The Active Ageing Award 2024 was celebrated with a ceremony recognizing the commitment, dedication, and contribution of individuals and organizations that work extensively in favour of Active Ageing, government said.
A government statement said that this annual activity, under the patronage of the President of Malta, was part of the celebrations in October, the month dedicated to the elderly.
Present at the event were Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Malcolm Paul Agius Galea.
In their address, they praised the tireless work of all those involved in improving the quality of life for the elderly, while emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the elderly remain respected and given the opportunity to fully participate in the community.
The address of the President of Malta was read by Minister Abela, as she was unable to attend due to prior commitments.
In her message, President Myriam Spiteri Debono said that Maltese society should feel grateful, and above all, obliged to recognize the elderly as its backbone.
"We must appreciate the dedication and active commitment of those elderly among us who feel that part of their time and mental and physical energy should be given to the rest of society," she said.
During the event, winners were announced in six distinct categories: Active Ageing Award, Innovation and Technology in Ageing Award, Cultural Ageing Award, Sporting Ageing Award, Volunteering in Ageing Award, and Intergenerational Solidarity Award.
This year, the selection board also received applications from entities and groups that promote Active Ageing through their projects in areas such as technology, intergenerational solidarity, and sports.
The winners in these categories were: Active Ageing Award given to Joseph Mallia, Innovation and Technology Award to Emanuel Pace, Cultural Ageing Award to Karmenu Mallia, Sporting Ageing Award to Joe Bajada, Volunteering in Ageing Award to Doris Zammit and the Intergenerational Solidarity Award: Mellieħa Home to Janet Farrugia, and Josef Zahra Cutajar.
Abela reiterated the government's determination to continue offering and enhancing services that help the elderly reach their maximum potential and live a healthy, quality life.
"Health is essential, and our strategy will focus on the prevention of physical and mental illness. The vaccinations that will be offered next week are a key pillar in preventive care," Abela said, referring to the 2024 seasonal vaccination campaign.
Agius Galea said that the Active Ageing Award represents a celebration of the great work being done by individuals and organizations to keep the elderly active and allow them to enjoy a life of dignity and respect.
He said that these initiatives are not only important for the elderly community but also serve as an inspiration for everyone.
"Our commitment is to continue creating more opportunities for the elderly to have the means to contribute to society," Agius Galea said.
A special exhibition open to the public was also held during the day, where elderly individuals from various Active Ageing Centres, including Birkirkara, Msida, Sliema, Marsaskala, Mellieħa, and Birgu, had the opportunity to showcase their creativity and skills.
The event included drama performances, line dancing, piano playing, poetry readings, as well as music and dancing, all performed by the elderly themselves, who demonstrated their vast talents.