New Monument Dedicated To Malta’s Elderly Who Lost Lives To COVID-19 Unveiled In Sliema
A new monument in honour of the elderly who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic has been unveiled in Sliema.
In a ceremony attended by President George Vella, the monument is also dedicated to the resilient character of the elderly who withstood so much during this difficult period.
The monument is the work of artist Wallace Falzon and architect David Zahra.
Referring to this project implemented at the initiative of the Maltese Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (MAGG), Vella observed how the two figures of the monument are keeping their distance from each other, but they still want to keep in touch through their fingers.
Vella said the pandemic was more severe for the elderly, particularly for those residing in residences for the elderly or hospitalised; the reason being that, despite the care and affection shown by the staff working in these institutions towards the elderly, separation and lack of physical contact remain difficult experiences.
Vella called for society to find a way to strengthen our presence in the lives of the elderly.
“I believe that together with the professionalism of the Maltese Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, each and every one of us can contribute to continuously improve the quality of life of our elders. Respect for our elders and an inclusive society go beyond the boundaries of age,” he said.
“Figuratively, one can also interpret this gesture as a source of intergenerational dialogue and to further raise awareness between the older and younger generations,” he continued.
Vella concluded his speech with a message in favour of unity and appealed for an inclusive policy for the elderly, which should be accessible to all the elderly – both those residing in residences for the elderly and those residing in their own homes.
An estimated 774 people have died from COVID-19 in Malta since the outbreak of pandemic in 2020.
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