In recognition of the International Day for the Elderly, Ms Betty Berry of Gozo has been awarded the Active Ageing Award during a ceremony presided over by President Dr George Vella,

During the presentation of the Award, President Vella said that Ms Berry was described as one of the most active volunteers on the island of Gozo in the rescue and rehabilitation of animals.

Betty is a registered wildlife rescue volunteer with Nature Trust – FEE Malta and also an inspiration to many youths as she dedicates her time to the Scouts movement.

She was nominated for this award by Nature Trust – FEE Malta and the Victoria Scout Group.

Betty Berry retired as Manager of Gozo SPCA in May 2010, during her seven years as Manager over 2,500 abandoned animals were picked up, many being rehomed and thousands more neutered.

Betty had also been helping out at the Centre for over 20 years, all that time without pay, often putting in 60 hours or more a week.

More recently, when the war broke out in Ukraine, Betty also took care of two families for six whole weeks until she found them shelter in Gozo.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, President Vella remarked that, “we should see ageing in a positive way.” He defined this event as an occasion to celebrate the qualities and the valuable role of the elderly in society.

This year, the United Nations chose the theme “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World” for the International Day of the Elderly, with particular emphasis on the contribution of older women as well as the elderly as active contributors to climate change.

The President explained that the activism by the elderly in the academic, sporting, cultural and intergenerational fields “clearly shows the importance for the elderly to remain active members of society.”

He added that, “this is beneficial to the elderly as they feel part of their community. At the same time, through their activism, they are making a direct contribution to the economic and social development of the country as well as to environmental protection.”During his speech, the President explained that the activeness and independence of the elderly is translated into happiness, helping a lot in both the physical and the mental health of the individual.

He went on to say that both the experience and the knowledge of the elderly are priceless. He added that this also applies to the elderly who continue to work after retirement age, as they can pass on their wealth of experience to younger employees.

The President appealed so that the knowledge of the elderly is neither lost nor ignored.

Acknowledging that the population of developed countries is becoming increasingly older, he reiterated the importance of having a country where pensions and healthcare in the community are considered essential so that all the elderly are given the right to an adequate and dignified quality of life.

Minister for Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela said that the activity organised on the International Day for the Elderly is aimed to celebrate the dedication, commitment and work of the elderly, inspiring their peers to remain active.

The winners are:

Active Ageing Award – Ms Betty Berry

Sport Ageing Award – Mr James Evans

Intergenerational Solidarity Award – Mr Henri Diacono

Academic Ageing Award – Prof. Victor Mallia Milanes

Cultural Ageing Award – Mr John Vella.

Permalink: Betty Berry of Gozo presented with Active Ageing Award