The elderly in the era of national growth

Over the years, the elderly have not only been historical witnesses and a rich treasure trove of knowledge, but also a force that has made great contributions to socio-economic development, maintaining security and order, and building cultural life at the grassroots level. In the era of national development, the role of the elderly has become clearer, affirming the irreplaceable value of the previous generation.

Spiritual and intellectual support of the community

Currently, the whole province has 3,807 Elderly Associations/3,803 villages and residential groups; 177,915 members/196,661 elderly people, of which over 90% participate in the Elderly Association. This is an impressive number, affirming that the Association is truly a common home, a place to connect and promote the strength of the elderly in the common cause.

Comrade Ha Thi Ngo, Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly, President of the Association of the Elderly of Tuyen Quang province (before the merger) emphasized: "In the context of the country entering a new development stage with many opportunities and challenges, we always adhere to the motto of action "The older the age, the higher the ambition".

Chairwoman of the Provincial Association of the Elderly Ha Thi Ngo awarded Certificates of Merit to outstanding intergenerational self-help clubs in the province.

The elderly are not only beneficiaries of policies, but also a valuable resource that needs to be aroused and promoted. With their intelligence, prestige and life experience, the elderly are truly a solid spiritual support, contributing to maintaining national solidarity, consolidating security and order at the grassroots level, while inspiring and fostering a sense of responsibility for the younger generation. This is an important endogenous strength, creating a sustainable foundation for development.

In the movement “Old age - Bright example”, every year, tens of thousands of elderly people participate in the work of the Party, government, Fatherland Front and mass organizations at the grassroots level. Many of them are holding the positions of Party cell secretary, village chief, head of the Fatherland Front working committee, head of residential group, mediation group... contributing to strengthening the people's trust in the political system at the grassroots level.

Mr. Le Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Association of the Elderly in Ha Giang Province (before the merger), shared: “In the past time, promoting the spirit of “Old age - Bright example”, the elderly in Ha Giang Province (old) have always been exemplary, mobilizing their children and grandchildren to take the lead in building new rural areas, civilized urban areas, maintaining environmental sanitation, and donating land to open roads. The elderly are truly a fulcrum for the Party Committee and the government to effectively implement local political tasks.”

Another outstanding contribution is in economic development. Tens of thousands of elderly people are still working hard in the fields, farms, and factories. Many elderly people are businessmen and cooperative owners, creating jobs for hundreds of workers. A typical example is Mr. Nguyen Viet Thanh, Director of Thanh Huy Construction and Production Company Limited (Ham Yen).

His business creates regular jobs for about 200 workers, with an average revenue of over 30 billion VND per year, contributing over 3 billion VND per year to the budget. From 2016 to now, he has used his personal funds to support the construction and repair of dozens of houses for poor households and policy families, helping many people to reduce difficulties and improve their lives.

Live happily, live healthily, live usefully

Promoting the role of the elderly is always associated with taking care of their material and spiritual lives. Over the past 10 years, hundreds of thousands of people have been congratulated and celebrated their longevity with a total cost of over 60 billion VND; over 96% have been granted health insurance cards; hundreds of thousands of people have received free medical examinations and eye surgeries. In the first 6 months of 2025 alone, the Ha Giang Association of the Elderly (old) organized longevity celebrations for nearly 5,000 people, visited over 5,300 elderly people, with a total cost of nearly 5 billion VND.

Exciting 2025 Provincial Senior Volleyball Tournament.

In Tuyen Quang, the role of the elderly is also clearly promoted in grassroots movements. Mr. Ngo Dinh Tien, Head of the Front Working Committee of Dong Cau village, Yen Son commune, said: “The elderly are active members of the Front Working Committee. With their prestige and voice, the elderly and members of the Front Working Committee have mobilized people to donate land, contribute to road construction, site clearance, etc., creating high consensus, helping many major local tasks to be carried out smoothly.”

Not only that, the elderly also play an important role in maintaining peace in the neighborhood. Every year, tens of thousands of members participate in self-management groups, providing timely information to the authorities. The story of Mr. Do Duc Lan, 71 years old, Deputy Secretary of the Party Cell, Head of the grassroots security and order group, residential group 10, An Tuong ward is a testament: “Having experienced the war, I understand the value of peace. Therefore, I always actively join the grassroots security group to patrol, remind my children and grandchildren to obey the law, promptly grasp the situation and report to the ward police. Being able to contribute to maintaining the peace of the ward and residential group, I find life very useful.”

Along with that, the cultural and sports movement of the elderly is increasingly developing. Hundreds of health clubs, poetry clubs, and volleyball clubs attract tens of thousands of members. Many volleyball teams and art teams of the elderly in Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang have won high prizes at national competitions. This is a source of spiritual energy that helps the elderly "live happily and healthily", and at the same time, adds strength to the community.

In the era of national development, when the country enters a new stage of development with many opportunities and challenges, the elderly are not only the subjects of care but also the force that continues to contribute. They are the "old trees" that provide shade for the community, are the spiritual support, and are bright examples for the younger generation to follow.

Caring for and promoting the role of the elderly is not only a humane policy of the Party and the State but also the responsibility of the whole society. With a pure heart, bright mind, and enthusiasm, the elderly will forever be a flame of inspiration, a source of love and belief, and together with the young generation, contribute to the province's breakthrough and strong rise on the path of integration and development.

Article and photos: Khanh Van

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202509/nguoi-cao-tuoi-trong-ky-nguyen-vuon-minh-cua-dan-toc-ac85e4b/