Vietnam to Better Take Care of its Aging Population Through Policies

Vietnam is geared toward protecting the elderly population's rights through economic and social growth. Vietnam has a rapidly aging population. Its estimated that by 2030, 12 per cent of the total population will be over 65-years of age.

Pham Thi Hai Chuyen, chairwoman of the Vietnam Association for the Elderly said population aging is a global trend. She said it has effect on the politics, economy, society and culture of countries around the world. "An overall policy is needed to resolve issues related to aging that is compatible with socio-economic development plans. With technical support, the concerned organizations should set up detailed programmes for the elderly that includes social welfare, health care and friendly living environments."

Experts also agree that Vietnam needs policies to create conditions for the elderly to work and implement the United Nations message. 'to retire but not to rest'. They proposed completing policies that encourage enterprises, organizations and the community to join in taking care of the elderly for good of the State and the society. According to reports, 96 per cent of old people across Vietnam have health insurance cards, nearly 100 hospitals of central and provincial level have geriatric ward with over 8,000 beds.