Active ageing & elderly care

active ageing and elderly care

The Malta Independent on Sunday 11 November 2017

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NOVEMBER 2018

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active ageing

Never LOSE TOUCH Even if can you remember manual typewriters and operator-transferred overseas phone calls, there is no reason why computer communication should be beyond you.

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he unwelcome fact is that a growing number of companies and official departments are either unwilling, or simply refusing, to communicate on paper. So for more and more of us this means the only way is tech.

But there are a lot more good reasons to acquire at least some basic skills in communication technology, if only for keeping in touch with friends, family and official issues online.

After all, our children and grandchildren know little else. And being able to share a quick word by text, email, WhatsApp and Skype, and to explore the net, opens the door to unlimited activities and entertainment; besides the peace of mind that such easy access to family and services this skill gives.

The important thing is to be open to the advantages. You may, at first see nothing to tempt you to give up the communication links that have served perfectly well for decades. But have they, really? Were we better off with postal delays, expensive phone calls, having to wait several days for photos to be developed, then putting them in an envelope and posting them off to whoever you want to share them with; not to mention cutting interesting items out of the newspaper and posting them off to someone you know will enjoy them.

It really is not as hard as so many people think. You need only a simple smart phone, laptop, or tablet. Don’t be put off by what seems to be about complicated jargon about how it works. Simply decide what you want to be able to do (see box below) then find someone who can show you. You may do this through friends, the local council, or by joining a further education group. You may also, of course, employ an enthusiastic member of the family. Later, you can find more advanced instruction if you want it.

If the size of some portable gadgets may be a problem, and the keyboards seem tiny on most of them, this can be helped by using a pen-like tool to tap them

Fun things to do on line You need only a very basic internet knowledge to do all of the things listed below.

Find a new interest – there is any amount of help and information on line Learn a new language Explore places you long to visit or old haunts from your past on Google Earth Look up celebrities and entertainment gossip and background details on your favourite films, TV series, books etc.

Share news and information with family and friends.

Useful things to do on line Keep up to date on news and current affairs.

Research products and amenities you may need. But remember, word of mouth recommendations are often the most trustworthy ones.

Create your own album for photos and stories for your grandchildren. They may not think much of 'what it was like when you were their age' now, but there is an almost 100% chance the time will come when they will be fascinated with whatever you remember and record. Local councils, schools, colleges, media and broadcasting companies and heritage societies often welcome personal accounts and memories for their archives too.

instead of a finger. And the letters and numbers you read and write can be enlarged where necessary. And there are phones with larger keyboards available.

Decide with the key people in your life how closely you want to keep in touch, what images and information you want to share and which 'tools' you will need to do that. Then get such tools and apps as you need installed.

Anyone familiar with all the complaints that children and young people spend so much time on line has probably not quite grasped what a joy it can be. A generation like ours, which remembers trawling through heavy encyclopaedias and

reference books will be thrilled at being able to simply type in a subject and click any of hundreds of references to it; with

photos and diagrams and any other relevant images provided, almost instantly. And imagine being able to chat face to face with family members living too far away to visit regularly.

The hardest things to give up might be real hand-held books and glossy magazines, even the Sunday papers, and there is no reason why you should. But internet offers dozens of publications so your choice is instantly wider. And if books become too heavy and the print becomes really too small, a kindle tablet can revive the joys of a good novel and the print size and page light can be adjusted to suit individual readers.

For various reasons the Maltese Islands are deprived of a regular service channel provider which can offer most of the TV stations the rest of Europe and the US take for granted. So many TV programmes others can subscribe to are out of our reach. But there is plenty of entertainment and channel subscriptions online. And, if you don't want to disturb those around you, you can use earphones.

Older people are in danger of losing out on the very developments they would enjoy most, like better ways of staying in touch with each other, sharing different experiences and events, keeping up to date with appointments, even travelling to a wonderful new country when the weather is too bad to leave to the house!

However well we may be managing now it is not a patch on what can be achieved with just a small amount of computer literacy.

The only real difficulty in getting that is accepting how much easier it is than it seems; that realisation only comes with the triumphant, afterglow feel you get on cracking it.

Guarding your privacy Install a password system to 'lock' your device. We already have enough pin numbers and passwords to open a bank vault but if you want to secure and protect your information in case your phone or tablet is stolen this is a good idea.

Choose passwords that make up a short sentence; they will be easier to remember, but do give them to someone you trust implicitly in case of emergency.

Never be pressurised into engaging with businesses or anyone else online unless you are totally sure of their agenda and that you can handle it.

Companies love dealing on line because it is quicker, cheaper and links them to all sorts of promotional advantages.

Remember, you are the customer, if you don't like the service (however convenient it may seem) go somewhere else.

There is sometimes a ‘sign in’ to a website that doesn’t allow you to continue unless you do. If you don't like their privacy policy, aka attitude, log out. If they want you to purchase their products, access should be unconditional, and you'll find all the information you're looking for on other sites.

Seek the advice of an old hand before you set up any arrangements for paying for items online.

Ignore emails or communications that require immediate action or response. Nothing is that urgent. Creating a sense of panic is what scammers do when they want a result.

And never, ever give out any personal details or passwords.

If you are asked to be sure it's a phishing trip or a scam. In fact, log out immediately, even if it looks authentic, and phone the actual company or service provider for advice.

Most devices have built in security but you may want to add more. In any case never open an email or an attachment if it looks unfamiliar and if you do delete it immediately, even if you know the sender.

Be aware ‘it will always be there!’ Yes, believe it or not, everything you put on line; every photo, message, and piece of information posted will be out there forever. There is no

bio-degradable guarantee it will fade away.

And, because people can get careless on sharing sites it is vital you only share stuff with people you trust completely, who will ensure they do not, in turn pass it on to others. You do not want to be accidently sharing details about yourself; where you live, health, business, financial and travel arrangements etc with strangers who may well use them for criminal activities.

Learn all about and use privacy and security settings. There is not enough space to go into this here but setting them up is simple.

Also, at the end of each session or as often as possible, click onto settings/history and remove any backlog of sites and searches you have.

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NOVEMBER 2018

There should be plenty of opportunities to continue hobbies and interests

A place to CALL HOME Deciding where you will live when a forever home becomes surplus to requirements takes a lot of careful thought.

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s your neighbourhood turning into a forest of concrete towers? Has your house become too big to enjoy? Are repairs and replacements beginning to eat into

the funds you've put aside for other things? Is there equity tied up in your home that you can put to better use? It may, perhaps, be time to think of making a move; but in what direction?

It's hard to imagine selling up

a family home without a whole lot of qualms and considerations. In fact, most people do everything they can to avoid letting go of the place that sheltered family and friends for decades, and holds a million memories. We get older and family members leave, but every excuse is made for whatever inconveniences and discomforts the house has begun to reveal. 'Oh, we're used to it, it's never been a problem', is a classic response when anyone mentions steep stairs, the distance from the shops, draughts, badly placed lighting and petulant plumbing. As long as we are surrounded by all that is familiar and means so much to us, we needn't feel the sense of betrayal of all we hold dear, which is often prompted by thoughts of moving.

And yet, more and more couples and single people are deciding that their quality of life could be a whole lot better if some of the everyday details of maintaining a house and home were looked after for them. If they could live in a space more aligned to their needs; with facilities, amenities and activities to enhance their interests, and someone on hand to handle maintenance.

The insidious creeping of development means that just about every high-rise and hovel has a value. So realising capital from a home that no longer really suits requirements certainly has plenty going for it.

Selling up and resettling has a lot to offer if it provides peace of mind, the funds to tick off some bucket list items while you can still enjoy them, and a home that will make no demands. This could be anything from a smaller, newer, well equipped house or apartment; to a brand new place, custom fitted to allow for a lift, wheelchair access etc.

All these can be found under the umbrella of sheltered ac-

Look for efficient and comfortable community areas commodation. And if, even at 94, you still feel you are not old enough to qualify, it's still worth considering. Think of it as like staying in a hotel suite or serviced apartment. You could be wallowing in a complex that is nothing like the usual perception of a home for the elderly. Or, as they will call it, an 'elderly home' making it sound as if the building itself is so ancient it should be held up by scaffolding.

Nowadays 'retirement' means independence and freedom, not shrinking into an empty life, wondering how to pass the time. Any such sheltered accommodation worth a moment's consideration will have residents' priorities at the top of its agenda and will seek their input regularly.

Look for the sort of place that provides for your interests, a small outdoor private space to grow a few plants, access to learning programs, computers and WiFi, fitness, social and entertainment areas should be nearby, if not actually part of the complex; as should medical care, for whenever it is necessary.

It is a good idea to be near public transport too, for what it's worth. There may be a time

when you prefer not to drive, especially at night, and taxis can be costly.

If you have decided that there are advantages to making a move, do your research, reading carefully between the lines.

This is vital, considering the financial outlay you will be making, either by way of an investment, or the service charges you may be paying.

Good sheltered accommodation providers make independent living their promotional mission statement. You need to be sure your idea of independence matches theirs.

Do you want to be able to come and go as you please, store your bike somewhere, have visitors to stay, furnish your home with some of your own pieces or at least choose your colour schemes? Balance all the pros and cons of the places you view. Discuss any doubts with family and friends and don't allow yourself to be rushed.

All things considered, choosing a home, in almost any situation, requires compromises and the juggling of priorities. The important thing is that whatever you decide you will find the comfort, security and happiness you need.

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Good COMPANIONS Health, happiness and communication opportunities all benefit from pet ownership, at any age.

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radually, especially in more progressive countries and communities, the importance of pets in the lives of elderly people is being recognised. Nothing is more tragic than pets and owners bring separated for accommodation reasons, or because an owner feels they cannot replace a pet in case it outlives them.

Even in our smaller, family orientated communities older people can be isolated in various ways. The companionship of a beloved cat, dog, even bird, can make all the difference.

And that difference is extremely important. Not everyone swings optimistically into their last years, however many they hope to have. Those who

may be losing good, lifelong friends: those whose children have their own families and lives; those who are living alone and often may not feel so enthusiastic about going out for walks or cooking and eating well, and everyone who needs 'someone' to talk to and share a hug with, can certainly benefit from keeping a pet.

It does not need the mountain of documented research, available everywhere, to tell previous pet owners how life enhancing a pet can be. Without dwelling on the scientific facts the relaxing calm and contentment that comes with stroking and cuddling a pet keeps heartbeats and blood pressure regular. The necessity of feeding, grooming and exercising pets spurs their owners to get up and get on with it even if sometimes they don't feel like bothering.

And how much easier it is to take care of our own health and happiness when there is a devoted companion depending on you for its own livelihood. Neither is there anything like the support and amusement a pet offers when it senses its owner is feeling down. This can make a world of difference. As can the company of other pet owners and people met while taking a dog for a walk, or a cat to a groomer. Pets ease the loss of loved ones and there is also the added feeling of security that having a dog in the house gives.

People who start keeping a pet later in life soon realise all this.

And all owners can become members of a vast pool of fellow owners with whom they can meet, share their interests in the type of pet they have, and take part in any number of events.

These include supporting animal

awareness and organisations that care for animals, sharing their pet in home and hospital visiting schemes, forming a network to walk or look after each other's pets when necessary, and even writing blogs or posting instagrams about their pet's antics.

Room for a pet is also a strong reason why so many people insist on remaining in their own homes, long after they may have considered moving. This is no place to go into the drastic shortage of accommodation solutions for people with even small, clean, well behaved pets; although there are plenty of allowances made for undisciplined little hooligans disguised as grandchildren, even those that are not yet housetrained.

As for local pet friendly sheltered accommodation? Googling resulted in pages of good news –

from the rest of Europe. The USA, Norway and Switzerland also have laws forcing housing providers to accept pets belonging to elderly residents. But Malta, as would be expected, lags behind. 'Elderly' care homes and the Island Sanctuary came up on the same page. But there the connection ends! Cue an enterprising developer who can think outside the box, don't wait till you're too old.

Finally, of course, all pet owners should have a plan B regarding an alternative owner for their pet. This could be a partner, family member or friend, preferably known to the pet. Alternatively, joining an organisation like Dog Trust, which promises it will look after your best friend if you are cannot, is a good idea for your peace of mind.

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NOVEMBER 2018

PET CHOICES Owners of pets will already have made their choices so these suggestions are for anyone thinking about getting a new pet. It is vital to consider, space, your own energy levels, cost of food and veterinary care and whether you would be happy to adopt a needy pet, before you make a final choice.

Dogs provide relief for countless health concerns faced by older people. They are adaptable, charming and eager to be affectionate and playful. And they come in all shapes and sizes.

Cats are easy to look after, independent entertaining and generally keep themselves clean and well-groomed, if they have low maintenance coats. Choose a female cat if you want one that is going to give you tons of adoration and affection.

Birds such as zebra finches and canaries are sweet and colourful and will sing for their supper. Budgies and Parakeets can be tamed and trained to make very sweet companions and may also be taught to provide limited conversation.

Rabbits, although not many people know this, can be excellent indoor pets, being intelligent, social animals; their natural habitat is a lively warren, after all. They need affection and love a chance to interact with humans. Do your research carefully; some breeds would make a better choice than others as a bunny buddy.

Fish create a relaxing environment with their smooth swimming motions. They require very little care, once their aquarium has been installed, other than daily feeding and checking the lighting and water temperature. Don't even think of a solitary goldfish in a bowl. Apparently this is tantamount to abuse. Their colourful appearance makes them very attractive but they do lack vital communication skills with humans.

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NOVEMBER 2018

Your time is PRICELESS Work commitments are less demanding, children are growing up and flying the nest but you still want to be useful.

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here is a mistaken assumption that all older people want to do is swan around in clubs, play at keeping fit, go on cruises and live through the younger members of their families as a way of passing the time. On the contrary, most are keen to be useful and make a difference; and to do some good with the years of varied information and experience they have gained ̶ often through holding highly successful and demanding jobs.

They do not see retirement as days of tending house plants and frequenting social gatherings; rather as a way of giving something back and having a 'life', just as they

always have.

Taking on some kind of paid occupation may be an option, but by far the most rewarding way of staying in the forefront of things is volunteering.

This may well have crossed your mind several times before.

And if only time and chance were against you then, now they are not. Perhaps you already do some voluntary work, if so you will know how satisfying it can be.

THINGS TO CONSIDER before you start are: What are your main interests and talents?

Do you have skills you can call on, first aid training, a second language, drawing and design ability, a teaching background, counseling or clerical experi-

ence that would be a huge help to certain organisations or charities? Can you drive, cook, sew or knit? You could make these skills, and many others you may have no idea you possess, work in all sorts of fields. Are you looking for something to take you out and about, or would you rather remain in one place, indoors or out? Do you want to pursue an interest or take on a completely new one?

CHOOSING YOUR CAUSE is important because once you are part of a team or group people will quickly start to rely on you, so you need to be committed. Find out what time frames you will be working in, so you don't have to compromise other arrangements and duties. If you

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will be volunteering regularly and with others, and there are times or days that you want to keep free, make this clear from the start, so rosters can be arranged.

Serious volunteers may be asked to undergo a certain amount of vetting and or training. This is in no way to belittle what you already know or have achieved but will prove a brilliant way of uniting your fellow volunteers, updating your previous knowledge and ensuring everyone is on a level playing field.

If you have a health condition, do not be put off, make allowances for it and choose something that will not aggravate it. And remember that a disability need not stand in your way either. It could even give you the advantage of experience and empathy that will add value to what you do and for the people you work with.

In fact, there is documented evidence that volunteering is beneficial for older adults with physical ailments. And, in many areas, older people with manageable chronic conditions devote slightly more hours to community service each month compared with those in better health. There is no doubt that volunteering can actually make you feel better.

It is known to reduce stress, help prevent loneliness, lower the risk of developing high blood pressure and improve your state of mind. And if that seems at odds with some of the things you may be called upon

to witness or do; just choose where you do your volunteering very carefully. We are all in danger of going into meltdown at scenes of cruelty and suffering, or when the logistics of a task seem overwhelming. At the same time everyone has something to offer, somewhere.

And someone, somewhere needs you.

Once you become part of a group of volunteers, or even join an organisation where you will be working on a one-to-one basis with an individual or on a phone line, be prepared to accept the way things are done to begin with. Charging in trying to make changes, even if you think they will be for the best, will make others feel uncomfortable or, worse still, angry. If you feel strongly about something, bring it up calmly, at the right time, with suitable facts, figures and suggestions to support your points. Listen to what everyone else has to say and be willing to back up your ideas with practical help.

On whatever scale you become a volunteer you will certainly get as much as you give, if not a whole lot more. Volunteers appreciate the sense of purpose and belonging they get, along with a better perspective on their own worries from sharing those of others; increased knowledge and experiences; an improved social life from spending time and sharing experiences with people having the same interests and goals and, finally, a real chance to give something back.

There's a place for you Our small islands are brimming with ways for you to be your best as a volunteer. From driving hospital patients and walking dogs, to helping children with homework, and resettling the homeless, the choice is vast.

Organisations like the Red Cross, SOS Malta, Volserv - Voluntary services for Mater Dei Hospital, Befriending Programme (Mental Health Services) and Malta Hospice, and the many children's homes offer varied opportunities to put your talents to good use.

BirdLife Malta, Nature Trust, Gaia, Heritage Organisation Din L-Art Ħelwa, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and Friends of the Earth - Malta look out for the environment.

Aġenzija Appoġġ, St Joseph Home - Valletta, Dar Merћba bik - Balzan, the Ursuline Crĉche - Sliema and a string of children's homes, would welcome your support.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Island Sanctuary, Paws for a Cause, help animals.

Welfare organisations for the homeless, refugees, displaced people and those with any number of different special needs and support can be found online or by asking around.

Many of these support agencies also run what used to be called charity shops. These days they can be found in permanent spots, or as pop up shops and many are as attractive as any of the smart vintage shops that grace the high streets in European cities. If you have a flair for retail, fashion, curiosities and meeting people this would be fun way to do your bit.

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NOVEMBER 2018

Caring GRANDPARENTS We have a tradition of Nannas actively continuing their role as mothers for their children and grandchildren. What would we do without them?

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espite the continual references to Malta's shortage of women in the workplace there is no doubt that having children does not automatically stop a mother working, if only part time. And very often nanna, and to some extent nannu, become the ones to step in and fill any caring gaps.

Grandchildren are usually such a joy that their grandparents welcome any time in their company and most will agree that being in their company keeps them young, makes them proud and provides a source of love and affection which is priceless. Add all the research findings that grandparents who spend plenty of time with their grandchildren are generally fitter and happier than others in their age-groups, and it's a win, win situation.

But there's a reason why Mother Nature limits childbearing years, and that is simply because as we get older our whole bodies, believe it or not, need to change from a 'working ' life to one that requires less effort at every level and more care and relaxation. However, many grandparents, some who even keep on freelance or part time work, still feel they want to help their working children and, as even the best commercial childcare arrangements pale in comparison with family ties, this is very welcome.

So, as grand children are demanding however beautifully they behave, it is important to set some understandings and ground rules of when and where this care will be given and what you, as a grandparent, should consider when making any offer of assistance that goes beyond occasional babysitting.

How long and how often will your grandchild be with you? There is a big difference between a few hours here and there and regular day care, or overnight stays.

How much are you physically able to offer? There is a lot of energy, lifting, communication and emotional exchanges involved, according to the age of the child. Don't be tempted, out of love or a desire to help, to take on more than you are happy to accept. You can always offer

some extra time in an emergency. It is in everyone's interest that you never bite off more than you can chew.

Will you care for the child in his or her home or in your own home? If the child’s home is the venue, how long are you happy to be away from your home comforts during a day? If you have the child in your home, is it properly equipped and child-proof on a safety basis? A spare cot, loads of toys and food, spare clothes, and milk, nappies and all the trappings that go with a baby or toddler, are the least items you'd need.

If your care is to be on a regular basis a family discussion to decide the perimeters must be held in good time. This will decide: When and where care will be pro-

vided.

Whether you will be providing care for free and are stopping your own work to provide it. It is important to agree on any reimbursement you would receive. Some children are very fair and generous, even if no payment is expected or needed, but others can be less considerate and even thoughtlessly take your help for granted.

Children do not come cheap and if you are left out of pocket the whole arrangement could become uncomfortable.

Be sure you are clear on where parents and grandparents stand on food, table manners, screen time, homework, activities, discipline etc. You are always going to want to spoil your grandchildren, it is expected. But agree in advance where the

boundaries are and stay within them.

Tempting as bribery will often be, children quickly learn how to take advantage and a radical upset of their own house rules is sure to eventually backfire on all three generations.

And do not be surprised or feel de-valued if some of your children's ideas about raising children differ from yours. Remember, they may be influenced by their peers or child-rearing sites. However this does not mean you should tolerate what you regard as bad behaviour in your own home. And, with firm, fair guidance, your grandchildren should learn to respect this from the word go.

However you and your children decide about the time you spend caring for your grandchild, be sure to recognise their anxiety at leaving their child, especially if it's the first. At this stage, all your wealth of experience is the last thing on their mind. Promise you will keep in touch, provide the means to do so if you like, and always keep up good lines of communication. Mention any concerns immediately and tactfully to avoid them becoming bigger problems. Offer advice sparingly and praise consistently, and never make decisions concerning their child without asking them. It may not always be easy, but soon enough they will be coming to you for ideas. And your place in theirs and their children's life will be treasured.

Your years together with a grandchild are precious, sharing them with their parents, and other grandparents, can be such a joy and will provide them with the happiest memories of someone for whom they were very special and who will always be special to them.

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A commitment towards

ACTIVE AGEING

Active ageing is a broad term, which can be used to describe a positive outlook and active elderly participation in physical, social, cultural, economic, and political activities Elderly persons engage in various activities, such as mass, imbibe coffee from local snacks bar, chat with their neighbours, and spend quality time with their nieces and nephews. Many even participate in more organised activities, such as art, crafts, or fitness classes and volunteering.

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uch engagement, and thus active ageing has ample benefits. These include the enabling of older individuals to feel included and valuable and further embracing a positive wellbeing. When seniors are living within the community, they tend to spend more time with people from younger generations. This enables them to participate in intergenerational activities, possibly allowing for traditions to transmit from one generation to the next, and thus, fostering intergenerational solidarity.

Moreover, research shows that a prerequisite for active and successful ageing is having a supportive environment endowed with positive social relationships, communal involvement and social inclusion.

The above mentioned benefits, and the belief that it is the country’s duty to ensure that the elderly - those who have worked hard and built this strong EU nation - live with dignity and a good quality of life, are reflected in this

Government’s policies and initiatives.

Evidently, through the Government’s financial allocation and the work of the Parliamentary Secretariat for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, this

Government is committed to promote and safeguard the rights of elderly persons to active inclusion, participation and independent living in their communities.

This mission does not come along with no or little investment. In fact, the Malta Budget for 2019 allocated €79 million for the Department of Active Ageing and Community Care. The Department is dedicated and in charge to ameliorate community services and residential homes for the elderly, whilst the long-term care facility, St. Vincent De Paul, is entrusted with an additional budget of €65 million.

The Department of Active Ageing and Community Care has continued to improve its service provision throughout 2018, with the revision of community and residential services for the elderly and the introduction of new initiatives.

To mention a few, in 2018, elderly living in the community saw further investment in community services provided by the Department and the introduction of “Mill-Anzjan għallAnzjan”;a project to promote volunteering between the elderly, Silver

The Department of Active Ageing and Community Care has continued to improve its service provision throughout 2018, with the revision of community and residential services for the elderly and the introduction of new initiatives.

T and digital technology courses.

Interestlingly, these courses are aimed at reducing digital illiteracy in our elderly, but also to strengthen thetechnological communication of the elderly.

Moreover, Silver T, a well-received pilot project, is focused on improving senior citizens’ access to services within their community, and thus enhancing their participation. Having started from three dispersed locations in Malta, this project will be seeing an extension throughout the next few months.

Looking ahead towards 2019, the upcoming year will witness the start of further new initiatives. A new pilot project whereby Active Ageing Centres will also be better utilised and transformed into night shelters.

With this regard, while the Government is extensively investing in long-term care for the elderly, its National Active Ageing Strategy is guiding continuous financial contributions towards community services and active ageing.