Caritas Malta appealed for the strengthening of sanctions against those who assault older persons or perpetrate any form of abuse on them. Through its HelpAge Unit, Caritas said that society should continue to show its appreciation to those who have given the prime of their lives to it by ensuring that older persons have adequate protection, including a strong deterrent for would-be abusers.

In a statement to mark the International Day for the Elderly, to be celebrated on Monday, Caritas upholds the United Nations principles for older persons, including that they should be independent, participate in society, be cared for, have the opportunity for the full development of their potential, and above all, live with dignity.

While recognising the substantial progress that has been achieved in Malta in this area, Caritas believes that this important sector of society should continue to receive the utmost attention of the authorities to increase the care for older persons who live in homes or reside in the community, and to increase facilities in hospitals and ensure ease of access to them.

Through its HelpAge Unit, Caritas organises activities and meetings to increase the opportunity of older persons to remain integrated in society, be more independent and pursue opportunities for self-fulfilment in a world of fast change. This is achieved through 42 social centres in parishes all over Malta where HelpAge invites specialists and professional people to address meetings of older persons on issues which affect their lives.

HelpAge, above all, is active in mitigating as much as possible the effects of solitude, to which older persons are more vulnerable than people in other age groups. On this issue, Caritas appeals to all those who have older persons in their families to give them the attention they deserve and never let them feel neglected.

To mark the day, Archbishop Mgr Paul Cremona, OP, has accepted the invitation of Caritas Malta to celebrate Mass for older persons on Monday at 10am at Christ the King parish church, Paola.

For this occasion, the highest authorities of the country have been invited along with older persons from state, Church and private homes, including St Vincent de Paul home.