As the ageing population continues to grow, our approach to active ageing must be built on more than services alone. It requires strong leadership, motivated professionals and modern infrastructure. To these we must add clear commitment to dignity, wellbeing and inclusion at every stage of later life.
Over the past year, significant progress has been achieved across Saint Vincent de Paul, the Active Ageing and Community Care, the Older Persons Standards Authority and the wider sector. This progress was driven by a shared vision and sustained collaboration. Teamwork has been central to this progress.
At SVP, major investments have continued to strengthen national care capacity. A new 16-bedded, purpose-built palliative care ward has expanded end-of-life services while prioritising dignity and comfort, family inclusion and holistic support.
Works are also underway on Malta's first dedicated psychogeriatric ward, which will address the complex mental health needs of older adults and integrate mental wellbeing into mainstream geriatric care when it becomes operational in 2026.
Significant infrastructural upgrades were completed at the St Francis Wards through ERDF-supported investment, delivering safer, dementia-friendly environments that enhance quality of life and clinical standards.
Healthcare capacity has also been strengthened through an investment of €380,000 for a new Renal Unit at SVP offering treatment for individuals living with kidney disease. Strategic investment in advanced and portable imaging has improved diagnostic access for immobile patients thus strengthening timely, patient-centred decision-making.
Intermediate care services have seen substantial expansion, growing from a 16-bedded unit to 40 beds, improving recovery and reducing avoidable hospital stays.
These developments pave the way for a flagship 350+ bedded intermediate care hospital within the SVP that will be developed in the coming years.
Meanwhile various specialties have been introduced within the Day Clinic Service enhancing prevention-focused outpatient care. Upgraded audiology diagnostics and dementia-focused speech therapy programmes improved communication and quality of life.
Other teams have also left a positive impact with the Geriatric Assessment Team boosting safer transitions, while the Therapeutic Farm- Razzett l-Hena help improve our residents' quality of life via nature-based activities.
These were coupled with more investments like the CT scanner and an upcoming MRI, not to mention soft services like improved intergenerational initiatives.
Community-based initiatives for later life
Beyond residential and clinical care, AACC has continued to invest strongly in community-based and preventive initiatives. Active ageing programmes this year included Premju Anzjanità Attiva and an EXPO that showcased and awarded skills and initiatives undertaken by elderly people.These apart from other activities touching on the arts, swimming and other recreational sports.
These were all aimed at promoting physical activity, creativity and social participation - efforts which align with the broader Malta Vision 2050 goals of living longer and living better.
Meanwhile other important infrastructural projects are progressing, including the ambitious refurbishment of the Mtarfa and Mosta homes and the development of the Sliema Dementia Day Centre.
Mental wellbeing has also been prioritised through the launch of Mental Health First Aid courses, delivered in collaboration with the Richmond Foundation, equipping individuals with essential skills to support mental health in the community.
Innovation remains a key driver, with a new Virtual Reality project in Elderly Homes that is planned to be expanded also to the Active Ageing Centres.
Transport services were strengthened through the addition of 5 new Silver T vans and an extra vehicle for SVP, responding to growing demand and improving accessibility.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate a comprehensive approach to active ageing - one that combines leadership, investment, innovation and community engagement to ensure that older persons in Malta are supported to live with dignity, independence and purpose.
Dr Renzo De Gabriele is Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Health and Active Ageing