Active Ageing

active ageing and elderly care

The Malta Independent on Sunday 22 July 2017

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Time on YOUR HANDS What do you do when you have all the free time you always wanted but no high flying salary to blow it on?

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emember that time itself is precious. And it can still be spent on the things you enjoy and the interests you have, just a bit differently; and by now we should all be used to changes and adapting, we've done enough of it. And now it's easier to make our own choices in our own time frames, which has to be a good thing.

There are the joys of devouring an entire novel or box set in one go, exploring favourite places on Google Earth for hours, tackling a monumental sort out of your wardrobe and discovering how much of it will still work, in this recycle, retro, now I can dress for me not the fashion police, age.

That novel you always meant to write; no time like the present.

And publication is not nearly so difficult these days, people are publishing their stories, family histories and travel journals online and in print all the time and it need not cost a fortune.

Other interests you wished you could spend more time on, such as cooking, your garden, painting, decorating and making things are becoming popular again as group activities.

Creative people look for original, fresh pieces to own, give away or share on instagram. The fact that these items could possibly pay for themselves is an added bonus.

And as for all your well-loved and useful pieces of furniture and odds and ends, which you can't help admitting have faded

into the background and need complete makeovers; there's no need to get rid of them. They can be revived. Search around for instructions or someone to show you how. Make use of home and interior magazines for inspiration and savour the buzz you get from giving your home a new look without losing the things that mean a lot to you.

Post retirement ideas are often full of suggestions learn a new language or skill and the University of the Third Age gives anyone who missed out when they were younger the chance to study at a satisfyingly academic level with their peers.

But there's another way to keep up with everything you have learned and enjoyed; and that is by sharing it. Look out for seasonal work in your field or offer to act as a mentor to someone going into a job you once held.

Things may have moved on since your day. Vital

communication skills such as public relations, the use of intuition and initiative, sometime mere kindness and consideration, seem to be missing from so many training programs. But as people become burned out with the effort of making it to the top, at any cost, the ideas and experience of someone who was successful and happy in their job without all the seemingly compulsory angst are valuable.

You could also use your computer to buy and sell items on eBay, or find a job proof reading or editing, or even set up a website or a blog that is so good you can sell advertising space on it.

On the volunteer front, many schools and libraries welcome people to read to children or contribute to personal and social development classes.

Children who in out-of -home care benefit from sympathetic assistance with their homework.

And any number of sports

associations and NGOs welcome people with professional and vocational skills with open arms.

If you can well remember watching TV, in flickering mono-chrome, or films at the cinema, with all those jump cuts where the 'naughty bits' had been removed in the cause of morality, the internet should seem like manna from Heaven.

And not only for entertainment, anything you need to know, anywhere you want to see, information, opinions (some thoroughly unsound, but that's to be expected on such a media tool) ancient history and breaking news and, most important of all, comparatively instant contact with friends and family, are all there.

Of all the new ideas and skills you can embrace with your extra me-time do master this one.

Even if you dithered over the operating instructions for a VHS recorder it is not that difficult.

Take some classes or

commandeer a family member to show you the basics, be sure to ask them to teach you how to avoid hackers and scammers.

No one is immune to them.

Once you have an account a whole new world opens up. Yes, some of it may be horrific but you can just click off; and there are ways to report or block sites you want to avoid. But used well it can be both life enhancing and a bonding tool for all generations.

However, for anyone over 40 social life still means getting together in person. Whether it's for sport, walking, entertainment, discussions, eating and drinking, volunteering or whatever, there is no shortage of opportunity.

How many times do you hear people say they are busier and life is fuller now than it was when they were working? There are always ways to keep abreast of the times and have plenty of the action.

tired, or you may need to go away on work commitments or on a family holiday.

Whatever the reason may be, the aim is to do so with the peace of mind that while you are away from them, your relatives are professionally cared for.

At Simblija Care Home in Naxxar, we firmly believe in a partnership in care, at a time when it is most needed. We offer peace of mind when you may be worried about health outcomes

or time away from those we care for and love. Based on the life stories we have heard from clients and their families, like yourselves we know the importance of offering families peace of mind and reassurance.

Any length of short stays are considered and may be booked in advance allowing you to be able to plan ahead.

SIMBLIJA CARE HOME offering care breaks for carers

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here may be times when we are worried about our elderly relatives being left alone. How will mum manage while I am abroad on holiday? What will dad do when mum needs to have her operation? Is there anywhere I can have my mum stay for a while as I need some respite? What shall I do when my dad’s full-time carer goes abroad?

We all get tired at some point in our lives and need a break.

We may all have circumstances in our lives that require us to go abroad on work commitments or to be indisposed due to surgery or illness.

On the other hand, you may be

caring day in day out for a relative you care for due to frailty, chronic illness, dementia

or social situations. Sometimes you too may need to have a short break of respite as you are

Contact Simblija Care Home on 22351000 / info@simblijacarehome.com

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A SECOND BITE of the cherry Just recently I have been struck by the number of people who ostensively retire from work, only to then embark on a second, often completely different, career. It has even happened in my own family. – John Nicholas

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ot long ago a including one by The reer as a bank manager close relative of Rolling Stones no less. with NatWest Bank, mine stopped I suppose the this one-time enbeing a much doyenne of late thusiastic amatravelled Russian bloomers just has teur actor and to English to be the English director, deinterpreter, novelist Mary cided to turn emigrated to the Wesley. She had professional USA and became a professional her first novel, aged 57. He got musician. To be frank he, for it Jumping the Queue himself an was a member of the male published when agent – like you persuasion, had always had a she had reached the do – and a season hankering to spend more time advanced age of 71 with the Worthing playing music. As a child he had and she continued to repertory company, been a talented pianist, but work until just bebefore being cast in a Author Mary Wesley couple of minor also seemed capable of fore her death picking up any aged 90 in roles on TV. His big instrument and 2002. She often said break came in 1985 when he getting a tune out that she began to landed the part of Uncle Albert of it. So I suppose write out of necesin the seminal BBC sit-com Only we shouldn’t sity, when she beFools and Horses and continued have been came desperately in the role for the duration of surprised when, poor after the the sitcom’s TV life. He died of aged 60+ he death of her seca brain tumour, aged 79 in 1999. announced that he ond husband.

Another autumn crocus was was joining both a However after seven the English actress Liz Smith. classical string quartet novels, three chilAgain an enthusiastic amateur and a Country dren’s books and until she was discovered by and Western the director Mike Leigh who ‘Buster’ Merryfield with David several other pubband. lications she evenfeatured her in a TV Play for Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst In fact he was so from Only Fools and Horses. tually became one Today. Her secondary career successful at his of the highest really took off when she new-found vocation that he even paid writers in Britain. played the eccentric cook Letigot engaged as a session musiAnother fairly prominent late tia Cropley in Richard Curtis’s cian, to lay down tracks on a developer was the actor Harry sit-com The Vicar of Dibley. But number of prestigious albums…

“Buster” Merryfield. After a caeven greater success was to

tleman decided to take it upon himself to not only umpire cricket matches, but also to declare himself lord of all he surveyed on the cricket pitch.

Now this would have been fine… if the individual confind her in her mid 80s when cerned had been even half comshe won a well-deserved Best petent as an umpire, the trouble Comedy Actress Bafta for her is… he wasn’t. In fact he was portrayal of Nana in The Royle positively inept. Malta’s crickFamily. eters put up with him for far One of the more unusual late longer than they should have career changes befell an acquaindone, until one day, following a tance of mine. He followed a caparticularly embarrassing perreer as a civil servant in formance by said gent, they Australia with the life of a asked him, politely to, as it farmer in rural Queensland. were, kindly leave the field – Never one to do things by half, and not come back.

Freddie blew his life savings on Unfortunately he had other a 1,200 acre beef farm in the ideas and would turn up before bush and spent the next 12 anyone else on match years getting down days and then impose and dirty with the himself on the cattle. He told me game. Oh yes he the only reason he was ousted evenpacked it in – tually and – aged 78 incidensadly not withtally – was beout histrionics. cause he But it is just one discovered he excruciating excould no longer ample of a twithrow a steer. light career change Not all second cathat went wrong… reers are successful big time. however. During the Liz Smith as Nana in But for anyone conlate 1980s a former UK The Royale Family templating a late-life diplomat retired to work reorganisation, Malta. Once here he decided to don’t be put off by that one bad participate in the ‘art’ of example. There is far more to be cricket umpiring – (A sort of gained by taking the plunge on-field cricket ‘referee’). All than by hovering on the shore well and good, until this genthinking about it.

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When AGE is a WINNING NUMBER The Grey Model Agency, in UK has 300 men and women on its books. And in the past 12 months has received lots more briefs and bookings from cool brands in the fashion, beauty and travel sectors Meanwhile, 73-year-old Italian model Benedetta Barzini has been modeling at London fashion week, and 69-year-old Maye Musk, a veteran in front of the camera and on the runway, has been a model for the past five decades. She, has nearly 35,000 followers on her Instagram feed, and credits the rise of digital media and the democratic power of the internet for a lot of her success and that of her contemporaries.

In the 1990s, one of the original models of the decade, Amber Valletta, who was, quite recently, on the current cover of the British edition of Vogue magazine, was joined by her generation of models earlier this year walking in Dries Van Noten’s Paris catwalk show.

Actress Helen Mirren has taken to the catwalk and modeling skin care products and chain store fashions.

Frances Dunscombe, an 84year-old former secretary, has appeared on the cover of a major fashion magazine, with models of various ages, to celebrate modern femininity. She had never modelled before, but joined Grey when it began. She has since walked the runways of London fashion week and done a range of fashion shoots and TV work.

Finally, Linda Rodin, the 66year-old model-turned-stylist is credited with a cult favorite beauty brand and, has been featured in countless glossies and fashion features. She wants to believe that brands really are committed to portraying beauty at all ages. “It’s less about age and more about spirit. This new crop of spokesmodels embodies a confidence that can be relatable to women of every generation”, she says.

Our perception of what constitutes glamour is maturing, just in time to include those who have no intention of spending their later years in the shade.

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n 1982, Isabella Rossellini was a top model and actress, anyone remember her role as Queen Isabella of Spain in the film Christopher Columbus, shot almost entirely in Malta? Among her many makeup and scent campaigns, she was the face of Lancôme. But, at the age of 42, as was the habit in the ageism culture of the time, work dried up.

Now, a quarter of a century later beauty is in the eye of different beholders; a whole new generation sees no reason why they should give up the products they enjoy using, those that can improve or disguise where necessary, the changes the years have brought to enhance appearance and boost morale.

So Isabella Rossellini, at 65, is back with the company in a campaign for an innovative skin cream product made to a special formula and with the expected sophistication for ladies who age beautifully. It is a clear message for our times and an example to everyone over 40 who has ever looked in a mirror and groaned.

The majority of women want to look good, healthy, stylish and modern, regardless of age.

They are important role models to younger women and a encouragement to older ones who and want to continue looking good and carrying on with their lives in much the same way as they always have, for as long as possible.

Billions of pounds, dollars, euros and yen are spent a year on clothes. It makes sense for designers, advertisers and retailers to target the mature demographic of shoppers through shows and promotions with which they identify.

And it is not only in the field of clothes and skin care that opportunities for older models arise.

The ridiculous idea of using nubile young ladies in hefty swimsuits, to promote a walk-in- andsit- down bath tubs, or an obviously mobile couple on the right side of middle age to sell home lift installations and chair lifts has sensibly been dropped.

Linda Rodin

Helen Mirren

Benedetta Barzini Amber Valletta

Frances Dunscom

Maye Musk

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RETIREMENT

costs

Many people find themselves taking a cut in their income as they grow older and retire but there is no need to see a drop in the quality of life.

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ake time to identify and work out your finances.

That is regular annual and monthly outgoings, against basic income; projected value of immoveable property; shares, policies and interest paying

deposits.

Make this easier by consulting a financial advisor with retirement finance experience, so you get the specific advice you need. Make an appointment at your bank to discuss any change in your financial circumstances before, or as soon as they become apparent. An easily operated system for paying basic bills and expenses will save you time and the bother of having to deal with them separately. Be sure your partner or a family member knows all about the set up and check your account/s regularly to ensure no errors get through.

Avoid any temptations to do everything you’ve always dreamed of and blow the expense, because you can’t take it with you. True, of course, but it won’t be much consolation if you over-indulge now then live the last, least active years of life wishing you had put a bit more aside. There are no words for the peace of

mind in knowing you will always be, at least, comfortable. And making memories doesn’t have to break a budget.

Take a good look at any health care plans you have and regularise or update them to ensure you are covered for every eventuality.

If you don’t have cover taking advantage of health service check-ups, keeping appointments and consulting information services will help ensure any health issues are kept to a minimum.

Do not be in any hurry to make changes. The urge to get everything sorted as soon as possible is understandable, but these are huge decisions and require extensive thought and research. But don’t dawdle either, as time wasting can be costly and no one wants such important decisions hanging over them.

You need only read the weekly money pages in the of UK Sunday papers to see some of the best examples of what can go wrong And, sadly, the victims are always those who were sure they’d got it taped.

Get as tech savvy as possible. Never pay for anything online without using a reliable payment method.

If you don’t feel comfortable banking on line don’t, until: A) you are confident about security issues; B) you are certain you understand how it works, and c) You are clear about how the bank traces and compensates for any losses from, or failed credits to your account.

And on the subject of banking, no one ever needs to know your pin numbers – ever. A trusted family member may be an exception if necessary. But if you are at all worried about someone needing to use your credit or debit card, keep one that has a very low limit for such occasions.

And, if you are ever asked for any information from your bank, either by phone, email or letter, and you know they already have it or you don’t see why they need it, contact their customer care number to report the request.

Check utility costs. Don’t leave TVs, micro-waves etc on standby, set water heaters and air conditioners a few degrees lower and, considering an iron is one of the heaviest consumers of electricity, eliminate hankies, towels, T-towels, underwear and, in summer at least, bed sheets from the ironing pile.

Check the bills too. It’s amazing how a credit payment can appear in one

column and still be added to amount owed, wrongly increasing the bill.

Free time is easily filled on a budget.

Libraries and charity shops provide books for those who love reading.

Walking is free and the buses are cheap.

Keeping in touch by email is cheap and immediate. And some theatre productions, tourist sites and cinemas offer concessions to karte ta’ l-anzjani holders, which make quite a difference.

If you have TV, internet and phone services, check that you have the best deal, you might find a package that is more value than the one you have now.

On the shopping front look out for special offers, stick to items you really need, of course, or buy in bulk.

Finally, even the most capable and independent person would do themselves a favour by giving someone they trust a Power of Attorney. This means that if ever they were not in the position to act on their own behalf or make their own decisions that person would act for them. The scope a PoA can be decided when they are appointed and lawyers and notaries can provide legal advice about how power of attorney works.

Beat SUMMER HEAT and give your SKIN A TREAT Years of sun exposure has done our skin no favours and now is the time to take extra care

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efore we all knew better, summer meant slapping palmloads of creamy gunk or bronzing oils all over ourselves then toasting slowly till tanned and ready for the admiration and envy of all the lily-white tourists. Poor things, they only had a couple of weeks in which to change colour.

Bodies are still sprawled on our beaches and tattoos have not quite replaced a tan in the holiday shots, but former sun worshipers are keeping their distance and piling on the pampering.

Skin changes with age. It becomes thinner, loses fat, and

no longer looks as plump and smooth as it once did. Your veins and bones can be seen more easily. Scratches, cuts, bruises and sunburn take longer to heal. It is harder for certain cells in the body to repair the damage, and this can lead to infection.

Just being out in the sunlight for a long time leads to wrinkles, dryness and age spots. But there is plenty you can do to minimise the damage and protect your skin making it feel and look better.

Applying high factor sunscreen on all exposed areas every time you go outside is essential because sunburn takes longer heal on thinner, drier skin.

Skin that becomes dry from breezes, sea salt, even the drying properties of airconditioning becomes flakey and dry, which is irritating and painful. To prevent your skin from becoming dry use a gentle, chemical-free moisturiser throughout the day.

Staying in the shade as much as possible helps your skin and keeps your body temperature down. Drinking heavily is good too; as long as it's cool water;

alcohol makes things worse in more ways than you could imagine; refreshing as it may seem at the time.

Swimming in a pool or the sea is relaxing and effective exercise and comes highly recommended. But agents such as chlorine can cause premature aging of the skin in young people which could lead to lasting damage, and will aggravate skin which is already aged. As previously mentioned, salt too has damaging factors.

The answers, of course, are not to spend too long in a pool and always rinse off both sea and pool water as soon as possible.

If you can, taking tepid showers using a mild soap or gel designed for older skin is much less drying than a bath.

As skin begins to wrinkle, common sense begins to waver and every possible method of delaying, preventing and removing the effects of sun, smoking, gravity, the environment and your own personality and stress levels is extensively researched.

Claims of success by products and procedures are tenuous.

Some work, up to a point, others do not. They all need infinite research and genuine professional advice before

being attempted. Not to make light of such a serious subject – remember the power of Photoshop techniques before making a booking.

If you are concerned by signs of aging, wrinkles, flat brown age spots and the small, usually flesh-coloured skin tags which affect women especially, discuss them with a qualified dermatologist. They can be removed if they are a problem.

Older people are also more at risk from insect bites and stings. They can lead to damage from scratching, infections and, in rare cases a late developing allergic reaction. Spray deterrents and lightweight clothing helps keep them at bay.

Nature will take its course whatever, but treating yourself to some specially formulated pampering creams and lotions, as natural and organic as possible, are a very cheering ways of keeping the upper hand, especially psychologically. And getting enough sleep, remaining hydrated, eating skin enhancing foods; look them up there are plenty for all tastes, and staying relaxed and cheerful will be just as helpful.

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Representatives of the I Care influencers being interviewed by My Malcolm Galea at the launch

How COMMUNICATION and CONSIDERATION lead to CONTENTMENT Leaving your home, giving up your independence, as it is often seen to be, is not something many of us would relish.

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ou or a beloved member of your family may be considering moving into a care home or nursing home, for the elderly. And you would expect the best of care.

The people at I Care know this only too well. Their work ethos is their brand – I Care.

The questions and answers below show how very important specific training is for all I Care personnel, to ensure everyone understands the very special job/vocation they have.

1. Briefly what is the I Care program and what did it set out to do?

I Care is an ambitious service excellence training programme for all CareMalta employees, irrispective of their role or position with the company. I Care has the aim of taking the quality of service offered by the company to the next level. I Care is not a set of instructions, policies or precedures. I Care is meant to be more than that. We want I Care to become our common ‘language’. The language with which each one of us speaks whatever one’s job. Irrispective of the circumstances and situations one finds oneself in.

I Care is a set of service values based on three pillars: professionalism, engagement and compassion. Here is

an example. Food is very important to an elderly person living in a nursing home, so the resident expects to be given the meal of his or her choice, according to his or her liking and to be treated in a friendly way, with diginity and efficiency when served their food. So we created a service value to cater for the times when meals are served to the residents; and how members of staff should behave in such a circumstance.

central support team. We provided the initial training through Think Talent with whom we created this program and have also established a structure for on-going training for present and future influencers. We are now confident that the influencers are ready to start their work in promoting the I Care Service values at their place of work, and to contribute towards a cultural shift in the way we deal with our residents whatever the circumstances.

2. Why was it decided to hold this particular training program at this time?

4. How is the program already influencing the practices, atmosphere and moral in CareMalta’s homes and services?

And what services are especially benefitting from these results?

The launch of I Care coincides with the celebration of CareMalta’s 25th anniversary which is being held this year. However, it is meant to be something permanent and not just a symbolic gesture or a one-time initiative.

I Care was built on our 25-year-long experience as leaders in the business of care for the elderly. We want to make ourselves future-proof in a changing world with a changing set of values. We believe in our team.

Had this not been the case we would not have come to this point. We firmly believe that together we can go to the next level. We do not want to go there for some corporate or personal glory. We want to go there with only one person in mind: the resident.

3. Ninety ‘influencers’ have been identified and trained to promote the three pillars of the I Care Program, in what ways will they be doing this?

We truly believe that the best I Care ambassadors are the employees themselves. That is why we decided to rope in a number of members of staff working within all of our homes, as well as Head Office or within a

For the launch of this training program we invited all our employees. We wanted them all and not just the influncers, to feel part of the project from day one. A one-hour lavish event; hosted by actor and presenter Malcolm Galea‘ was repeated three times in one day to reach over 1,000 employers.

The launch included special messages by former international footballer Carmel Busuttil, TV personality Claire Agius and Her Excellency the President of Malta Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, who spoke about ‘professionalism’, ‘engagement’ and ‘compassion’ respectively, the three pillars of the I Care Program.

The event started off with a video clip about eight residents who are currently residing in a CareMalta home, to make the point that the resident must be the focus of the service that is provided by those who work with the company. At the end of the event each participant was asked to leave his or her fingerprint on a large white board as a symbol of commitment to the principles of I Care.

When applied the I Care Service values should have an effect on all services offered; be it the front office, nursing and care, maintenance, serving of food, houskeeping and laundry as well as other servies. I Care also applies to the disability sector, which we also operate in, through the company HILA. It is still very early to assess the long-term impact of the program but the enthusiasm and vibe it has created within the CareMalta Group is quite evident. We hope we can keep building on that.

5.How much input do residents have and how do they contribute to the running of the homes and services involved?

The management team at the launch of the I Care program

In truth, the average age of our residents exceeds 80 years and quite a few of them require medical attention. However, we also encourage the setting up of residents‘ committees, where possible. Furthermore, we hold dialogue meetings with residents from time to time inviting them to suggest ways in which to improve the service we offer. We also do the same thing with relatives, since they are important stakeholder in the sector we operate in.

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POWER over your CIRCUMSTANCES What with toddler tantrums, teenage angst, mid-life crises and any number of anxieties that plague the seven ages of man, who deserves 'old age'?

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linical depression, as opposed to just having a series of off days, can hit at any time and is not connected to any particular age group. But many of the triggers come with the years and obviously differ from those of younger people.

Constant depression can have a really negative effect on how a person thinks and feels and it has an impact on physical health; it sets off chemical reactions in the body, that can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system.

So, we should look at some of its likely causes and ways to deal with them.

This may be a time when we are reminded of or look back on past events that were unpleasant. They may have depressing, fearful or very real effects on the ability to see the past as the past. Learning from them is fine but this doesn’t always mean being able to shut them

out for good.

There may be issues with the future, financial security, loosing family and old friends; even the tough decision not to keep a beloved pet because you might not always be able to care for it.

Some people worry about how they will fill their days, the sort of world their grandchildren will inherit.

Illness, coping with stressful situations, getting around, all the things that were dismissed without a thought not all that long ago are now in sharp focus.

Even when circumstances change through choices that have been carefully planned and anticipated, there can be moments of doubt and sadness.

Moving from a loved home, fitting into new surroundings, adjusting to different neighbours or sharing accommodation with other residents can be testing for most people in one way or another.

But, when these perfectly normal sentiments become an

issue, day and night for too long, and happy occasions, time spent on interesting or amusing distractions, becoming involved in a philanthropic activity, even good, old fashioned common sense, fail to lift the spirits then it's time to do something.

There are answers and treatments to suit everyone readily available.

Don't be prepared to put up with: • Feelings of emptiness; excessive sadness or anxiety, whatever they are based on • Lack of energy and enthusiasm, even for enjoyable events and activities • Tiredness and trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much and loss of appetite or over eating Niggling aches and pains with no specific cause that don’t go away when treated • Feeling irritable, impatient and guilty, or useless, helpless or hopeless • Irritability, morbid thoughts of the future

Support for the ELDERLY in our COMMUNITIES Department for Active Ageing and Community Care

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lder adults play a vital role in our community. In fact, the Department for Active Ageing and Community Care within the Parliamentary Secretariat for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, is committed to providing services for the elderly to promote independent living, in their respective communities.

Of the ample services provided, the Department for Active Ageing and Community Care offers Handyman Services. The service is used for domestic repairs and minor renovations to one’s home, ranging from electrical repairs and carpentry in the comfort of

one’s home. With regards to the fees, the service is provided for free for pink card holders and those entitled to the Special Identity Card, whereas a subsidized rate applies for other elderly individuals.

Another service provided by the Department of Active Ageing and Community Care is the provision of meals delivered to the individuals’ homes through the Meals on Wheels. Currently, the service is utilised by more than 850 service users. This service is used by those people who are not able to prepare and cook their own food. A wide range of choice for starters, main course and dessert are provided for a subsidized price of €2.20.

There are various other services provided for senior citizens living in the community, varying from social, medical as well as the provision of temporary shelter. More information can be found on the Online Guide to Government Services on www.servizz.gov.mt, by calling on Freephone 153 or by sending an email on aaccd-services@gov.mt.

Any aspects of what is coyly referred to as 'aging' are a good deal easier to deal with than in the days when anyone over 60 was expected to potter their days away knitting, tinkering with a hobby, and telling anecdotes. Nanna might have hosted Sunday lunch regularly and kept house much as before, but Nannu's time would often hang heavily.

Now grinning and baring it is no longer necessary. People may be making 'costume dramas' and historical films set around the time they were born, but baby boomers, as the current generation are known, are entering old age almost without noticing it. And they are certainly using every privilege, advantage and experience that many years of life have provided.

Without the arrivals of the karte ta' l-anzjani, a doctor's certificate of fitness to drive, increased insurance cover to travel abroad, slight stiffness

after too much, or too little exercise and the first time someone says "Eee, God bless!", on hearing their date of birth, most people are hardly aware of being any different. Carrying on regardless is how they were brought up after all; which is an immense advantage to young and old alike.

Previous generations had far more to fear from old age than there should be today.

Independence is a respected right. And there are plenty of ways to hold on to that.

And as long as one can get over the slightly patronising aura that tends to surround so many services and centres for 'the elderly', health, welfare entertainment and support in all aspects are all out there.

But if none of that is enough, speaking to someone is not feeble, embarrassing, or useless. It is a wise decision that will be more than worth it. No one can honestly say growing old is fun, but why not to make the best of it.

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