To ensure the "pillars" are strong and durable...

Since ancient times, Vietnamese people have always preserved and promoted the tradition of respecting the elderly, considering them the pillars of the nation. Therefore, in recent years, the care of the elderly has always been a priority for ministries, sectors, and localities, achieving many positive results. This has gradually contributed to improving the material and spiritual lives of the elderly, protecting and caring for them, and promoting their potential and role in the cause of national construction, defense, and development.

However, despite the achievements, the current care for the elderly still lacks coordination and sustainability. The implementation of policies mainly depends on local budgets, and there is no rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanism; health insurance does not fully cover long-term care services, psychotherapy, and rehabilitation. Currently, there are only about 100 centralized elderly care facilities nationwide, a very modest number compared to actual needs. Notably, Vietnam has yet to develop comprehensive, long-term solutions to effectively promote the role of the elderly in the context of a population aging process that is happening faster than predicted.

Vietnam is entering a period of population aging, with projections that by 2036, the proportion of people aged 60 and over will account for approximately 20% of the population. To quickly address these limitations, on December 23, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long signed Directive No. 35/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister on strengthening the implementation of elderly care work to adapt to population aging. Accordingly, in the coming period, ministries, sectors, and localities need to base their actions on their assigned functions and tasks, and implement comprehensive and effective solutions to adapt to population aging; considering elderly care work as a regular, long-term task closely linked to the goal of sustainable national development.

The development of programs and plans for elderly care needs to closely follow the directives of General Secretary To Lam at the National Conference on the implementation of four important resolutions of the Politburo on international integration, national energy security, breakthroughs in education and training development, as well as protecting, caring for, and improving people's health (September 2025). In particular, the General Secretary emphasized the need for comprehensive care and combating loneliness among the elderly, considering this a measure of the humane and sustainable development of society.

Initially, localities need to focus on developing daycare models and community centers based on the principle of "picking up in the morning and dropping off in the evening"; strengthening support for elderly care in families, communities, and centralized facilities. Simultaneously, they should promote the development of elderly clubs and intergenerational self-help clubs; diversify types of healthcare, helping the elderly access appropriate medical services right in their communities...

Furthermore, all levels and sectors need to continue creating conditions for the elderly to participate in digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and to leverage their experience and wisdom; effectively implement policies for the elderly in remote areas and ethnic minority regions. In particular, it is necessary to urgently review and reorganize surplus offices and facilities to prioritize the development of care centers and living spaces for the elderly.

The elderly are not only a group in need of support but also a source of spiritual strength and a crucial force contributing to building a civilized and compassionate society. The elderly are a "social resource" with rich knowledge and experience, capable of continuing to make positive contributions to the community if given the right conditions. Vietnam may be lagging behind the trend of population aging, but it is not too late if we develop and implement a long-term, decisive strategy now to ensure that the elderly truly become an important force in the country, a solid "pillar" of the family and society.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/de-ruong-cot-duoc-ben-chac-728606.html