A priceless treasure!

(Baonghean) - From the very beginning of the nation's founding, President Ho Chi Minh said, "The elderly are an invaluable treasure of the nation and the State." He said this because, although the elderly may not have the same health as when they were young, they possess fundamental strengths: a fervent and profound patriotism; accumulated wealth of knowledge, experience, and skills; and high respect and trust within society. Therefore, appropriate mechanisms, policies, and methods are needed to effectively utilize these valuable assets in the cause of national construction and defense.

President Ho Chi Minh's words are increasingly relevant. This is because Vietnam is entering a period of population aging at the fastest rate and will reach the "aged population" stage in the shortest time compared to other countries in the world. The results of the Population Change Survey in April 2011 showed that the number of people aged 65 and over in Vietnam was 7%. Thus, Vietnam has officially entered the "aging population" stage. Given this situation, the elderly are gradually becoming an increasingly important resource. Therefore, valuing, exploiting, and developing the strengths of the elderly is not only a way to show respect and appreciation for them, but also a necessary trend in the near future. The question here is how to appropriately develop the strengths and values ​​of the elderly.

First and foremost, it must be recognized that although elderly people may have declining health, they possess a wealth of life experience, knowledge, and wisdom accumulated over many years. Therefore, it is necessary to place them in suitable environments where they can contribute effectively. This could include participating in movements to build culturally exemplary families and communities. It should begin with concrete, gentle actions within each family, such as teaching children and grandchildren to uphold moral principles and traditional values. Setting a shining example of self-sacrifice, diligence, kindness, and altruism will positively influence the character development of young people from an early age. Promoting and publicizing the positive lifestyle of "doing good brings good fortune," with the concept of "living kindly and virtuously leaves blessings for one's descendants," should be encouraged within the family and then spread to surrounding families. This contributes to building a society with respect, order, and health, where people know how to unite and love one another.

Not only should the role and position of grandparents be demonstrated within each family, but local Party committees and authorities should also know how to allocate and apply this knowledge to other social work, such as propagating and mobilizing people to participate in the new rural development movement in rural areas. Specifically, this involves propagating and mobilizing children, families, and clans to consolidate land according to the plan; voluntarily contributing labor, money, land, property, and construction materials to expand inter-village and inter-commune roads, build cultural centers and welfare facilities in the locality...; and at the same time, leveraging their abilities, strengths, and experience to participate in implementing economic, cultural, and social development programs in the locality. In reality, many exemplary elderly people have emerged in the new rural development movement. In urban areas, elderly people are invited to advise and participate in maintaining security and order in neighborhoods and residential groups. Participating in mediation groups… In short, we should invite, encourage, persuade, and arrange for elderly people to participate in tasks that require the extensive use of their knowledge and life experience.

Elderly people play a significant role in shaping family cultural values. They are the ones who select, develop, and ultimately pass on these positive cultural values ​​to future generations. Promoting the values ​​of the elderly is the most effective way to address an aging society. Leveraging their experience and wisdom can transform the challenges of an aging population into opportunities and a driving force for development.

On the other hand, for the elderly to have sufficient health to fully contribute to the common good, society must also provide commensurate care and attention. In reality, the Party and State have implemented many specific and practical policies to care for the elderly. As a result, the average life expectancy in our country is increasing. However, there are still many shortcomings in the care of the elderly. Some policies and programs for the elderly are being implemented slowly, such as the establishment of a fund to care for and promote the role of the elderly at the commune and ward levels, which still faces many difficulties. Social allowances for the elderly are low. The lives of a segment of the elderly in rural areas, especially in remote, border, and island regions, still face many hardships…

Duy Huong