Professor Troisi, Dr. Alexandre Sidorenko, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to address you at the end of this International Programme in Policy Formulation Planning, Implementation and Monitoring of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, which has been, undoubtedly, a highly successful one.
It is always a difficult task making a closing speech at the end of a programme that has been going on for a considerable number of days. What remains to be said about a subject that has been delved into so deeply in the past days? Delved into, allow me to add, by a number of distinguished scholars, experts in their own field.
The first quarter of the twenty-first century has often been called the Age of Ageing. We are experiencing a revolution in longevity in which the average life expectancy at birth since 1950 has increased by 20 years and is projected to increase by another 10 years by mid-century. Life expectancy in Malta is that of 77 for males and 82.1 for females. However we cannot ignore the inequalities which still riddle our world today. Let us not forget that life expectancy in undeveloped countries is as low as 50 years in Botswana, 48 years in Malawi, 42 years in Sierra Leone and 38 years in Zambia. Indeed such inequalities should shame us all. Obviously the majority of the world’s older persons are to be found in developing countries. Here, the increase will be greatest and most rapid. In fact, the older population is expected to increase four-fold by 2050.
Malta has not been spared from this phenomenon. The persons over the age of 60 in Year 2050 will be around 140,000. This means that the elderly population in Malta will increase by approximately 35%. This in itself will trigger huge challenges, since elderly people need costly health services. Large numbers of elderly persons need costly operations and more and more long term beds. In Malta this year there was an increase in beds due to the opening of St Jean Antide (64 beds), Block John Paul II (144 beds) which include wards specifically designed for patients with Dementia and a number of PPP beds. As you know this does not come free as institutional care comes at a very high cost not only financially but also in terms of human resources. So our goal is to try to prolong as much as possible the stay of the elderly in the community. Ideally there is no better place for the elderly person then his home, near his family in his own village. The various community services we offer include Telecare, Meals on Wheels, Home Help Service, Handy Man Service, Incontinence Services and Nursing services offered at home all provided by the Department of the Elderly and Community Care. It is the Government’s aim to support these elderly alongside their family. This is also the aim of the Night Shelter that will be inaugurated soon in the Southern part of Malta.
In Malta like the rest of Europe there is a shortage of nurses. So the real challenge is of course to find the staff for long term beds. This is why at the beginning of my tenure a Care Assistant Course for the elderly was tailored made to train carers internally. To date 5 courses have been offered, training approx 240 carers. They are not nurses. Nurses need 3 years of University training. But these carers with a course of 4 months which can help nurses in non-nursing chores and work under the supervision of qualified nurses.
This dramatic and unprecedented increase in the number and proportion of older persons in the World is leading to various political, economic and social consequences and challenges. In developing countries this demographic phenomenon will pose a particular challenge.
Over the past days you have been discussing policy implications, particularly in relation to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. It is, of course essential to build knowledge on the changes that have already taken place, to consider what the present reality is and to look at trends, in order to lay the foundations for policies that will shape the future.
Today you become ambassadors of your country and of International Insitute on Ageing on issues related to old age. You are the seeds of progress in this field and please ensure that upon leaving the island of Malta you will start planning activities in your own country and in the region if possible. Ageing is an international issue. Therefore, it must be addressed in an international perspective. However, while you think globally you need to act locally.
Many countries in the developing world are gradually moving into an era in which fertility and mortality rates are getting lower and lower and consequently populations are ageing rapidly. Thus, at this time, it is only through insight and planning that we can make use of the material and human resources available on a territory to alleviate poverty and create an environment conductive to development in particular in the sectors of health, education, social security and employment.
Allow me to stress that the increasing number of elderly persons should not only be perceived negatively but as a potential resource which needs to be tapped. They have the expertise, the knowledge, the experience which makes them an excellent source of reference in different fields. I cannot but mention the invaluable contribution the elderly persons give by means of voluntarily work. I can frankly say that the backbone of every voluntarily organisation in Malta is composed of elderly persons who give their time, energy and expertise free of charge and for the good of their communities. In Malta we have recently offered the option to retired persons to continue working without losing their pension. One of the positive aspect of the increasing number of Elderly is that they are generating a need for more nurses and carers thus increasing job opportunities. Apart from this elderly populations are also consumers so they are contributing for the economy of their countries.
I augur that you will go back to your own countries enriched with newly acquired knowledge and experiences exchanged with your colleagues and lecturers. It would be of mutual benefit if you would maintain your contacts with INIA – Malta and sensitize those responsible for ageing policies in your countries on possible further research and training activities available here.
May I finally congratulate you for attending this International programme and I hope that what has been achieved during these two last weeks will serve as a launching pad for further activities in which INIA and yourselves will become active partners.
I also hope that you are taking back home best memories of Malta, an island state with a rich history, unique nature and valuable heritage. I wish you all the best in your endeavours and hope you will have a safe journey home.
Last yet not least I hope that today’s closing speech is an Arriverderci not a Farewell because we will be more than honoured to welcome you again in Malta.
Thank you.
