Labor - the golden thread that extends the value of life.

BPO - Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city and the peaceful fields of the countryside, there are still people quietly working every day. These are none other than the elderly, those who have reached retirement age but still diligently contribute with their strength, passionate hearts, and love of work.

Báo Bình Phước•01/05/2025

Those who never rest

At 75 years old, Mr. Chu Vi Quang (of the Tay ethnic group, originally from Lang Son, currently living in Hamlet 5, Phuoc Son Commune, Bu Dang District) still works diligently. Thanks to regular labor, he maintains good health. Currently, Mr. Quang owns more than 20 hectares of land planted with rubber, cashew, pepper, and durian trees. Every day, he still goes to the fields to guide workers on everything from rubber tapping techniques to fruit tree care techniques. For him, working within his capabilities is the best way to keep his body active and his mind sharp. "Having experienced the hardships of war, I understand the value of peace, and I love labor. For me, doing business means daring to think, daring to act, daring to apply science and technology, and especially, being diligent to develop the economy," Mr. Quang said.

Mr. Chu Vi Quang (center) instructs workers on tapping rubber on his family's plantation.

For traditional medicine practitioner Le Van Quy (73 years old, An Hoa hamlet, Tan Tien commune, Dong Phu district), treating patients is not just a means of livelihood but also a way to help and save lives, a charitable act. He has dedicated himself to this work for decades. Following the motto "the doctor is on-site, the medicine is on-site," Mr. Quy has collected and cultivated a medicinal herb garden spanning nearly 4,000 square meters, with over 200 different types of medicinal plants, including many rare and precious herbs. He personally plants, cares for, harvests, and prepares the medicine for his patients. He regularly stays up late and wakes up early whenever patients seek his help. Undeterred by difficulties or long distances, he wholeheartedly assists patients whenever they need him. "I've been doing this job for a long time, and I could pass it on to my children, but I still love it, I still want to do it, I want to save people, because I know many people need me. For me, labor not only brings material value to myself but also brings health to many people. As long as I'm healthy and mentally sharp, I will continue to treat illnesses and save lives," Mr. Quy said.

Traditional medicine practitioner Le Van Quy kindly inquired about the health of those receiving treatment at his family's clinic.

Dedicated to her garden, Ms. Le Thi Loan (Hamlet 2, Minh Hung Commune, Bu Dang District) is earning an enviable income thanks to her efficient farming practices. At 70 years old, she diligently cares for her 5-hectare orchard, which features high-value crops such as durian, rubber, and cashew nuts. Ms. Loan shared: "Five years ago, seeing the high price of durian, my family started planting 130 Thai saplings. Although we've only been harvesting for two years, the fruit is large, uniform, and abundant. We expect to harvest 10 tons this year. My family also has 2 hectares of durian trees in the initial development stage. Labor not only provides additional income for the family but also brings joy in old age. For me, I can only feel secure knowing I'm directly involved in the work and teaching my children. As long as I'm working, I'm in control of my finances, which makes me feel more confident."

At the age of 70, Mrs. Le Thi Loan still does all the gardening work herself.

Despite being a multi-billion VND farmer, Mr. Hoang Van Hung (Hamlet 8, Binh Minh Commune, Bu Dang District) maintains his simple, unassuming demeanor and always cares for others. Now 62 years old, he remains robust and diligently cares for his family's 18 hectares of durian, cashew, and rubber trees. For him, labor is the best way to maintain good health. Mr. Hung says: "I'm getting old, but I'm still healthy. I've accumulated experience over the years, and now I'm both working and passing it on to my children. This is also a way to set an example for them."

Mr. Hoang Van Hung enthusiastically works to take care of his family's durian orchard.

Work is a way to maintain health.

According to statistics from the Vietnam Association of the Elderly , approximately 40% of the elderly are still working. The majority are self-employed or engaged in jobs suitable to their health. Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nga, a lecturer in the Department of Gender and Development at the Vietnam Women's Academy, argues that while traditional Vietnamese culture emphasizes rest for the elderly, a different perspective has emerged in the context of an aging population: the elderly need to utilize their abilities. The motivations for participating in the labor market among the elderly in Vietnam also vary; some work to enrich their spiritual lives and ensure their health, while others do so for their livelihood.

In Binh Phuoc province, there are currently 65,648 members, including 1,924 members under 60 years old and 63,724 members aged 60 and above, accounting for 91% of the elderly population. The majority of elderly members are still healthy and continue to set a good example in labor, production, and economic development, inspiring their children and grandchildren with their spirit of overcoming difficulties, striving for success, and taking control of their lives and families. Throughout the province, 1,524 elderly people are successful entrepreneurs; 411 elderly people are owners of production and business establishments, farms, and enterprises, contributing to the budget and creating jobs and increasing income for thousands of local workers.

Labor not only provides income but also brings immense spiritual value to the elderly. When engaging in work suitable to their health, the elderly feel useful, contribute, and maintain their role in the family and society. Labor helps them maintain optimism, reduce feelings of loneliness and emptiness, and maintain physical and mental agility. At the same time, the valuable experience accumulated over many years of work is an invaluable asset that can be passed on to the younger generation. Therefore, through labor, the elderly affirm their self-worth and live happily and healthily every day.

"Work is not only a responsibility, but also a value in life. For the elderly, it's a way to maintain health, keep a youthful spirit, and spread a positive outlook on life. The elderly should choose light work, avoiding strenuous or prolonged stressful labor, to protect their cardiovascular system, joints, and mental well-being," said Mr. Nguyen Cong Soi, Chairman of the Elderly Association of Binh Phuoc province.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Soi, Chairman of the Association of Elderly People of Binh Phuoc Province