As one of the fastest-aging countries in the world, Vietnam is facing a host of challenges as its people would grow old before getting rich.

After the three-year implementation, Japanese-funded Project VIE 071 on “Reducing Income- and Health-Related Vulnerability of Older Persons in Vietnam” has resulted in positive changes in caring for the elderly in the northern province of Hoa Binh, one of its six target localities.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh praised the efforts by senior citizens across the country in overcoming difficulties and promoting economic production during a conference in Hanoi on November 16 to honour 273 representing elderly people with outstanding performance the field of economy nationwide.

According to the General Statistics Office (GSO), Vietnamese people aged 60 and above will account for about 20% of the total population by 2038. At the current rate of population aging, Vietnam is expected to be among the top 10 fastest-aging countries globally, posing new challenges for the Government in the care of the elderly.

A mass outdoor physical exercise programme for the elderly was held recently in Hanoi in response to Vietnam Day for Older Persons (October 1) and Month of Vietnamese Elderly.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on June 5 visited and presented gifts to senior residents in the northern province of Hai Duong on the occasion of the 81st Vietnam Day of Older Persons (June 6).

Taking care of the elderly has been considered one of the important tasks of the entire political system in Vietnam.

The increasing demand for services for the elderly has created investment and business opportunities for local and foreign investors.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam on December 15 handed over medical supplies and personal protective equipment worth 450,000 USD to 21 Vietnamese localities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, to aid them in the COVID-19 combat.

The Philippines documented six cases of the South African coronavirus variant, its health ministry said on March 2, raising concern among its experts that the current vaccines might be less effective.

The Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control asked provinces and cities nationwide to strengthen the prevention of COVID-19 for the elderly on March 19.

A project to minimise the impact of heat waves on vulnerable groups in Hanoi by the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) was launched at a conference in the capital city in November 28.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has emphasised the need to provide better health care service for the elderly by developing a standardised caring system in health facilities and in the community, especially for those in rural and mountainous areas.

Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Pham Thi Hai Chuyen has asked centrally-run cities and provinces to offer all possible support to the poor to bring them a warm and happy Lunar New Year