This proposal is part of a draft decree guiding the implementation of the Population Law. The Ministry of Health is currently seeking feedback on the draft, which is expected to be submitted to the Government for promulgation before 30/4.

Under the draft, home care for elderly individuals would focus on equipping them and their families with knowledge and skills for disease prevention, early detection, and self-management of common ailments. This support would also include assistance with daily activities and counseling to enhance physical health, mental well-being, and social connections.

Furthermore, elderly individuals would receive guidance on their rights and relevant policies, as well as access to regulated medical examination and treatment services. Care activities would not solely be the responsibility of families but would also involve community care forces, such as local health staff, population collaborators, and volunteers.

Elderly individuals participating in semi-residential elder care services at the Rehabilitation - Occupational Disease Treatment Hospital, TP HCM. Photo: Quynh Tran

Concurrently, the Ministry of Health proposes developing community-based care models, including elderly clubs and daytime care centers. These centers could be located in cultural houses, village sports areas, residential group areas, or other suitable locations determined by commune-level authorities.

According to the Ministry of Health, this model avoids creating new organizations or staffing, instead maximizing existing resources. Personnel involved would comprise three main groups: volunteers, local health staff, and healthcare practitioners, all required to undergo regulated training.

Additionally, community-based elderly clubs would organize various activities such as health counseling, cultural and artistic events, entertainment, and early disease detection. These clubs would enable elderly individuals to play an active role within their families and society.

Regarding the financial mechanism, the draft proposes that the State support healthcare costs for elderly individuals who are lonely, severely ill, and unable to access medical facilities. For others requiring care to maintain health and social function, costs would be personally covered.

Funding for community models, such as daytime care centers or clubs, would be allocated from the state budget combined with other legally mobilized sources. Local authorities would determine specific support levels based on actual conditions.

The draft encourages the participation of organizations, businesses, and individuals to diversify resources for elderly care.

This elderly care plan is being developed as Vietnam faces one of Asia's fastest-aging populations. Data shows that in 2011, elderly individuals constituted about 9.9% of the population; by 2012, this figure surpassed 10%, officially marking the start of the aging phase. It is projected that within about 20 years, this proportion will increase to 20%. Currently, the country has approximately 16.1 million elderly people, accounting for more than 16% of the population. On average, each elderly person suffers from two to three underlying diseases.

Forecasts indicate that Vietnam's aging index will exceed 100 by 2032, at which point the number of elderly people will surpass the number of children. Pressure on the workforce is also increasing, with the ratio of working-age people supporting one elderly person rapidly declining from more than seven individuals in 2023 to about two individuals by 2049.

In response to this rapid aging trend, experts suggest Vietnam effectively utilize its remaining "golden population" period while preparing early for a social security system adapted to an aging population. The Ministry of Health's draft decree aims to build a multi-tiered, flexible, community-based elderly care system. Within this framework, home care and daytime care models are expected to enhance the quality of life for the elderly, reduce the burden on the healthcare system, and empower this growing demographic within society.

Le Nga