The Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, visited the Floriana Residential Home, where he observed first-hand how elderly residents are enjoying new experiences through Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology.

This initiative is part of a pilot project introduced by Active Ageing and Community Care (AACC).

The initiative was originally proposed during a seminar on Innovation and Creativity, after which AACC ensured that staff received the necessary training to use the technology safely and appropriately with the residents.

The Parliamentary Secretary stated that this project is a clear example of how active ageing can continue to evolve through modern tools that make a real difference in daily life. “Technology is not replacing human contact, but rather enhancing it. This is another step in providing care that sees the person as a whole,” Agius Galea said.

Residents who participated in the first sessions were able to take virtual tours of emotionally meaningful places, including the Parish Church of Ħaż-Żabbar, the city of Venice, and the Vatican. The initial feedback was very positive, and the project now aims to expand to other residential homes across Malta.

This initiative helps reduce social isolation, stimulates cognitive function, and also supports the rehabilitation process — all within a safe, enjoyable, and elder-friendly environment.