"To manage to live a long life is always a grace from God; especially if it is a healthy life and they are able to enjoy the fruits of a full working life through enjoyment of friends and family in the last phase of life."

So said the Minister Gozo Anton Refalo while he attended the launch of the academic year of the University of the Third Age Gozo, at the Ghajnsielem Day Centre for the Elderly

The Minister wished every success for another academic year, expressing his pleasure that there will be a group of more than 70 elderly people who will be attending the University of the Third Age (U3E) Gozo.

The Minister said that we should continue to focus on the older generation by preserving and strengthening solidarity between generations. "Young people are encouraged to honour and thank the elderly for their knowledge and love and for the values they share with our families."

The Minister mentioned the work going on in Gozo by the Ministry for Gozo for the elderly. He said the building of a new old people's home in Ghajnsielem is progressing well. This project, with an investment of € 6 million, is also expected to create new jobs in the care of the elderly, Dr Refalo said.

The Minister explained that it will consist of 70 rooms, with two beds in each room, enabling the home to accommodate up to 140 elderly persons, including couples, who at the time of their retirement will be able to continue living together rather than separated, as it is today because currently there are no homes able to accommodate couples together.

"Work at the site is progressing fast and work is completed on the underground parking, restaurant, and ancillary facilities, and work has started on the first floor containing rooms for residents and the reception area."

The residence will be over four floors; a parking area, restaurant and other ancillary facilities will be located at basement level. Administrative offices and other supporting areas will be located at ground floor level. The residential units are divided on four floors. The property will be fully accessible for persons with mobility problems.

Dr Refalo also mentioned services provided by the Ministry for Gozo, including a care service at home, a telecare service, a handyman service, assistance to people with incontinence problems, Day Centre for the elderly, and a hot meals service.

The course is coordinated by U3E Gozo Section for the Elderly and Special Needs in the Department of Customer Services within the Ministry for Gozo.

Further information can be obtained from the Office of the Care of the Elderly within the Ministry for Gozo on the following telephone numbers – 22156620 and 22156626.

Photograph: MGOZ George Scerri

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