Concetta Taylor, a resident in one of CareMalta’s homes for the elderly, celebrated her 100th birthday on February 26, surrounded by her family.
Silvio Parnis, Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing and Persons with Disability, attended this special celebration, which was followed by a reception hosted by CareMalta.
CareMalta CEO Natalie Briffa Farrugia, together with the home’s management team, greeted Mrs Taylor, presenting her with a bouquet of flowers and wishing her a very happy birthday. The residents at the facility also joined Mrs Taylor to mark this special occasion.
In a short address, Mr Parnis said life in the past wasn’t easy, with mothers and fathers having to make huge sacrifices to raise and educate their children. “Despite the many difficulties they faced in their younger days, today they should look at old age as a blessing and not as a curse, especially since they had the opportunity to live comfortably in facilities that offered the very best in care,” he said.
However, he noted that it was extremely sad to still come across cases whereby elderly persons are abandoned by their family, thus risking social isolation and loneliness which, in turn, can pose health risks. “It is important for older persons to join communities and make new friends while in care to lead a happier and more active life.”
Concetta, from Sliema, was married to Peter Taylor and had 11 children.