Caring for elderly people and promoting their role

Dong Nai City is home to nearly 570,000 elderly people. With their experience, knowledge and prestige in the community, they are widely recognized as a valuable asset to society. They are entitled to a full range of State benefits and policies, as prescribed by law, along with care and support to improve their material and spiritual well-being.

Ton Ngoc Hanh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Dong Nai City Party Committee (CPC) and Chairwoman of the City People’s Council, attends an activity providing healthcare for older people in Bien Hoa Ward.

In response to the special 500-day-and-night emulation campaign themed “Solidarity – Discipline – Efficiency – Breakthroughs for a civilized and modern Dong Nai,” greater attention and care have been given to elderly people to help improve their material and spiritual well-being. At the same time, elderly people have been trusted and given opportunities to contribute to Party and State building at the grassroots level.

Strengthening policies for elderly people

Dong Nai is ensuring the full implementation of policies for elderly people. One such policy provides for longevity congratulations and celebrations for elderly Vietnamese citizens who live in the city and have permanent residence there.

Since the beginning of 2026, more than 43,600 elderly people have received longevity congratulations and celebrations, with total funding of VND23.7 billion.

In addition, around 118,000 elderly people are receiving social protection benefits under the 2009 Law on Elderly People. More than 300 elderly people are being cared for at 21 licensed public and non-public social protection facilities. During holidays and Tet, elderly people from families of people who rendered meritorious service to the country, as well as those facing hardship, are also prioritized for gifts from the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and mass organizations using funds raised from the community.

Nguyen Nhat Thong, a resident of Tran Bien ward, said he receives more than VND3 million each month in allowance under a policy for people who took part in the resistance war and were exposed to toxic chemicals. For the man in his 80s, the regular allowance helps provide greater financial stability. During holidays and Tet, he and his family also receive gifts from local authorities and the community.

Since 2026, Dong Nai has implemented a policy providing Tet support to specific beneficiary groups, including elderly people. Under Resolution No. 26/2025/NQ-HĐND dated December 10, 2025, which stipulates beneficiaries and support levels during the Lunar New Year in Dong Nai, Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces, Labor Heroes in the resistance wars, officially recognized war invalids and sick soldiers whose records are managed by competent agencies, war invalids serving in the armed forces and receiving monthly allowances, and people receiving monthly pensions and regular social insurance benefits, among others, are entitled to VND1.2 million in support.

People receiving regular social assistance in the community and those receiving social retirement pensions are entitled to VND720,000. Most beneficiaries of these policies are elderly people.

According to Nguyen Van Long, Chairman of the City Association of Elderly People (CAEP), elderly people will continue to receive proactive, continuous and comprehensive healthcare under Plan No. 157/KH-UBND dated July 14, 2026, on implementing the 2026-2030 Programme on Healthcare for Elderly People. The plan is part of the city’s response to the special 500-day-and-night emulation campaign launched by the CPC’s Executive Board.

All communes and wards are now establishing consultation and healthcare points for elderly people and stepping up health check-ups for this group. In Bien Hoa Ward, a “Healthcare site for elderly people” model was launched in July 2026, providing health counseling, initial medical examination and treatment, and rehabilitation services for more than 10,000 elderly people in the area.

Creating conditions for older people to contribute their knowledge and experience

In Dong Nai, a large number of elderly people are taking part in Party and State building across 595 villages, hamlets and quarters.

According to Nguyen Van Long, Chairman of the CAEP, more than 7,100 elderly people are involved in Party, government and mass-organization work; 4,700 participate in maintaining security and public order at the grassroots level; and 11,500 are engaged in promoting learning and talent development. Elderly people also play an important role in their families and residential areas, contributing to the preservation and development of cultural values and the building of exemplary families.

The CAEP has been consolidated across 95 communes and wards. In addition, 1,850 branches and more than 8,500 sub-branches serve as grassroots networks connecting elderly people in local communities.

Notably, the majority of the 579 individuals recognized as reputable figures among ethnic minority communities and village elders are older people. They play an important role in helping disseminate Party guidelines and State policies and laws among more than 421,000 ethnic minority people in residential areas.

Dieu Giot, a reputable figure among ethnic minority communities in Loc Tan commune, said he always strives to serve as a bridge between local authorities and ethnic minority people by helping disseminate and implement emulation movements and strengthen the great national unity bloc at the grassroots level.

To promote the role of elderly people in new-style rural development, civilized urban development and economic development, 1,600 elderly people are currently working as farm owners and business owners or in various service sectors. In addition, 2,100 elderly people have been recognized for their success in production and business.

Elderly people are also involved in establishing 351 intergenerational self-help clubs. These clubs have mobilized more than VND12.3 billion in association funds to support members with healthcare, psychological counseling, and cultural and sports activities, as well as provide loans to help improve their household livelihoods.

According to Nguyen Van Long, Chairman of the CAEP, in the coming period, elderly people’s associations at all levels will continue to consolidate their organizational structures and expand their membership in the period ahead, while strengthening social welfare and the protection and care of elderly people. At the same time, appropriate policies will be put in place to draw on the knowledge, prestige and experience of elderly people in their families, communities and society at large. The association will also encourage respected elderly people who have earned the trust of local residents and have experience in various fields to take part in grassroots activities, while respecting, listening to and seeking their input on social issues. These efforts are expected to further enhance the role and standing of elderly people and foster the spirit of “high age, bright example” in the years ahead.

By V.Truyen – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha