Statistical data indicates a significant and ongoing increase in the proportion of the elderly within the Maltese population, presenting a series of challenges that necessitate proactive policy measures. Concurrently, there exists an ethical and social imperative to adequately address the needs of those who have historically contributed to the development and prosperity of the nation.
In response to these demographic shifts, the Government has intensified efforts to fortify its strategic vision aimed at enhancing the autonomy, security, and overall quality of life of senior citizens. This dedication is evidenced by the unprecedented budget allocations dedicated to this sector, facilitating the implementation of numerous new initiatives and the enhancement of existing services.
A primary concern within this framework is ensuring the efficiency and accessibility of health services tailored to the elderly demographic. While Mater Dei Hospital is renowned for its exemplary healthcare delivery, it is faced with the burgeoning demand resulting from increasing patient numbers, necessitating measures to alleviate the resultant pressure on its resources. Consequently, the Government has prioritized the investment in medical equipment across facilities already providing elderly care, such as at the St Vincent de Paul Residence, thereby bolstering service capacity and accessibility.
One of the most significant undertakings in this domain is the installation of a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at St. Vincent's hospital. This initiative seeks to provide diagnostic imaging services to the elderly within an environment specifically tailored to their needs. This strategic investment aims not only to enhance service efficiency but also to alleviate the inconvenience previously experienced by elderly patients who were required to travel to Mater Dei for imaging services. This development is a continuation of previous successes, such as the installation of the bone density machine at St Vincent's, which, in merely nine months, successfully eradicated the waiting lists for this particular procedure.
Active ageing beyond medical services
Nevertheless, the notion of active aging encompasses more than merely the provision of medical services. An integral aspect is ensuring that the elderly remain actively engaged within their communities. Consequently, this year has seen continued investment in Day Centres for the elderly. These centres serve as venues where older adults can congregate, acquire new skills, and participate in educational and social activities. Recent months have witnessed the inauguration of new centres in localities such as Valletta and Tarxien, with efforts underway to launch an additional centre in Senglea in the upcoming weeks.
Currently, with 35 Active Ageing Centres distributed across Malta and Gozo, accommodating over 2,500 regular attendees, this service is expanding, significantly enhancing the quality of life for many elders. The realization of many of these centres has been facilitated by a collaborative effort with Local Councils, thereby enabling the realization of these initiatives in a growing number of communities.
Investment in infrastructure continues to be a pivotal concern in order to provide the elderly population with optimal services within contemporary and secure facilities. Considerable renovations are currently in progress at the Mosta and Mtarfa nursing homes, where the construction efforts are advancing at an admirable rate aimed at creating a more comfortable and accessible environment for the residents. Furthermore, the tender process for two additional nursing homes, Cospicua and Msida, is presently under evaluation. This development signifies an impending increase in accommodation availability for the elderly within newly established and modernized facilities.
The efficacy of such initiatives is further evidenced through innovative endeavours like Razzett il-Hena at St Vincent de Paul, which incorporates animal-assisted therapy. This initiative surpasses mere recreational activity by serving as a therapeutic intervention designed to alleviate stress and anxiety, particularly among the elderly residing in institutional settings.
In contemporary society, the complexities accompanying an increasingly ageing population are undeniably escalating. However, Malta opts to interpret this demographic shift as a strategic opportunity. The nation is committed to investing in and implementing novel services, alongside enhancing existing infrastructures. Such initiatives are intended not only to guarantee that the elderly receive optimal care but also to ensure that Maltese society duly honours its senior citizens, recognising their significant contributions over the course of their lives.
Malcolm Paul Agius Galea is Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing