Vietnam Eyes Active Contribution from Elderly in New Era

Vietnam is accelerating efforts to position the elderly as a vital resource for national development and promote their active participation in society. This direction was re-emphasized at the 7th National Congress of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly (term 2026-2031), held in Hanoi on September 16. The congress was attended by key Party and State officials, including Politburo member and Party Central Committee Secretary Bùi Thị Minh Hoài, representing the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and central mass organizations, and Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Thị Thanh Trà, Chairwoman of the National Committee for Elderly People of Vietnam. Former Party and State leaders, along with representatives from various ministries and sectors, were also present. The congress was honored to receive a bust of President Hồ Chí Minh from General Secretary and President Tô Lâm. In his opening speech, Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Bình, President of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly, stated that the 7th National Congress has the crucial task of setting goals, missions, and directions for the entire term, along with solutions and major decisions to fulfill the tasks assigned by the Party and State to the association at all levels. He reviewed the previous term (2021-2026), noting that despite numerous socio-economic difficulties and challenges, the association at all levels had strived to innovate its content and methods of operation, focusing on grassroots activities and achieving significant, comprehensive results across all fields. With the motto "Solidarity - Exemplary - Breakthrough - Development" and the spirit of "Higher age, higher aspiration, shining examples for the cause of national construction and defense," the congress is expected to foster democracy, solidarity, wisdom, and responsibility to issue practical and feasible decisions meeting the demands of the new development era. "From this Congress, each delegate will spread the message: Vietnamese seniors are not only cared for but also respected; not only protected but also provided with conditions to thrive; not only beneficiaries but also the center, the subject, and a crucial resource contributing to national development," emphasized Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Bình. Speaking at the congress, Ms. Bùi Thị Minh Hoài, Politburo member, Party Central Committee Secretary, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and central mass organizations, and Chairwoman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, stressed that in the context of the country entering a new development era, the work concerning the elderly needs to be viewed with new thinking and long-term vision. The elderly are not just recipients of care but should be facilitated to continue contributing to their families, communities, and the nation. Ms. Bùi Thị Minh Hoài affirmed that President Hồ Chí Minh always held great respect and trust in the elderly. He once advised, "Old age but not old ambition, contributing to building a prosperous nation," emphasizing that despite their advanced age, the elderly can continue to contribute their strength and intellect to the family and the country. This viewpoint is also reflected in the Party's guidelines and the State's policies, which identify the elderly as an important force, rich in experience, and the "pillars" of families and society. In recent years, the work concerning the elderly has received attention from the Party, the State, and various levels and sectors. Numerous policies and regulations have been issued to protect, care for, and promote the role of the elderly. Ms. Bùi Thị Minh Hoài also highlighted that the role of the elderly is increasingly affirmed in real life. They are not only beneficiaries of policies but are becoming active subjects participating in building and defending the political system at the grassroots level. Beyond traditional activities, the elderly are increasingly proactively adapting to digital and green transformations, participating in economic development, environmental protection, new rural construction, and poverty reduction. These contributions demonstrate that the resource of the elderly lies not only in their age and experience but also in their adaptability and sense of responsibility towards the community. Furthermore, Ms. Bùi Thị Minh Hoài emphasized that the work concerning the elderly and the activities of the Association of the Elderly need to be viewed with new thinking and a new long-term vision. Vietnam is one of the countries with the fastest population aging. This is a result of development, with increasing life expectancy and quality of life. At the same time, population aging poses new demands on the social security system, healthcare, and development management. "The promotion of the role of the elderly needs a strong shift in thinking from viewing them as recipients of policies to active participants in development, and from passive support to creating conditions for the elderly to actively live happily, healthily, usefully, and contribute according to their health, capacity, experience, and aspirations," stated Ms. Bùi Thị Minh Hoài. Based on this, Ms. Bùi Thị Minh Hoài proposed that the work concerning the elderly in the new term should be placed within the overall national development strategy. The Vietnam Association of the Elderly needs to continue to thoroughly understand and effectively implement the Party's resolutions, directives, and conclusions, as well as the State's policies on the elderly. Simultaneously, it should proactively research theory, summarize practical experience, and advise on policy improvements suitable for the process of population aging. At the congress, delegates unanimously elected 85 members to the 7th Executive Committee of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly and 13 members to the 7th Standing Committee. Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Bình was re-elected as President of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly for the 7th term, 2026-2031. Source: Nhan Dan