/library/oar/handle/123456789/446 Previously known as Department of Gerontology Thu, 05 Nov 2026 05:01:25 GMT 2026-11-05T05:01:25Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/150751 Title: Active ageing good practices : promoting intergenerational communication and understanding Authors: Fenech, Maria Aurora; Borg Mizzi, Edel Abstract: Persistent negative stereotypes on the aging process and the older person are noticeable within the current youth-orientated culture. Older persons may also hold negative stereotypes about the younger generation. These undesirable typecasts co-exist because younger and older persons often have limited contact with each other. Indeed, the younger generation, only gets to engage in communication with the older person within the family unit, rarely outside their own familial structures. Similarly, older persons, residents of long-term care have limited opportunities of interacting with the younger generation. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/150751 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/150750 Title: Insights into the lived experience of long-term care and end of life transitions in Malta Authors: Borg Xuereb, Christian Abstract: In this keynote presentation, I explore the profound implications of the global demographic shift towards an ageing population. I delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by this shift, using Malta as a unique case study with 25% of its citizens aged 60 and older. The dense population poses challenges for infrastructure, healthcare access, and the overall well-being of older individuals.; Taking a closer look at one of Europe's largest Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities, I highlight the pivotal decision-making process for older individuals entering residential care. Themes of loss, adjustment, and the struggle for autonomy emerge, providing insights into the complex experiences within LTC settings. A second study is also discussed exploring residents' perceptions of death and dying which uncovered a nuanced understanding of mortality within LTC environments. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/150750 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/150721 Title: Starting from scratch : realities of older Maltese ex-sisters Authors: Cannataci, Marisa; Fenech, Maria Aurora Abstract: Background: Statistics have revealed how not only globally but also in Malta the number of women religious has decreased. This study delved into the experiences of older ex-sisters from apostolic congregations who held simple vows, lived in the convent, subsequently leaving the congregation.; Aims & Objectives: The study focused on the socio-economic and cultural challenges faced by the older ex-sisters and took into consideration, (a) timeline of entering and leaving the convent, (b) education at time of entering/leaving the convent, (c) independent living vs returning to the family, (d) current living conditions and support network, and (e) experiences of a senior citizen. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/150721 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/150720 Title: Physical restraint use within Maltese long-term care settings Authors: Fenech, Maria Aurora Abstract: Background: The holistic study looked at the locally unexplored environment, providing a platform of knowledge base and information on physical restraint use. The project secured relevant information focal to the older person residents, health care providers and policy makers within long-term care settings.; Method: A questionnaire, ‘Physical Restraint Use’ (PRU), employing mixed methodologies was developed, focusing on, (a) types of physical restraint devices used locally, (b) mode and extent of application, (c) older person characteristics that potentially push towards restraint use, (d) reactions to restraint use, (e) health care providers’ perceptions to restraint use within the work context, environmental and safety concerns, (f) effects of restraint use affecting older persons’ rights. Health care providers, within long-term care settings in Malta (n=13), and hands-on with the older persons, participated. Questionnaires were distributed to 434 health care providers, 180 booklets returned within a 3-month time line, making for a 41.5% response rate. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/150720 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z