Reaching the age of retirement is not the end of the story. To the mind of this government, old age is definitely not about packing up, sitting pretty and lazing around. Our vision is of a society in which all older people can lead dignified, active, healthy and secure lives. Although we lead and legislate, we work with our partners to ensure that people everywhere understand how much older people contribute to society and that they must enjoy their right to healthcare, social services and economic and physical security. These are the basics, however, as we strive to create and maintain the necessary structures and spaces for them to lead a normal life with activities that ensure their satisfaction as active citizens.

For some people, the subject of our ageing society is typically considered in terms of the problems and cost of supporting a growing numbers of older people. Far from being a burden on the economy, older people can, in fact, become net contributors. Being the Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, I am committed to ensuring that the contribution made by older people really changes the story from them being a drain on society to them being the most extraordinary resource. Gone are the days of the romantic perception that older people are only valued for their wisdom and experience of life. Their role within the immediate family and the wider community has evolved in such a way that they have become constants – and not only as child-minders! 

Perhaps few of us consider that older people do make a net positive contribution to the life of the community. We must admit that, for decades, the value of their caring and volunteering may have been under-rated. Research actually shows that the majority of people engaged in voluntary organisations and activities are the older generation. They are fast becoming the potential ‘younger-older’ factor when it comes to playing a growing role in the way the whole community can face the challenge posed by ‘the ageing society’. 

At the launching the second Active Elderly of the Year Award, earlier this week, I reiterated that the Labour government does not view old age as a challenge but rather as an opportunity for old people to enjoy a higher quality of life and full participation in society as an important component that can contribute substantially to the community. The award itself reflects the government’s recognition of the work and endeavours by so many elderly people, hence encouraging many others to come forward and also make a contribution.

Whilst thanking the selection board for this award, headed by Prof Carmel Borg, may I remind everyone concerned that nomination forms will be available from my Secretariat or via www.activeageing.gov.mt and are to be submitted by Friday, 18 September. President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca will preside over the presentation of the award, which will take place in Gozo, in October.

Such an award scheme is an integral part of our untiring commitment to provide everything that is required for old people to retain their dignity. Like any award, it may be considered by the winners as a climax, but in itself it is an encouragement to further participation by the winners and all those who look up to them as role models. For my Secretariat, it is yet another event that offers a value-added impetus in our constant commitment in the care and support for the elderly and – what matters most – their remaining active.

In all this, quality standards are our final aim. As well as keeping a watchful eye on the high levels of services provided, we take all necessary steps whenever we get even the slightest negative feedback, however justified it might be. I personally insist on investigating all complaints and, after considering the situation, apply the quickest remedies and solutions possible. It is frustrating, however, that a particular section of the media is chronically obsessed with pointing fingers at us, basing their attacks on the most baseless hearsay or half-truths, without even bothering to ask us for the real facts – and even when presented with facts and truths, persisting with twisting them in an attempt to create sensationalism to the obvious detriment of those directly concerned, without any respect whatsoever.

Such was the case during the past week when the management of St Vincent de Paule Residence had to speak out loud and clear in the face of unfounded accusations considering that the management had fully followed all applicable procedures. Without going into the merits of the case – since it is not ethical and prudent to divulge personal information – it is opportune to point out that, apart from procedure, the administration acted in full conformity with the wishes of the person concerned.

Negligence is definitely in no way conceivable within the hard work put in around the clock by all the staff at this residential home. Since my appointment, I have made a point of paying surprise visits and creating avenues for the public to lodge complaints – even via a freephone in my office. We have created a customer care office at Saint Vincent de Paul and will shortly set up another one at the Department for Elderly and Community Care. We also have an audit team and a quality assurance team to monitor the quality of service we give. As a Secretariat we are incessantly engaged with the general public to assist and address complaints and shortcomings.   

With our latest legislation against all forms of abuse of the elderly, it is simply unthought-of, let alone approved, that there would be any sort of such abuse within any of the state-run residences. Not only would we call in the police to investigate, but we strive to follow the strict procedures that are in place in all circumstances.

Such an irresponsible media attitude will not discourage or tarnish the dedication and professionalism of all the staff concerned, who we endeavour to train and re-train on a regular basis. Nor will it in any way hinder us from completing the various projects according to deadlines and budget plans. We are sufficiently mature to understand that some people suffer from the sour grapes syndrome and we therefore empathise with them, knowing as we do that they lacked the necessary flair and stamina in their time.  

Rising above such time-wasting issues, we proceed with our mission at all levels. With the upgrading and refurbishing work going on in practically all residential homes managed by the government around the islands, there come instances where we have to focus our energy on particular issues and venues. This is the case of the Mtarfa Home for the Elderly which is fast becoming another flagship in the life of the Parliamentary Secretariat for the Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing. This home caters for 123 residents, including those who are fully independent, semi independent and dependent. They reside in single, twin or three-bedded rooms, as well as the female and male wards. Refurbishment work is currently underway on the female ward and an additional lift is to be installed at the home. Work is also at an advanced stage to increase by twenty-five the number of beds for people with dementia. The latter is an additional stage in our efforts to counter and manage this ever-challenging reality, in line with a national campaign, embarked upon last April, to create awareness and better knowledge of the dementia phenomenon. 

Like many other state-run residential homes for the Elderly, Mtarfa Home offers the necessary nursing/caring services around the clock with the best quality standards. Residents are also served with hairdressing/beautician services, together with physiotherapy and other requirements such as a podologist, a general practitioner and social workers. The Active Ageing unit is very dynamic, with drama lessons, computer classes and other stimulating activities such as those where residents participate in local community events with a good knowledge of the folklore and traditional spirit.

Needless to say, none of this could materialise were it not for the highly motivated teamwork involving directors, management and all staff, including my Secretariat’s officials. What is happening in Mtarfa will also happen in all government-run homes so that by the end of the programme we will have fully upgraded and refurbished homes to cater for the needs of our older people in a dignified fashion and in a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere.

It is indeed breath-taking to recount such an ongoing programme for Active Ageing. In a lighter mood, one would dare refer to the old saying: “Life begins at 40” and suggest that it may be revisited and updated to reflect the exciting changes and improvements this energetic Government is making.

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