Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has called for better regulation of homes for the elderly, stressing the need to ensure residents are treated with dignity.

Dr Muscat was speaking yesterday at the launch of the national strategic policy for active ageing at the Ambassadors’ Hall in Castille.

He said residents in old people’s homes must be given a greater say in matters that affect them directly.

“In this manner we will ensure that homes do not end up as ‘parking lots’ for old people” said Dr Muscat.

The Prime Minister hailed this document as a very important step. He said the parliamentary secretariat for the elderly was not placed under the remit of the health ministry but as part of the social policy ministry.

Dr Muscat also laid emphasis on the importance of combating age-related discrimination.

In particular he referred to the tensions which might arise when those staying in employment after retirement age were perceived as obstructing job opportunities for young people. For this reason, he said, job creation was crucial for this strategy to reach its objectives.

The strategy covers the seven-year period from 2014 to 2020 and is based on three main pillars – active participation in the labour market, participation in society and independent living.

The document warns that by 2035 the number of people over 65 year will almost double from 68,400 in 2011 to 103,000.

Though lauding the increased longevity which is a direct result of scientific advances and a better quality of life, the document warns that population ageing has significant and extensive repercussions on all aspects of public policy.

The strategy recommends financial incentives for employers to retain older workers, a more gradual process leading to retirement and the support of old people to make aneducated decision on a long-term care facility.

It also proposes educational campaigns on active ageing, ensuring sustainable income for old people and strengthening geriatric mental health services.