The elderly are resilient and determined.

At an age when they should be resting, many elderly people in Da Nang are choosing to start businesses, turning their passion and experience into effective economic models.

Ms. Tran Thi Thong (on the right) successfully started her business with the "Twelve Grains" powder product at the age of 71. Photo: NQ

Through their unwavering determination, they not only enrich themselves but also spread the spirit of living beautifully and meaningfully, providing strong motivation to the community.

Late-blooming entrepreneurial journey

At 76, instead of enjoying a peaceful life with her children and grandchildren, Mrs. Tran Thi Thong (Hoa Xuan ward) is busy with her entrepreneurial venture producing "Twelve Grains" powder. In 2004, doctors diagnosed her with lung cancer and had to remove one lung. Her family sold their house to pay for treatment, and their finances became increasingly difficult. During this period, she roasted and ground grains herself to drink daily for nourishment. Miraculously, after five years, her health gradually stabilized, and her hair grew back.

In 2021, the Women's Union of Hoa Xuan Ward supported her in participating in the "Women's Entrepreneurship - Innovation - Creativity Ideas" competition in the former Cam Le District, where she won third prize. This marked a turning point for her to officially start her own business at the age of 71. Currently, her "Twelve Grains" nutritional powder is made from 16 types of grains and is certified safe for consumption. Each month, her business produces approximately 30kg of powder. Not only does she have a stable income, but she also provides employment for four middle-aged workers, each earning 300,000 VND per day.

Ms. Thong shared: "I started my business not to get rich, but because I wanted to overcome illness, maintain my health, and give back to the community. Many people cannot afford ginseng or bird's nest, so affordable cereal powder can help them stay healthier. No matter the age, as long as you have the strength, you can still do something useful for society."

Meanwhile, at 71 years old, Ms. Ho Thi Thang (Hai Chau ward) remains active, running Phuoc Duc Thang Import-Export Co., Ltd., specializing in agricultural product trading. Few know that in her youth, she was a commando soldier in Hoi An, responsible for communication, supplies, and delivering documents for the troops. In 2001, she established her own business, persistently building a reputation in the market. The company not only provides a stable income but also creates jobs for many workers, including the children and grandchildren of veterans.

What many admire most is Ms. Thang's compassionate heart. Every year, she allocates 500-800 million VND to charity. She has taken in the care of 11 Vietnamese Heroic Mothers in Da Nang and supported the construction of 3-4 houses for war veterans. For her, business is not just about getting rich, but also about sharing, spreading love, and fulfilling her responsibility to the community.

A support system for senior citizens to start businesses.

Starting a business in old age is never an easy journey. For the elderly, the biggest obstacle remains capital. Many have knowledge, experience, and determination, but face numerous challenges when trying to borrow money for business. In this difficult situation, the intergenerational self-help club model of the Association of the Elderly has become a bright spot, helping them access loans to develop suitable small-scale economic models.

Mr. Tran Van Huong (76 years old, Hoa Tien commune) started his business with a chicken and fish farming model, earning nearly 100 million VND per year. Photo: NQ

A typical example is Mr. Tran Van Huong (76 years old, Hoa Tien commune). Joining the Phu Son 1 Intergenerational Self-Help Club in 2023, he borrowed 7 million VND to buy breeding chickens to raise in his garden. Thanks to his hard work, he sells two batches each year, earning about 80 million VND, not including additional income from raising fighting chickens at 1-3 million VND/each. He also used the capital to dig a pond for fish farming, earning nearly 20 million VND in profit each year. For Mr. Huong, this small amount of capital has become a foundation for him to be financially independent and not rely on his children or grandchildren.

At 74 years old, Ms. Le Thi Gai (Cam Le ward) still works tirelessly to support herself and her disabled son. Thanks to a 5 million VND grant from the Binh Hoa 3 Intergenerational Self-Help Club in 2021, she opened a small grocery store at home, earning a stable income and repaying the loan in 2022. The business was successful, and in 2024 she borrowed an additional 10 million VND to expand her inventory, earning over 7.5 million VND per month. From a small initial investment, Ms. Gai has become financially independent, no longer relying on her children or grandchildren.

Currently, Da Nang has 218 intergenerational self-help clubs, contributing to the care of the health, well-being, and financial support of the elderly. This model is proving its humanity and effectiveness, helping the elderly live happily, healthily, and productively, while continuing to affirm their self-worth even in their twilight years.

According to the City's Senior Citizens Association, nearly 25,000 elderly people in the city are directly involved in labor, production, and business activities, with 1,707 enterprises and 3,042 individual business households, contributing to job creation for 49,284 workers. In addition to contributing to the budget, many individuals actively participate in charitable and humanitarian activities, contributing to ensuring social security in the locality.

Mr. Thai Dinh Hoang, Vice Chairman of the City's Senior Citizens Association, said that entrepreneurship among senior citizens brings many benefits, contributing to the economy while affirming their role and position in society. In the future, the Association will expand intergenerational self-help clubs, open training courses, connect them with preferential loans, and support the application of technology. "We hope that more and more senior citizens will not only live happily and healthily, but also continue to utilize their wisdom and experience to contribute to society," Mr. Hoang emphasized.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/nguoi-gia-ben-suc-ben-chi-3306074.html