The 19th edition of the Premju Anzjan tas-Sena was launched this morning by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly Mario Galea during a visit to the Dingli Day Centre.
Day centres, of which there are 19 in Malta, serve as an educational and recreational source for the elderly. Some 2,000 senior citizens make use of such centres.
The Premju Anzjan tas-Sena celebrates the achievement of a senior citizien in the field of voluntary work, and is given to that person whose character and activity is an inspiration to others.
A special award is also given to a resident who attends an elderly home/day centre and works to improve the quality of life of the elderly who attends the home/day centre.
Mr Galea said the prize challenged the negative attitude of some that looked at ageing as the worst phase in life. The award, he said, celebrated active ageing.
Information and nomination forms may be collected from Ċentru Servizz Anzjan, Old Mint Street, Valletta, local councils, the Department for the Elderly and Community Care in St Francis Square, Victoria or online from www.ehealth.gov.mt .
Applications should be submitted by hand to Ċentru Servizz Anzjan in Malta and to the Department for the Elderly and Community Care in case of applicants from Gozo by noon of September 10.