Spreading the tradition of "respecting the elderly and valuing longevity".
In Nghia Do ward, the longevity celebration for the Year of the Horse 2026 took place in a solemn and warm atmosphere. This year, the entire ward had 1,668 elderly people eligible for longevity celebrations – an impressive number reflecting the increasing longevity and quality of life. Among them were 8 centenarians, 6 centenarians, 10 95-year-olds, 102 90-year-olds, along with hundreds of others aged 80, 85, 75, and 70.
The gathering was held for nearly 200 delegates, including those turning 90, 85, and representatives of those turning 80. In addition, ward leaders visited the homes of centenarians and those over 100 years old, demonstrating deep respect for the elderly.
Nguyen Hong Son, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Nghia Do Ward, affirmed that the elderly are a valuable asset to families and society, like "tall trees casting long shadows," contributing to preserving family traditions and cultural heritage. Over the past time, the ward has always considered the care of the elderly as a key task, ensuring that they live happily, healthily, and productively.
In O Dien commune, the celebration of the elderly's birthdays was solemn and full of affection. Nguyen Van Duc, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of O Dien commune, emphasized that celebrating the birthdays of the elderly is a beautiful traditional cultural practice of the nation, reflecting the moral principles of "respecting the elderly" and "remembering the source of the water you drink." This is not only an opportunity for children and grandchildren to express their filial piety and gratitude for the upbringing and nurturing of their grandparents and parents, but also contributes to educating the younger generation about the responsibility of preserving and promoting the good moral and cultural values of the family and community.
Speaking on behalf of the elderly at the longevity celebration ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Chi Tran (Cluster 4, Ha Mo, O Dien Commune) emotionally shared: “We are very happy to live in such a superior system, receiving comprehensive care. Each of us lives happier, healthier, and more useful lives, and is even more aware of our responsibility to contribute to building a more developed homeland.”
In practice, a common feature across localities is the synchronized participation of Party committees, government agencies, the Fatherland Front , and mass organizations; and close coordination between the government and the Association of the Elderly. Celebrating longevity at the beginning of the year is not simply about giving gifts, but also an opportunity for the community to honor the role, experience, and prestige of the elderly in the "Elderly - Shining Examples" movement, in mediation, promoting education, community supervision, and building cultural life in residential areas.
Improving the quality of life for the elderly.
In these early spring days, the tradition of celebrating longevity continues to be systematically implemented in many localities. According to Tran Manh Hai, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Kien Hung Ward, from the 6th day of the Lunar New Year until mid-January, ward leaders and various departments directly attended and offered congratulations on longevity celebrations in each residential area. The requirement was to organize the celebrations thoughtfully, solemnly, and economically.
"This is a specific political task, meticulously prepared, with clear assignments of responsibility. The birthday celebrations and congratulatory ceremonies will be conducted in a meaningful way, so that the elderly can clearly see their role in society and contribute more to building their homeland," Comrade Tran Manh Hai emphasized.
According to the Hanoi Department of Health, across the city, approximately 140,000 elderly people in Hanoi will receive Tet gifts as per regulations during the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026. The city has compiled a list of 9,582 elderly people turning 90 years old to be presented with congratulatory cards by the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee; 865 people turning 100 years old will be recommended for congratulatory cards from the President of Vietnam. The highest gift amount is 1.5 million VND for those turning 100 years old.
The hundreds and thousands of elderly people celebrating their birthdays in each locality not only reflect the enduring tradition of "respecting and honoring the elderly," but also demonstrate the improving average life expectancy and living conditions of Hanoi residents. This is also proof of the Party and State's concern and care for the elderly, implemented comprehensively from the city level to the grassroots, clearly showing the orientation towards improving the quality of life for the people in general, and the elderly in particular.
This work is also linked to the effective implementation of the Party's major policy on people's health care, especially in the context that Vietnam will enter the aging population stage in just a few years. Notably, Resolution No. 72-NQ/TƯ dated September 9, 2025, of the Politburo "On some breakthrough solutions to strengthen the protection, care, and improvement of people's health" sets the goal: By 2030, the average life expectancy of Vietnamese people will reach 75.5 years, of which the number of years lived in good health will reach at least 68 years; by 2045, the average life expectancy will reach over 80 years, of which the number of years lived in good health will increase to over 71 years.
Looking at the birthday celebrations held in various localities across the city, it's clear that the tradition of "respecting the elderly and valuing longevity" is being elevated through specific policies. Birthday celebrations are not just wishes for long life, but also a commitment from the government to ensuring social security, healthcare, and creating conditions for the elderly to continue contributing to society. In the journey of building a civilized, modern, and culturally rich capital city, improving the quality of life for the elderly is one of the measures of humane and sustainable development.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/dao-hieu-dau-xuan-am-ap-le-mung-tho-o-thu-do-734364.html
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