not require much to be aware of the needs of others, only courtesy and kindness.

Remember, age catches up with all of us if we are ‘lucky’ to live a longish life. If we don’t carry these responsibilities naturally then we should be forced to do so through fines, where it hurts our pockets.

But why should we reach that point? High pavements are also a hindrance for everyone except children while ramps would encourage wheelchair users to achieve some independence.

Then there is the issue of public transport. When I was a child I was expected to give up my seat to grown-ups, not only elderly persons.

Nowadays there is a notice over the front seats which states that they must be vacated in favour of the elderly or for persons with special needs. But rarely will you see this happen. In these cases it should be the bus driver’s responsibility to see that an elderly person finds a safe seat.

It is useless having low floor buses if the bus does not stop close to the pavement. I have seen an old lady having to alight backwards while trying to hold on to the bus, which did not have any handles.

Talk about active aging! A little understanding would go a long way to fulfilling this slogan.

I believe a regular social work service, especially for the over 75s, would go a long way to prevent abuse and neglect, through the planning of necessary care.

For instance, it is useless giving these elderly persons a bonus of €300 yearly as an incentive to remain at home unless they can be accompanied for their hospital appointments.

Furthermore, weekly carer visits would avoid unpleasant news of elderly persons found lifeless in their homes. Maybe a voluntary service could help here, something like, or in association with, Volserve (as provided in hospital.)

Above all, let us remember that each elderly person has a history.

They have probably given a big contribution to society in their prime. Now they deserve respect and consideration from a caring society which respects and understands their individuality.

Jane Azzopardi is a retired nurse and social worker.