VN takes great care of elderly

In Việt Nam, the number of the elderly is increasing, especially in recent years. They accounted for 7.2% of the population in 1989 and 9.45% in late 2007. The figure is forecast to reach 16.8% by 2029.

The elderly in rural areas represent 73% of the total, but only 21% of them receive pensions. More than 23% of the elderly now live in poverty.

Addressing the forum, Deputy PM Phạm Gia Khiêm stressed that, over the past years, the Vietnamese Government has adopted many policies to give special care of the elderly commensurate with the country’s socio-economic development.

In reality, persons aged 85 years old and over, who have no pensions or social insurance, and the lonely, disabled and helpless elderly are provided with the State’s social welfares and health care insurance. They are also benefiting from the State’s programs to present houses to the poor and disabled people, and enjoying tax reduction or exemption if they are engaged in production.

The Deputy PM stated that, apart from social welfares and health care services that ensure basic material life for the elderly, attention should be paid to promotion of family traditions, assistance to the elderly in accessing to health care activities and, information, and necessary conditions for the elderly to get involved in working in harmony with their health and ability.

By Hoàng Nguyên