Veteran surgeon rewarded for his work among the elderly

Keeping a fresh interest in life, and the opportunities it offers, has been one of the driving forces for 90-year-old Victor Griffiths and his wife Mary who have been married for six decades.

"Have an interest in life, no matter what happens. Seize those opportunities," said Mary Griffiths, a doctor by profession, as she stood by her husband who was yesterday presented with the Nazzareno Vassallo award for his commitment towards the elderly.

The award was handed over to him by Archbishop Paul Cremona who stressed the importance of recognising the contribution of the elderly to society. Prof. Griffiths, a surgeon and former University lecturer, was the first leader of the United Nations International Institute of Ageing that was set up in 1988 and based in Malta.

"Throughout my life I've worked to promote the good health of the elderly primarily because, like my wife, I happened to be a doctor," Prof. Griffiths said as he explained that he and his wife graduated in medicine together in 1942, during World War II.

"A doctor is always concerned about the health of the elderly and, being a surgeon, I had been entrusted with the responsibility of people's lives, including the elderly," he said.

Malta was first to raise the question of ageing as a matter of international concern at the United Nations in 1968. Some 20 years later, the UN signed an official agreement with the Maltese government to establish the International Institute on Ageing. It provides multi-disciplinary education and training in specific areas related to ageing.

Throughout his career, Prof. Griffiths also served as the University Ombudsman. Despite being retired, he is still the editor of the institute's journal called Bold, a position he has held for the last 20 years.

"I still work... Although now I don't sweat blood," the professor said as he agreed with his wife's philosophy that it is important to remain active and interested in life.

"Till this day I still love experimenting with new recipes," his wife smiled.