Vietnam Urges Greater Role for Older People in National Development

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Older people in Vietnam have been encouraged to make greater contributions to national development by drawing on their experience, knowledge and professional expertise, as the country seeks to respond to its rapidly ageing population.

The call comes amid growing recognition that older citizens should not only be viewed as beneficiaries of social welfare and healthcare policies but also as an important resource for socio-economic development.

Experts have emphasized the need to create greater opportunities for older people to participate in the workforce, education, healthcare, scientific research and other areas where their experience can contribute to society.

Vietnam currently has around 16.1 million older people, many of whom remain willing and capable of working. Experts have said that better mobilizing this human resource could contribute to the development of the country’s emerging “silver economy.”

Truong Xuan Cu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly, said the ageing population should be viewed not only as a social responsibility but also as a valuable intellectual resource. He noted that the country has about 25,000 senior intellectuals, including professors and associate professors, whose expertise could be better utilized.

Experts have called for stronger policies and mechanisms to enable older people to continue contributing according to their abilities, while ensuring access to appropriate healthcare, social protection and other services.

The development of elderly care services has also been identified as an important component of the silver economy. Participants have pointed to the need for clearer incentives to attract private investment into day-care, short-term and long-term nursing services.

In the healthcare sector, experts stressed that an ageing society requires a broader approach encompassing medical services, pharmaceuticals and traditional medicine, while creating conditions for older people to maintain healthy and active lives.

Education and research were also highlighted as areas where senior professionals can make significant contributions. Experienced academics and specialists continue to support teaching, training and research, providing valuable knowledge and expertise to younger generations.

Experts said Vietnam needs to accelerate institutional reforms and develop markets and policies suited to an ageing society, ensuring that older people can participate more fully in socio-economic development while receiving appropriate care and protection.

The approach would allow the country to address the challenges associated with population ageing while also making greater use of the experience and capabilities of its older population.