Healthy living in old age

- In the context of a rapidly aging population, healthcare for the elderly is not only a humane policy but also a practical solution to improve the quality of the population. Over the years, healthcare activities for the elderly have been implemented synchronously by medical facilities in the province, creating positive changes at the grassroots level.

Health workers from the Cao Loc Regional Health Center conduct health checkups for residents of Ba Son commune.

Ms. Luong Thi Vien (68 years old, residing in Zone 4, Na Duong Commune) used to suffer from high blood pressure and diabetes, and her weak health made her reluctant to exercise and rarely leave the house. Since receiving dedicated guidance from commune health workers on practicing health exercises, changing her diet, and having her blood pressure monitored regularly, her health has improved significantly. Ms. Vien shared: "Every month, I go to the commune health station for check-ups and medication. There, I not only have my medical conditions monitored but also receive very thorough guidance from the doctors on how to practice health exercises and change my diet to suit my condition. Now, my health has improved significantly, I feel more alert, and I can participate in activities with my neighbors."

Ms. Vien's story is one of many cases demonstrating the positive changes resulting from the effective implementation of healthcare policies for the elderly at the grassroots level. It is also the result of the continuous efforts of the Lang Son health sector. Over the years, along with the issuance of numerous directives, healthcare facilities in the province have focused on strengthening the grassroots healthcare network, investing in equipment, and expanding medical examination and treatment services for the elderly. The province currently has two hospitals with geriatric departments and two outpatient clinics with separate areas for the elderly, offering over 200 priority inpatient beds, double the number in 2021. Commune-level health stations maintain regular health check-ups, nutritional counseling, and chronic disease prevention. From 48,000 elderly people examined in 2021, the number reached nearly 70,000 in 2024, of which more than 59,000 had health records created for monitoring, treatment, and home care. This record-keeping helps healthcare professionals understand the progression of illnesses, enabling them to provide timely and effective treatment and home care.

In the border commune of Ba Son, elderly care is implemented comprehensively and creatively. Ms. Hoang Thi Thuong, Head of the Commune Health Station, shared: "The entire commune has more than 1,300 elderly people, 75% of whom regularly have health check-ups at least once a year. We have coordinated the establishment and maintenance of 3 elderly health care clubs with 52 members, who regularly receive information on nutrition and chronic diseases."

Not only in Ba Son, the elderly healthcare network is spreading throughout communes and wards in the entire province with more than 100 elderly healthcare clubs, nearly 4,000 members participating regularly; and 48 intergenerational self-help clubs with more than 2,400 active members. In addition, the province has hundreds of volunteers and population collaborators trained in caregiving and rehabilitation skills, becoming an "extended arm" of the health sector.

Mr. Phan Lac Hoai Thanh, Deputy Director of the Department of Health, said: In the coming time, the sector will continue to promote comprehensive solutions; focus on expanding specialized geriatrics training for grassroots health workers, strengthen the application of advanced technology in health record management; and replicate the model of home healthcare and intergenerational self-help clubs. At the same time, emphasis will be placed on building a friendly environment for the elderly so that they can live healthy, happy, and meaningful lives and continue to contribute to the community.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, the image of elderly people happily practicing Tai Chi, the resounding laughter in the health club, or the home visits of medical staff have become beautiful sights in the mountainous border region of Lang Son. Caring for the health of the elderly is not only an act of gratitude but also an investment in the future, because only when each elderly person lives healthily and happily will the quality of the population be improved, creating a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the province today and in the future.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/song-khoe-tuoi-gia-5069648.html