Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1332685
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 JANUARY 2021 12 COMMERCIAL Science meets seniors through active ageing initiatives THE Malta Council for Sci- ence and Technology (MCST) and the Ministry for Senior Citizens and Active Ageing have signed an agreement in the area of Science, Technol- ogy and Active Ageing. Such an agreement will enable the delivery of age-appropriate, engaging, non-formal, and specific STEM for Seniors pro- grammes at Esplora Interactive Science Centre. The agreement seeks to en- courage more seniors to visit Esplora as part of their social experience activities, stimulate mental activity, remaining ac- tive and to have a better qual- ity of life. The World Health Organisation talks about "An age-friendly world which ena- bles people of all ages to active- ly participate in community activities and treats everyone with respect, regardless of their age. It is a place that makes it easy for older people to stay connected to people that are important to them."1 This MoU initially signed in 2017 has been extended for an- other three years and will serve to strengthen the collaboration between the two institutions, building on the success of the past three years. Through the MoU senior citi- zens will be able to benefit from a reduction in the entrance ticket to Esplora thanks to the Kartanzjan Scheme for those persons over 60 years of age. They will also be entitled to a 10% discount from the Esplo- raShop (on technological and educational gadgets) as well as a discount on lunch packag- es from EsploraCafé. Staff and informal carers accompanying elderly persons over 60+ years of age will be granted free en- trance at Esplora. During yesterday's press con- ference a dedicated Seniors' Programme for Group visits was also launched. A typical group visit for seniors at Es- plora will include: a visit to one Exhibition Hall, an activ- ity choice between a planetar- ium film, a science show or a workshop from among Il-Kam- ra tal-Kliem Mistur, Granny's Kitchen Chemistry, Science of Active Ageing, Science of Men- tal Health and an Exhibition and History Trail. Groups will also benefit from an Esplora host that will guide and interact with the group throughout the visit and a light lunch at the EsploraCafé. Fully air-conditioned internal spaces and ample seating is also avail- able throughout the centre. "Esplora serves as a meet- ing place for people of all ag- es. They can come together through their shared experi- ences," said Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Executive Chairman of the Malta Council for Sci- ence and Technology. "We of- fer various activities through which seniors can learn and be creative, while enjoying each others' company. This is our primary objective: ensuring that our Centre promotes a culture in which learning and science are fun, and relevant to all." Dr Renzo De Gabriele, Chief Executive Officer of the Active Ageing and Community Care, in the presence of the Perma- nent Secretary of the Ministry for Senior Citizens and Active Ageing, Mr Matthew Vella, said that "the Active Ageing and Community Care is doing this arrangement as part of its vision to keep the elderly ac- tive in the community. We are consolidating this ageement by organising visits to Esplora for the members of the Active Ageing Centres and the resi- dents of Government Homes." Minister for Research, Inno- vation and the Co-ordination of post Covid-19 Strategy, Ow- en Bonnici thanked all those involved in this agreement and every person who contribut- ed in some way or another in order to make this MoU possi- ble. "As a Government, we are committed to pushing inno- vation on the forefront of our country's agenda. Through this MoU, we are giving an oppor- tunity for Science to be enjoyed by our elderly," he said. "Esplo- ra offers interactive science in a way that can help our old- er generation be more active while also educating them by broading their educational ho- rizons." Minister for Senior Citizens and Active Aging Michael Far- rugia said that this week saw a number of positive develop- ments related to the elderly sector in Malta. Among them is the agree- ment between the Department of Active Aging and Commu- nity Care and Esplora, where there will be an opportunity for seniors visiting Esplora to have a substantial reduction in the ticket price, and when they visit in groups they will be supported not only from the Department of Active Aging and Community Care but also from the science sector in our country. "It's never too late to learn. This agreement will give sen- iors an opportunity to con- tinue learning while visiting the center with their peers, relatives or grandchildren and even be given an explanation of what is behind certain things that are done by them on a dai- ly basis." Signatories in the presence of Ministers and Permanent Secretary