Residential care for the elderly in Malta : past experiences and future proposals

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is the study of the past and present of these "elderly communities" in Malta; and the proposal, study, and organisation of a future "elderly village", which will be run, as far as possible, by the elders themselves and perhaps even be self supporting. It hopes to offer a unique opportunity for researchers of gerontology, policy makers, and other interested bodies to reside and study all sociological, environmental, and medical aspects of the subject. Such a village will also help in the social and individual life of the elders themselves. It studies the past and present effects of social, environmental, administrative and economical aspects of elderly residential care with a view that the same research is adopted, and implemented in the construction planning or building plans of the proposed elderly village. In the light of these envisaged parameters, the author hopes that his proposals will not only revise residential care programmes and other community services, but also enhance the quality of life of our senior citizens, both in terms of the environment and living conditions, and moreover in their psychological and mental aspects. Malta's ageing population is on the increase. Statistics estimate that by the year 2010, one fourth of the whole population would have passed the sixty-year threshold. The number of elderly persons is increasing because of the longer life expectancy brought about by better living conditions, healthy eating and the continuous progress in the medical field. Malta has already implemented various schemes which directly or indirectly contribute to the general well being of the elderly.