Helen D’Amato, parliamentary secretary for the elderly and community care, yesterday addressed the opening of the academic year of the University of the Third Age in Valletta, urging the elderly to remain active in their old age.

The elderly, she said, should involve themselves in all aspects of society. They had much to contribute.

The concept of elderly persons involving themselves in some educational activity as students was a concept which today was gaining ground.

As such, educational centres such as the University of the Third Age met an important need, she said.