As conversations around active ageing continue to evolve, not just in Malta but globally, The Imperial, part of St George’s Care, stands as proof of what senior living can look like when hospitality, wellbeing, and true community are placed at the core.

Under the leadership of General Manager Melanie Jacobs, the residence has developed a reputation for offering a lifestyle that balances comfort with engagement and support with independence.

“The residents are the heartbeat of the home,” Ms Jacobs affirms. “We are not looking after ‘old people’, but people just like us. They want to enjoy life and be part of life. Everything we offer is tailored around their abilities, needs, and preferences, and they’re very vocal about what they want.”

At The Imperial, the team works deliberately to encourage residents to remain mentally stimulated, socially connected, and physically active in ways that suit them individually.

One recent example is a wheelchair-friendly salsa initiative aptly named Salsa: Move Your Body. “It’s joyful, energetic, and adapted so that everyone can participate,” Ms Jacobs explains. “Active ageing is about the engagement of body, mind, and spirit, and we design activities with that in mind.”

From music and art sessions to personal crochet lessons, social clubs, and intergenerational initiatives with local schools, The Imperial’s calendar is intentionally rich. Residents are encouraged to initiate ideas as much as participate in them. “They come to us and say, ‘Something is happening in the community, and we want to be part of it.’ And we make it happen,” she adds.

What distinguishes The Imperial is its insistence on maintaining a sense of belonging and ownership among residents. Rather than the institutional feeling that often accompanies senior living environments, the home cultivates a warm, companion-driven atmosphere.

“People are not here to come and end their life, but to live the next stage,” Ms Jacobs says. “Our staff are companions, as well as caregivers. They get to know residents personally. We organise activities where staff bring their children and residents bring their grandchildren. It’s about encouraging genuine connections.”

This approach extends to decision-making, as residents are encouraged to shape their environment. Whether through the resident-run book club, self-organised billiards tournaments, or the women who have taken up knitting and are preparing to establish a knitting club, ownership is shared.

“This home belongs to everyone who lives here,” Ms Jacobs emphasises.

As residents’ needs evolve, The Imperial ensures their experience remains seamless and dignified. Ms Jacobs explains that continuous assessment, both medical and personal, guides how care is adapted. “We review regularly and listen closely. Our commitment to dignity and respect never changes. We try to make everything possible for residents, no matter the changes they face.”

This flexibility plays a key role in promoting a sense of independence. The aim is not to limit residents as they age, but to support them in new ways of enjoying life.

Ms Jacobs believes Malta is moving towards a more dynamic understanding of ageing – one that prioritises quality of life. “People want to live better,” she says. “We aim to lead this movement by combining hospitality with holistic wellbeing.”

Plans for the coming years include expanding community engagement, developing new lifelong-learning initiatives, and incorporating technology-assisted wellness. A recent example came through resident feedback, where many caregivers expressed interest in learning Maltese greetings while residents asked to learn Filipino greetings in return. “It’s about engaging, learning from one another, and staying curious,” Ms Jacobs adds.

While management can articulate the philosophy, residents themselves bring the experience to life. Joe Micallef, an 87-year-old resident, moved to The Imperial under difficult personal circumstances. However, he has since discovered renewed purpose through community involvement.

“When I first came here, evenings felt lonely,” he recalls. “But I spoke to the manager, and soon I was helping set up a cinema club. I brought my DVDs from home. Now 30 to 50 people attend. They even make a professional poster for the film of the week.”

Though he still feels moments of loneliness, he says being surrounded by people and staying active helps significantly. “My grandchildren are my saviours – they keep me from feeling lonely.”

Another resident, Margaret Mary Ellul Vincenti, finds fulfilment through artistic expression. “I love drawing,” she shares. “I feel very happy living here. Although I do join in the many activities that The Imperial organises, I also enjoy spending time in my room because I like to draw alone.”

She appreciates the daily rhythm and spiritual life of the community. “We have mass every day and I also go out frequently with my children.”

For her, comfort is central. “I couldn’t be better. It’s a good place – clean, organised, and you have nothing to complain about.”

The Imperial’s model illustrates what happens when senior living is approached not as a medical necessity but as a lifestyle opportunity. Through a strong sense of community, diverse activities, and a culture of mutual respect, residents are empowered and encouraged to continue living with meaning, connection, and joy.

As Ms Jacobs puts it, “Our goal is to ensure residents enjoy independence and joy in whatever they do. Active ageing isn’t just an idea here – it’s a way of life.”