It may seem strange to think of solitude when we are surrounded with glittering Christmas decorations. For many of us, solitude and loneliness appear the same. They are both characterised by solitariness. Yet, solitude is not loneliness. It is a positive state of being alone, but not lonely. One is engaged with one’s own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Experiencing solitude is basically a personal choice.

Loneliness, on the other hand, is a negative state, a wistful need for someone who is no longer around. It is the need for human contact and social interaction and may lead to a sense of despair, caused by social isolation. Notwithstanding all our efforts, the elderly are the ones who mostly experience the pain of loneliness, especially during the festive season. They may feel disconnected from the mainstream of life, at a time when life experiences within the family and friends at the place of work come to mind. Their absence or distance makes old people feel lonely. Unlike solitude, loneliness is not something a person chooses to experience. From what we can see around, it may be imposed on our elders by misfortune, ill health or old age.

Our obligations towards our aging parents are limitless, particularly around the festive season, although it offers us the right opportunity to prove that we do not intend abandoning them as they grow old. They do not wait for Christmastime when it comes to keeping an eye on the clock while expecting our visits all year round. Being five minutes late may cause them to worry that something has happened to us. And yet around this time of the year many of them may end up alone in their own home or in the many state and private residences. I know very well that the staff will do their utmost to stand in brilliantly for those who neglect their elder relatives, but certainly old people long to see their own family as the real purveyors of hope and care.

These sentiments led us to the NaħsebFik (Thinking of you) campaign this year and I am pleased to note that, within a couple of days, many came forward to participate in this initiative and we have already had 45 per cent of the ‘wishes’ granted. As we get older, we realise that there is more to Christmas than presents. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring – all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Caring for those who once cared for us is one of the noblest human honours. I am sure that, from the receiving end, our old people will not take for granted the efforts of someone who tries to keep in touch. They know very well that it is not always a fact that someone cares so much.

Throughout my first 20 months as Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of People with a Disability and Active Ageing, I have constantly witnessed that there can be no sense of community without a sense of caring. Any amount of sacrifice is far outweighed by the joy we see in the eyes of those we serve. More than anything else, this is the real satisfaction that ultimately pushes us further in our call of duty. Mother Theresa’s words are a very timely warning to all of us who work in this sector, irrespective of whether we are full-timers or volunteers: “Never be so busy as not to think of others”. 

We also need to critically review our own performance. This is also the right time for us all to look back on what we have achieved during the past year. It is not only an appraisal exercise to evaluate success levels reached, but also analyse what more we can do about contemporary issues and how better we can be proactive for future challenges. I cannot hide my pride that my very last contribution to parliament for 2015 was moving through its first reading a draft bill related to all those within the autism spectrum. In line with the government’s commitment towards a fair society, we intend to have an Autism Support State Plan in place, aimed at creating further awareness and identifying all possible avenues for inclusion of these people within society, and providing support to their families. 

In the last weeks of 2015 I cannot but cherish the bold legislative steps we have taken in support and protection of the elderly and those with disabilities, particularly regarding employment opportunities and against all forms of abuse. These laws are tangibly supported by national standards that we have established to secure the full rights of both sectors within my portfolio. Here again, I reiterate that my work is always ‘work in progress’, and the latest draft bill regarding autism is only an indication of more good things to come in the coming year.

The nation can see the way we are taking initiatives on the ground for the elderly and people with disabilities, initiatives that are contemporaneously supported by the necessary legislative tools and administrative standards and structures. Everything is done within the proper national strategy, established from the outset and strictly adhered to – although revisited whenever necessary. This effectively explains the need for appraising and upgrading all the initiatives that are already in place. It is beyond doubt that we strive for quality, which further explains that ours is necessarily ‘work in progress’.

This could be seen during the past week with the inauguration of our latest project, called the ‘Dementia Friendly Village’ in San Lawrenz, Gozo. Eight months ago I launched a National Campaign of awareness and support for those who suffer from dementia and, in addition to the 1771 helpline, we have been setting up the necessary multi-disciplinary professional teams to intervene in each case. This was immediately followed with specifically designed structures at the Imtarfa Home and the St Vincent de Paul long-care centre. 

My Parliamentary Secretariat will finance the project and San Lawrenz local council will work for the area to become dementia-friendly. This will be the first example of a dementia-friendly community, since the village – given its small size and elderly population – is ideal to serve a model for other localities. 

Integrating the elderly into society will help them remain active within our communities. The pilot project will not only benefit elderly people with dementia, but will create further awareness among those around them and society in general. The project will include maintenance in the area that will make public recreational areas more accessible to children, as well as those with disability and mobility challenges.

Whilst wishing all readers a peaceful Christmas, I also wish to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who have given their unfailing support in realising this government’s dream of creating a really fair society. It is, after all, the basic meaning of what happened in Bethlehem 2015 years ago. Together, we do care by providing encouragement and support to all those who need it most.