In the upcoming months, the Parliamentary Secretariat will be busier than ever. Since this is the month dedicated to the elderly, we are taking a number of new initiatives pertaining to active ageing, in line with the active ageing strategy being implemented by government. 

Firstly, I must say that I was completely overwhelmed by the number of requests for the Gozo opera tickets initiative. The Parliamentary secretariat took this initiative to further promote active ageing and culture, as well as to provide new opportunities for active older persons in society. In effect, entitlement to the tickets was based on a set of criteria, with active ageing as the main focus. We requested applicants to provide proof that they are working, participating in an NGO or enrolled in a course. In this way, we are 'awarding' persons who remain active during their elderly life.

Next Saturday we will be holding the annual award traditionally known as 'Premju Anzjan,' but this year, we decided to modify the concept to bring it in line with our active ageing strategy. Consequently, the Premju Anzjanita Attiva, will be held at Palazzo Palina in Gozo next Saturday evening and will be presided over by President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca. 

Apart from awarding active elders, the Parliamentary Secretariat is also implementing several initiatives in day centres for the elderly. Other policy strategies launched recently include the transformation of Day Centres for Older People into Centres for Active Ageing that fulfil the role of lifelong learning hubs, and the organisation of nationwide pre-retirement learning programmes.

The creation of lifelong learning hubs means that we will be challenging the traditional notion of day centres as places where inactivity is the order of the day. Instead, visitors will be offered the chance to participate in informative sessions on a variety of subjects.

Earlier this week, I attended a cultural event organised by the department for the elderly, with the participation of a number of older people who frequent the abovementioned centres. I was impressed by their vivacity, creativity and eagerness to play a more prominent role in society - given the opportunity. And that is what we will do - create opportunities to enrich the lives of our older people, giving them the possibility to fulfil their aspirations.

We are also embarking on a new learning project in the Mosta Day Centre and persons wishing to attend this may sign up at the Mosta Local Council or the day centre itself. The full programme will be published on our website - www.activeageing.gov.mt - later on this week and may also be obtained by calling the active ageing unit. 

This week, I also gave an address at the official launch of the academic year of the University of the Third Age. Through the Parliamentary Secretariat for Rights of People with Disability and Active Ageing, the government is financing this year's academic course in Cottonera and during my address, I expressed my satisfaction with this initiative, since it epitomises active ageing.

More exciting things lie ahead and at the moment we are exploring how recent advances in assistive technologies can improve the safety and wellbeing of older people to enable them to 'age in place'. We are also in the process of reorganising the Office for the Commissioner for Older People, and embarking on legislation for an Adult Protection Act. This follows the introduction of new deterrent measures in the Maltese Criminal Code, specifically dealing with abuse of the elderly: a concept which, until this year, had been legally defined in a very broad manner.

Dr Caruana is Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of People with Disability and Active Aging