The International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1. The Parliamentary Secretariat for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing is constantly striving to improve the quality of lives of older persons in the Maltese islands through the application of ageing welfare policies and projects.
The past 12 months have witnessed further implementation of the National Strategic Policy for Active Ageing, enabling more mature persons to remain or enter into the labour market, hence, reaching higher levels of social participation and independence.
Following the success of the national seminar about active ageing, older workers and the labour market held last April in collaboration with the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, we brought about a national trade union forum on active ageing. I highlighted then that more active participation of older workers will contribute to further economic growth, sustainability of pensions and personal gains, including a better financial situation and a more active lifestyle.
Discussions are under way for a comprehensive entitlement to specific types of leave for older workers who care for older relatives, including work-time adjustment, flexible and teleworking and job-sharing, as well as a specialised employment and vocational services guide for older workers.
While this government is against raising the retirement age, it is determined to assist older workers to remain longer within the labour force.
This government’s commitment in support of more active and better lifestyles for older persons is a success by any measure.
Lifelong learning is an ongoing process, with free pre-retirement learning programmes for older workers.
The value of intergenerational solidarity is implemented with fusing younger and older generations in meaningful activities, such as the intergenerational botanic garden at St Vincent de Paul Residence.
With the recently inaugurated day centre in Santa Lucia we have now 28 similar hubs around the island.
Works continue at a steady step for next year’s unveiling of the first Activity Centre for Older Persons in Vittoriosa, which will have a library, an age-friendly gym and the first Maltese Men’s Shed, a space that caters exclusively to the needs and interests of older men.
This year’s launch of the National Dementia Strategy for Malta implemented what had been shelved for years.
Through EU social funds, we provided training in personal and holistic care for those with dementia for all nurses working with older persons in both the community and care homes. This was complemented with government funds for guidance and assistance by professionals and informal carers.
We are committed to placing Malta and Gozo among the best countries, where growing old is a gift
The setting up of a dementia intervention team is another bold step forward due to be operational in the coming months. This will include a dementia care coordinator, an occupational therapist, a practice nurse, a psychologist and a social worker. This is complemented by the launching of a 24-hour national dementia helpline (1771).
Structural upgrading and refurbishment at St Vincent de Paul are among the many projects in hand, always complemented with trained staff and our constant endeavour to ensure dignity and quality of life for residents. In fact, we are investing a lot in our workforce – some €330,000 – so we can transform the long-term care facility into a centre of excellence in elderly care training.
We have so far refurbished two whole wards, opened new day clinics, which provided service for more than 5,000 older people, refurbished the MMMU department, opened a geriatric dental teaching clinic, a new state-of-the-art training centre and much more.
Work will soon be completed on two other wards, making up for the neglect they were left in.
New services have been introduced as from this year in Gozo, with long-term care and respite services, following which we have strengthened the Commcare service and added the night shelter service at Dar Padova, in Għajnsielem.
We are now operating two active ageing centres in Victoria and San Lawrenz, with a third to be operating shortly in Xewkija.
Partnerships with the private sector are an ongoing task to secure Gozitans benefit from national schemes and policies and reduce the endemic problems of double insularity.
We are committed to placing Malta and Gozo among the best countries, where growing old is a gift. High quality services are a must. However extensive financial capital is (in 2013, total government expenditure on retirement and old-age pensions amounted to €433 million, up four per cent on 2012 levels) we need to move on.
I am not the type to be easily discouraged, knowing that the success of the past months speaks for itself. We are the policymakers, legislators, planners, facilitators and doers. Lip service and colourful slogans are not my style. Challenges provide opportunities to work harder.
On this International Day of Older Persons, I look forward to another outstanding year for ageing welfare in the Maltese Islands. It is our commitment.
Justyne Caruana is Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing.