The Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Active Ageing Justyne Caruana, has announced the members who will make up the National Commission for Active Ageing Gozo.

Dr Caruana made the announcement during a visit to the Ghajnsielem Learning Hub. The members are Mr Joe Camilleri, Ms Gemma Zammit, Mr. Emanuel Grima, Ms Marita Buttigieg, Ms. Antonia Sammut, Prof. John Pace, Mr. Amand Veranneman and Kav. Joe M. Attard.

Parliamentary Secretary Justyne Caruana explained the role of this Commission. saying that among the challenges facing the Commission is, the changing demographics of Gozo, an increasingly ageing society in Gozo, as well as the concrete realisation of the National Strategy for Active Ageing.

Dr Caruana also mentioned that Gozo, with its particular demographic challenges, needs the participation of its own people to ensure older age appropriate environments and for Gozitan society to know and understand a life of dignity for them in this particular period of their lives.

“If we supply services to Gozo, it is appropriate for the Gozitans themselves to come forward with ideas on how the Government can provide more suitable services for our elderly,” said Dr Caruana.

Parliamentary Secretary Caruana mentioned the services already provided in Gozo by the Government through the Secretariat, which she said are helping to create suitable environments for older people to remain active in the community, some which have never existed before, including BeActive, the Active Ageing Centres, Night Shelter, Respite services, Residential services, and services offered by CommCare and free geriatric consultant services for the elderly.

Parliamentary Secretary Justyne Caruana concluded by congratulating the members of the National Commission for Active Ageing Gozo, and wished them well for the good work in favour of the Gozitan elderly, while also inviting them to submit their future recommendations in this regard.

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