Malta, together with the rest of the world, recently marked the International Day for the Elderly.

One of the themes being expounded in Malta is active ageing, with the full knowledge of the huge expertise which elderly people have acquired during their lifetime and which they could still use after the age of 61.

This theme promoted the continuing involvement of the elderly in productive activities and work.

But there seems to be a hidden discrimination between those aged 61 and those aged 65 – four years that make the difference. Where is the discrimination?

People aged between 61 and 65 cannot earn more than the national minimum wage, or else their pension is reduced by the equivalent amount that is above the NMW. This does not apply to those aged over 65.

One appeals to the government to look into this matter so that more people aged over 61 can be encouraged to continue working, even if part-time, without incurring any penalty. This is more important to those who were in the upper salary bracket and who at 61 register a drastic fall in their income.

Do we need these people to keep their standard of living? Do we need them in active employment, duly reported for income tax purposes?

We need a concrete step in the next budget that specifically helps this category of people. We don’t need to wait for the pension reform. Our need is now.

John Inguanez

Zabbar