Son La province proactively adapts to population aging.

(sonla.gov.vn) Faced with the rapidly aging population trend, Son La province has proactively implemented a comprehensive range of solutions to improve the quality of elderly care, ensure social security, and promote the role of this particularly important group in socio-economic life.

Son La province is proactively adapting to population aging.

In Son La province, the number of elderly people is increasing, leading to a growing need for healthcare and support for their material and spiritual well-being. This necessitates comprehensive and long-term solutions that address immediate needs while effectively utilizing the resources of the elderly themselves. Viewing the elderly not only as individuals requiring care but also as a vital social resource, the province has set a consistent goal of building a friendly environment, ensuring social security, improving the quality of life, and promoting the role of the elderly in all fields.

The province has set targets for 2030, striving for 100% of elderly people to have health insurance cards; over 90% to receive regular health check-ups; and 100% of officials working with the elderly to receive professional training. Along with this, the province focuses on developing community support models such as intergenerational self-help clubs, aiming for at least 80% of communes and wards to have such models. Simultaneously, it will gradually build daycare facilities and community centers following the "pick-up in the morning, drop-off in the evening" approach, creating favorable conditions for the elderly to receive comprehensive care. Notably, the province also aims to support the elderly in participating in economic development, with at least 120 people receiving support for starting businesses and forming 50 suitable startup models. This is a new direction, contributing to effectively utilizing the experience, wisdom, and prestige of the elderly in the community.

To achieve the set goals, Son La province has identified several key solutions, implementing them synchronously across various fields. First and foremost is the strengthening of propaganda efforts to raise awareness throughout society about the role and importance of the elderly. Content related to adapting to population aging is integrated into education and communication programs, contributing to a shift in perception from "passive care" to "active adaptation." Simultaneously, the improvement of mechanisms and policies is emphasized through reviewing, adjusting, and issuing policies suitable to local realities. The province encourages the socialization of elderly care services, attracting resources from the private sector and developing a system of non-public care facilities.

Strengthening healthcare services for the elderly.

In the healthcare sector, elderly care has been strengthened, from improving the quality of medical examinations and treatment to developing a community-based care network. In particular, the province focuses on preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases, mental health care, and training specialized geriatric personnel. In addition, social security policies continue to be fully and promptly implemented; the system of social assistance facilities and long-term care services is gradually expanding to meet the growing needs of the elderly.

Creating a senior-friendly living environment is also a crucial task. Factors suitable for the elderly are integrated into urban planning, transportation, housing, and public works. Simultaneously, cultural, sports, and community spaces are developed, creating conditions for the elderly to maintain an active lifestyle and improve their physical and mental health. The application of information technology is also being promoted through the development of a database on the elderly, serving management, policy planning, and service delivery more effectively.

Beyond simply providing care, Son La province places special emphasis on promoting the role of the elderly in families and society. The elderly are encouraged to participate in suitable labor, production, and business activities; to contribute to the development of new rural areas and civilized urban areas; and to preserve and pass on traditional cultural values. The "Elderly - Shining Examples" movement continues to spread, becoming a driving force for the elderly to utilize their wisdom and experience, making positive contributions to the overall development of the locality.

Proactive adaptation to population aging is not only an immediate requirement but also a long-term strategy to ensure sustainable development. The comprehensive and synchronized solutions that Son La province is implementing will contribute to improving the quality of life for the elderly, while effectively utilizing this valuable resource for socio-economic development. In the context of an increasingly aging population, a "proactive adaptation" approach will help Son La not only minimize challenges but also turn them into opportunities, building an inclusive, humane, and sustainable society.

Le Hong

Source: https://sonla.gov.vn/tin-van-hoa-xa-hoi/tinh-son-la-chu-dong-thich-ung-voi-gia-hoa-dan-so-996487