A collaboration agreement has been signed between the University of Malta and the Older Persons Standard Authority (OPSA) to strengthen the level of cooperation between them in the fields of gerontology and geriatrics.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday 27 August 2024 in the presence of the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Hon. Clifton Grima; Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, Hon. Malcolm Paul Agius Galea; Rector of the University of Malta, Prof. Alfred J. Vella; and the Head of the Department of Gerontology and Dementia Studies, Prof. Christian Borg Xuereb.
The aim of this agreement is to enhance collaboration between OPSA and UM through the exchange of information, knowledge, and research, particularly in the area of services offered to the elderly.
It also provides OPSA employees with an opportunity to enroll in the Higher Diploma in Gerontology and Geriatrics.
In addition to that, UM will share academic publications related to the field of gerontology to promote better practices and develop higher standards of elderly care.
Minister Grima emphasised the importance of research in providing more knowledge on particular subjects while also benefiting the community. "The University of Malta is at the forefront of research projects in various sectors. Through this agreement and others already signed, we are seeing more opportunities opening up for students and employees to expand their knowledge in their respective fields of study or work," said Minister Grima.
Parliamentary Secretary Agius Galea highlighted the importance of such collaborations in raising the standard of elderly care in Malta. "This agreement will not only help improve the level of service we offer to our elderly but also promote excellence in the field of gerontology. Our commitment remains to ensure that elderly persons receive the best possible care, based on the highest standards and research," said Parliamentary Secretary Agius Galea.
Rector Prof. Alfred J. Vella stressed the importance of collaboration between academic entities and government authorities to improve education standards and the overall quality of services in Malta. Meanwhile, Prof. Borg Xuereb noted that this agreement reflects the urgent need for more education and research in the field of gerontology and dementia studies, with a focus on the wellbeing of the elderly.
This agreement confirms the commitment of UM and OPSA to strengthen research and education in elderly care and serves as a foundation for future collaborations to improve services offered to the elderly in Malta.
