Ageing – a stage in life to be lived with dignity and the best possible quality of life

25 Aug 2026 - Government and Public Entities | Home | News | Pensioners Association | Sections

GWU meets Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Deo Debattista

The General Workers’ Union (GWU) believes that ageing should mark the beginning of a new chapter in a person’s life, one that can offer new opportunities while recognising and appreciating the contribution made throughout the years, as well as the contribution older persons can continue to make to the country.

This stage of life should be characterised by dignity, respect, independence and quality of life, while society continues to recognise and make the best possible use of the experience, knowledge and invaluable contribution that older persons can still offer.

“The General Workers’ Union has the interests of older persons at heart because, despite their advancing age, they still have much to contribute to the country, particularly when the energy and ideas of younger generations are combined with the experience and knowledge of older generations.”

This was the sentiment expressed by GWU Secretary General Kevin Camilleri during a meeting between a GWU delegation and Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Deo Debattista.

Camilleri stressed that older persons should be given more opportunities to participate in mentoring, volunteering and other initiatives through which their experience and knowledge can continue to benefit the community, while enabling them to remain active, integrated and valued members of society.

Parliamentary Secretary Deo Debattista said that, in a context where Malta’s population is ageing and life expectancy continues to increase, it is essential for the country to continue preparing for the demographic challenges of the coming years, while creating more opportunities for older persons to remain active, independent and fully engaged in society.

“The fact that people are living longer is a positive development, but at the same time it brings new challenges. This must be accompanied by policies that ensure that people not only live longer and healthier lives, but also remain as independent as possible and, above all, enjoy a good quality of life.”

GWU Pensioners’ Association Secretary Paul Bugeja praised the initiatives that already exist and the additional measures that have been introduced for ageing persons in Malta. However, he stressed the need to strengthen the way information about available benefits, services and opportunities reaches older persons.

Bugeja also said that, as people live longer, every community should have a clearer picture of its older population and, as far as possible, maintain regular contact with them. In this way, older persons can remain informed about what is happening within their community, while such contact can also provide a means of support and assistance where necessary.

“We need more initiatives to combat loneliness and social isolation among older persons. Human contact, social activity and the sense of continuing to belong to a community are extremely important for wellbeing and mental health,” Bugeja added.

The GWU believes that the objective should be clear: people should not simply live longer, but live better.

“We want a society where ageing persons remain independent, active, respected and an integral part of the community. Older age should be a stage of life in which a person continues to live with dignity and the best possible quality of life,” the GWU stated.

The GWU will continue to advocate for policies that recognise older persons as an essential part of society and value the experience, knowledge and important contribution they can continue to make.

Also present at the meeting on behalf of the GWU were Deputy Secretary General Kevin Abela, President Jason Deguara, Government, Public Entities and Health Section Secretary Kendrick Bondin, Assistant Section Secretary Lawrence Bugeja and Pensioners’ Association Secretary Paul Bugeja.