Consultation on active ageing strategy launched

Parliamentary secretary for active ageing Justyne Caruana today visited the Access Community & Resource Centre in Qawra to open consultation with elderly residents on the national strategy on active ageing.

Caruana explained that the aim of this initiative is to encourage the elderly to participate and share their experiences in society. All the resource centres will have different ongoing activities and learning hubs for the elderly to continue broadening their horizons. The month of October will be packed with activities and learning hubs designed for the elderly to widen their horizons. "We, as a government, are here to help provide these opportunities and i really hope that you will participate."

Caruana announced that the elderly community at St. Paul's Bay will be given the opportunity to take part in workshops and encouraged them to make their concerns and priorities  for the locality heard through this initiative.

Caruana appealed to the elderly not to be passive and reminded them that they have lots to contribute, if they use their vast experience for the good of society.

Martin Chetcuti, the Centre's manager, told Maltatoday that the consultation is a tool to help the elderly to communicate their concerns and give them the opportunity to address those issues. In comments to the press, Chetcuti said they are "networking and strengthening ties with stakeholders to provide a better service and facilitiate the involvement of the elderly in the community."

The activity helps pensioners to be informed of government policy for active ageing.. He encouraged the elderly to participate in working groups to address their needs. The centre is doing all it can to improve its offering.

30 courses, all of which were selected by the public, are being offered by the Centre.

Minister for the family Michael Farrugia announced 30 new courses being offerred by Access, all of which were chosen either by the public or residents.

"Time should not be whittled away, it is there to be used, it doesn't matter if you're 80" said the minister, mentioning that he had recently met a particicipant at a conference abroad who was learning how to use a computer - at age 99. "It's never too late to learn."

The national strategy for active aging targets the 25% of the population that are over 60 years of age. "It is a good sign that we han an aging population, as it means we are living longer, but we must work to ensure the aged hae a secure income, are protected from discrimination, have adequate healthcare and remain active" added Cynthia Formosa, a senior manager at the Activing Aging Unit.

"The national strategy is based on 3 pillars - participaction of the aged in the workplace, participation of the aged in society and ensuring independent living for the aged." said Formosa. "If people want to continue working, they ought to be given this opportunity. This benefits the individual on a social and financial level.

Further information on the Active Ageing program can be found at  www.activeageing.gov.mt