Mental health care for older people should not be the responsibility of families or the health sector alone, but should become a priority in human development policies. This is particularly important as Viet Nam is experiencing rapid population ageing.

Rapid population ageing is creating major gaps in both the physical and mental care of older people. Alongside adjustments to social welfare policies, greater understanding from families and the development of care-home models are crucial to helping older people live happier, healthier, and more peaceful lives.

In recent years, the Government and localities have implemented a range of social welfare policies and measures to improve the well-being and quality of life of older people, in response to the country's rapidly ageing population, turning challenges into opportunities and harnessing the potential of this group.

The Viet Nam Association of the Elderly and the Tam Anh-Viet Nam Vaccine Company (VNVC) Healthcare Ecosystem have partnered to implement the “Comprehensive Healthcare for Older People in Viet Nam” project, aiming to strengthen disease prevention, early detection, treatment, and rehabilitation for older people. On this occasion, VNVC donated 10,000 doses of flu vaccine to older people nationwide.

Viet Nam hosted a discussion in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 29 with a focus on promoting older persons’ right to health care, highlighting the need for more comprehensive policies to ensure equal access to health services and protect the dignity and well-being of older people.

The Vietnamese people have a rich tradition of the moral values of “when drinking water, remember its source" and “respecting the elderly and honouring longevity”. This is a noble cultural value, carrying not only cultural significance but also political, social, economic, national defence and security significance in the new era.

Amid rapid digital transformation, digital competence has become an imperative prerequisite for every citizen. For older people, mastering technological skills empowers them to adapt more easily and their lives in the digital environment.