A longer life must mean a healthier, more active, secure and dignified life
Alex Borg said that this year’s theme chosen by the United Nations – The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives – reflects the need for policies and services to evolve in response to the reality of a population that is living longer. It also reflects the measures being proposed by the PN for older people.
Partit Nazzjonalista Leader Alex Borg addresses an APAN event marking the International Day of Older Persons
In a society where people are living longer, we must design systems that ensure that a longer life also means a healthier, more active and financially secure life, and above all, one lived with dignity.
This was stated by Partit Nazzjonalista Leader Alex Borg during an event organised by the Assoċjazzjoni Pensjonanti Anzjani Nazzjonalisti (APAN), held this morning at the PN Headquarters to mark the International Day of Older Persons, which is observed tomorrow, 1 October.
Alex Borg said that this year’s theme chosen by the United Nations – The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives – reflects the need for policies and services to evolve in response to the reality of a population that is living longer. It also reflects the measures being proposed by the PN for older people.
He said that older people have an enormous contribution to make to society and are an important resource for families, communities and the economy. Many older people continue to contribute to their communities, including through volunteering, their experience and the support they provide to their families.
At the same time, Alex Borg said, older people who are no longer able to continue living independently must be given the care, companionship and support they need, both within their communities and in residential care homes.
The PN Leader referred to the 25 proposals put forward by the Partit Nazzjonalista in its most recent electoral programme. These include strengthening community care, a home-delivery service for medicines for older people with limited mobility, greater support for those who require a live-in carer, more centres for people with dementia, more residential homes for older people within the community, better and fairer pensions, and greater recognition for those who have left employment to care for family members.
Alex Borg said that the challenge of longevity should be viewed as an opportunity for Malta to build a system that gives older people the choice, security and dignity they deserve at every stage of their lives.
During the event for older people organised by APAN, which began with Mass, addresses were also delivered by PN Deputy Leader Alex Perici Calascione, Secretary General Charles Bonello, and APAN President Joe Zahra. A message from European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was also delivered.
Ahead of the speeches, il-Mument editor Joe Mikallef led a discussion on older people and the challenges they are facing, with the participation of Shadow Minister for Active Ageing Paula Mifsud Bonnici and Shadow Minister for Social Policy, the Family and Social Housing Ivan Bartolo. The event was hosted by Joe Chetcuti.
30.09.2026
