Caring for and promoting the role of the elderly in the new context.
On October 29-30, the Standing Committee of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Association of Elderly People organized a training conference on "Guidance on healthcare skills for the elderly" and a workshop on "Strengthening, guiding the development and management of the Fund for caring for and promoting the role of the elderly at the grassroots level" in Truong Vinh ward, Nghe An province.
Attending the conferences and seminars were Dr. Phan Van Hung - Vice President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly; Cao Dang Vinh - President of the Nghe An Provincial Association of the Elderly; representatives from the Associations of the Elderly of Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh, and Quang Tri provinces; and representatives from relevant agencies, units, departments, and offices.
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At the conference, many important topics related to: strengthening, guiding the development and management of the Elderly Care Fund - promoting the role of the elderly at the grassroots level; policies on the elderly in the context of population aging; social work with the elderly; and healthcare for the elderly were presented in detail by representatives of the Central Association of the Elderly.
Accordingly, the Fund for the Care and Promotion of the Role of the Elderly at the grassroots level is a social and charitable fund established at the commune/ward level, directly managed by the People's Committee of the commune/ward, or managed by the Association of the Elderly. This is a meaningful fund aimed at caring for the health, spiritual well-being, and promoting the role of the elderly in the locality.
This fund is derived from voluntary contributions and sponsorships from organizations and individuals both domestically and internationally; from legitimate revenues; and from support from the State budget.
Over the past period, this fund has received attention from Party committees and authorities, coordination and support from the Fatherland Front and its member organizations, and the backing of all sectors of the population. As a result, the fund has been used for its intended purpose, meeting the aspirations of its members and the Elderly Association at the grassroots level.
However, in reality, in some areas, the Fund's resources have not always received the attention they deserve, in accordance with legal regulations. Therefore, the conference discussed and agreed on several important solutions to develop and manage the Fund effectively in the future.
It is estimated that 699,596 funds nationwide have established regulations for managing and using their finances (reaching 74% of the total number of funds established).
In Nghe An province, there are currently 130 grassroots organizations of the Elderly Association at the commune and ward levels; 3,802 women's associations with nearly 429,000 members (accounting for approximately 12% of the province's total population).
In 2024, 453 out of 460 communes, wards, and towns in Nghe An province established the Elderly Care and Promotion Fund, raising nearly 55 billion VND through donations. This is a crucial financial resource enabling local associations to organize meaningful activities for the elderly, including healthcare support; medical examinations and treatment; cultural, physical, and sports activities; and assistance for the elderly in times of hardship, natural disasters, and epidemics.
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Regarding policies for the elderly in the context of an aging population, the Conference focused on discussing solutions to improve the quality of healthcare, enhance living conditions, and promote the positive role of the elderly in the community.
Delegates emphasized the need to improve mechanisms and policies related to healthcare, welfare, and social security to meet the increasingly diverse needs of this target group.
Regarding social work with the elderly, the Conference addressed the need to promote counseling activities, psychological support, guidance on healthcare skills, and encourage the elderly to participate in movements and clubs, contributing to the utilization of their wisdom and life experience in the community.
At the same time, delegates also discussed the model of the Fund for caring for and promoting the role of the elderly at the grassroots level, aiming to ensure long-term and effective resources for activities related to the care, support, and development of the elderly.
