Viet Nam is among the countries with the fastest ageing populations in the world, creating many opportunities intertwined with challenges and requiring a renewal of strategic thinking at the national level, shifting from viewing older people as “beneficiaries of social security policies” and “a burden on their children, families and communities” to a thorough recognition that older people “are a valuable asset of the country” and an important resource in the cause of national construction and development in the new period.
Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW dated September 9, 2025 of the Politburo on a number of breakthrough solutions to strengthen the protection, care and improvement of people's health identifies older people as one of the groups eligible for priority policies. The Party and State’s attention to and direction on older people are first manifested in the regular organisation of medical examinations and treatment for older people; the early establishment of different types of elderly care facilities suited to specific conditions and meeting the needs of older people; the organisation of free annual medical examinations for older people; and the establishment of nursing facilities in the form of “happy villages” and “happy cities” aimed at “combating loneliness among older people”. At present, up to 95% of older people have been supported in obtaining health insurance cards; there are more than 600 nursing facilities nationwide, with many localities having established day-care and long-term care facilities for older people.
At present, up to 95% of older people have been supported in obtaining health insurance cards; there are more than 600 nursing facilities nationwide, with many localities having established day-care and long-term care facilities for older people.
Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation reflects the Party’s breakthrough strategic thinking in adapting to the digital and artificial intelligence era. In 2025, the Viet Nam Association of the Elderly proactively coordinated with relevant agencies and advised the Prime Minister to approve the Project “Older People Participating in Promoting Digital Transformation, Green Transformation, Start-ups and Job Creation”.
The Association signed a coordination programme with Que Lam Group on the formation of an organic agriculture value chain and circular economy, and the replication of the model in a number of provinces and cities, contributing to the supply of clean food and agricultural products and protecting a healthy living environment.
The Association coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and CT Group to organise a launching ceremony for the “Older People Responding to the 2026 Tree-Planting Movement in Gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh” in Bac Ninh Province, initially implementing the programme in eight northern provinces and cities and laying the groundwork for striving to plant one million trees each year. In response to the “Digital Mass Literacy Campaign”, the Association’s Central Committee has so far organised six training sessions to improve digital knowledge and skills for provincial-level Association officials nationwide; many localities have adopted good and creative approaches, notably Ha Noi, which has coordinated with the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union to develop the “Digital support for older people” project.
Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW dated May 4, 2025 of the Politburo on developing the private economy opens up room to encourage people to mobilise all resources to legitimately improve the prosperity of themselves, their families and the country. Older people have more opportunities to bring their accumulated intellectual capital and experience into play, continuing to utilise their capabilities in start-ups and job creation. At present, nearly 10 million older people are directly engaged in labour, production and business activities, creating jobs for millions of people; some are owners of large corporations and businesses and have been honoured as Labour Heroes in the reform period. This is evidence of the entrepreneurial spirit and determination to create jobs among today’s older generation, inspiring younger generations in the new era.
Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW of the Politburo on developing Vietnamese culture represents a creative development of Ho Chi Minh Thought, which regards culture as the spiritual foundation of the nation. Older people are a bridge between traditional culture and contemporary life, passing long-standing traditional values on to younger generations. In 2023, the Viet Nam Association of the Elderly coordinated with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to organise the Older People’s Singing Festival from the grassroots level to the national level, creating a broad nationwide platform for mass cultural and artistic activities. In 2026, older people across the country’s regions have actively participated in the Traditional National Folk Song Festival, inspiring younger generations to preserve, conserve and promote traditional cultural values.
At present, older people, undeterred by age, remain enthusiastic and responsible in holding key positions in Party committees, authorities, organisations, associations and mass organisations from the grassroots level; in villages, hamlets and residential groups, with a spirit of devotion to the Party, the country and the People.
The 14th National Party Congress attracted approximately 1.2 million older people to participate directly in giving comments on the draft documents. The Viet Nam Association of the Elderly, a mass organisation entrusted with tasks by the Party and State, organised a special art programme to celebrate the success of the 14th National Party Congress; organised the dissemination and implementation of the Congress Resolution; and reached consensus on the Programme for implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress through both in-person and online formats. The election of the 16th National Assembly deputies and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term also highlighted the exemplary role of older people, who encouraged their children and grandchildren to exercise their civic rights and fulfil their civic duties. At present, older people, undeterred by age, remain enthusiastic and responsible in holding key positions in Party committees, authorities, organisations, associations and mass organisations from the grassroots level; in villages, hamlets and residential groups, with a spirit of devotion to the Party, the country and the People.
Reality shows that during the Covid-19 pandemic and in overcoming natural disasters and catastrophes, many exemplary older people came forward to join forces and work together to maintain peace and security in society. On the occasions of the Day for Wounded Soldiers and Martyrs on July 27, the Viet Nam Association of the Elderly always organises activities of gratitude and repayment with all sacred sentiments, passing on the moral value of “remembering the person who planted the tree when eating its fruit” to the community and younger generations. Through proactive and diverse mobilisation and connectivity, Associations at all levels have annually presented millions of gifts, supported the construction of thousands of new homes for older people living in poverty, assisted older people affected by natural disasters and epidemics, and actively raised funds in support of the Cuban people.
The annual Action Month for Older People is organised in diverse, vibrant and practical ways and widely promoted in connection with the humanitarian programme Bright Eyes for Older People, helping millions of older people receive treatment for eye diseases. The Self-Help Intergenerational Club is a good model and an effective approach; there are now more than 9,000 clubs nationwide, attracting nearly 500,000 members. All of these are achievements of renewal, innovation and the mobilisation of community goodwill, enabling the model to outstandingly win first prize at the Initiative for a Healthy Ageing Asia Award (2020) and receive an excellence award at the Community Initiative Award (2025).
Every older person today understands more deeply President Ho Chi Minh’s teaching: “The prosperity of the country is built by the elderly”; while reflecting and acting in line with the guiding views of General Secretary and President To Lam: “Our nation’s ethic of ‘respecting the elderly and honouring longevity’ is not merely a custom, but a cultural standard; not merely an emotion, but a responsibility; not merely something within the family, but also a humane principle in organising social life”; “An older person who lives as a role model can bring peace to a family. A respected older person can bring harmony to a community. An older person who remains deeply concerned about the affairs of the country and the people can inspire many generations.”
With the leadership and direction of the Party and State, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, central commissions, ministries and sectors, and local Party committees and authorities, older people in Viet Nam pledge their wholehearted loyalty to the Party, their love for the country and the regime; continue to promote the spirit of Dien Hong, contributing to realising the aspiration for national longevity and strength, civilisation, prosperity and happiness; and firmly safeguarding the socialist Fatherland of Viet Nam.
