Today, as the world marks International Day for the Elderly, we celebrate the lives of 580 million people worldwide who are over the age of 60. The percentage of elderly living in Malta is 18 per cent of the total population, and this figure is expected to rise sharply in the years to come, especially among those who are 75 years and over.

This demographic phenomenon is undoubtedly a great achievement of modern civilisation. This is a result, on the one hand, of better care and services for the elderly, and on the other of the success accomplished in the medical, social and economic sectors of society.

We have to acknowledge that with a population that is getting older every day, ever greater demands are being made on society. However, it is indeed our responsibility to guarantee a respectable standard of living for all, to provide high quality care and attention to those who need them, and finally to encourage older people to continue participating in the economic and social life. In this way the elderly avoid social exclusion and marginalisation.

We have to keep in mind that a healthy and active elderly person is an asset to the family, community and our country’s economic growth.

Bearing this in mind, we have made it our policy to enable elderly people to remain in their homes, for as long as possible, in an environment they know best and that is most suitable to them. Also, we have been more pro-active and resourceful to help the elderly and their carers.

The introduction of a number of services for the elderly as well as day centres are ample proof of this.

On this special occasion, I’d like to highlight the importance of inter-generational solidarity which can contribute towards the reduction of social isolation among the elderly. At the same time the younger generation has the opportunity to appreciate the unique potential of the elderly and benefit from a wealth of wisdom and experience.

Yesterday’s children are today’s adults and tomorrow’s elderly. The quality of life we enjoy as elderly persons depends on the opportunities that each and every one of us learns to obtain throughout every stage of our life.

The concept of active ageing promotes the continuing involvement of the elderly in socially productive activities and meaningful work. Active ageing is the process of optimising opportunities for physical, social and mental wellbeing throughout the life course, in order to extend healthy life expectancy, productivity and quality of life in older age.

This is the way forward. And we all have to keep in mind that people could contribute to society in terms of capability rather than chronology – thus working longer, retiring later and more gradually, being active after retirement and engaging in health prolonging activities.

May I take this opportunity to thank all those who work so hard towards ensuring a better quality of life for elderly people.

However, a special thanks goes to you, the elderly, for all that you have done and still continue to do for our society.

I urge you to cherish the fact that each new day is a gift… and because of this, you should make the best out of it.

Together we can look towards the future with great optimism. Let’s preserve what we have achieved together and let’s continue to work for a better future.

Helen D’Amato is Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care