The Commissioner for Older Persons Dr Mary Vella presented the Commission’s annual report to Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing and Persons with Disability Silvio Parnis.

In this annual report, the Commission stated that throughout the year 2019, it reached out to older persons to raise more awareness about topics which affect them directly, it ensured that the rights for older persons were being protected and it made sure that standards which guarantee the application of such rights by all agencies, departments and entities concerned were set up. 

During the year 2019, the Commission participated in various television and radio programmes to create more awareness about the rights for older persons, about the problems of solitude and abuse on older persons and about the psychological benefits of social participation and active participation. The Commission also met with several other stakeholders who also work for the elderly.

The Office of the Commissioner for Older Persons has received a number of requests from older persons, relatives and also tutors, asking for advice or guidance on issues relating to older persons and has also received a number of complaints from or on behalf of older persons. Each case was meticulously looked into and when necessary, that particular complaint was directed to the relevant entity which has the capacity to look into and resolve that particular issue.

Of great significance during the past year was the signing of the MOU with SCSA where the parties agreed to co-operate in the field of social welfare services, particularly through the exchange of information acquired in the course of carrying out duties entrusted by law with the aim of protecting and promoting the rights and best interests of older persons.

Last year also saw the first National Conference for Older Persons, organised together with SCSA and Parliamentary Secretariat for Active Ageing and Persons with Disability. During this conference, various ideas and visions were discussed and studied in order to further work in favour of the elderly and improve their standard of living.

Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing and Persons with Disability Silvio Parnis said that the elderly sector is a priority for this Government. The Parliamentary Secretary assured the Commissioner that the Parliamentary Secretariat will continue working hand in hand with the Commission for Older Persons in order to further improve the quality of life of the elderly and to further enhance the services offered to them.

The Commissioner for Older Persons Dr Mary Vella said that her main role is to ensure that older persons can live comfortably and with dignity. The Commission serves as a platform which ensures that an older person reaches his or her full potential and lives with the rest of society without being discriminated against on the basis of his or her age, Dr Vella said.

The full report of the Commission of Older Persons can be accessed here:

https://intra.gov.mt/en/News/PublishingImages/Pages/older-persons-ar/here.pdf