Innovation in thinking about the elderly, avoiding waste of resources
On November 15, in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, the Central Theoretical Council, the Central Policy and Strategy Committee, the Editorial Board of Communist Magazine, and the Vietnam Association of the Elderly jointly organized the Scientific Workshop "Silver economy in Vietnam in the new era".
"Silver economy" - also known as "silvery hair economy" - is a concept used to refer to all activities, products and services designed to meet the needs of the elderly.
The workshop was held in person and online at 34 local points of contact and on digital platforms; testing the application of virtual assistants (AI) to support the elderly in looking up data about the workshop and some related issues. This is the first workshop of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly and pioneering coordination agencies in applying technology.
Speaking at the workshop, Politburo member - Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council Nguyen Xuan Thang said at the Conference on disseminating Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo on a number of breakthrough solutions, strengthening the protection, care and improvement of people's health, General Secretary To Lam emphasized "children are very important but the elderly are not inferior" and suggested the model of "anti-onsingerment for the elderly and the elderly". This is an important strategic orientation that needs to be discussed, clarified, and concretized through practical measures and policies.
The silver economy in Vietnam in the new era is based on three main pillars: That is the need to innovate the thinking and awareness of the role of the elderly to avoid wasting resources in economic development; innovate the way of caring for the elderly in a comprehensive direction, constantly improving the quality of life for the elderly and the elderly through a system of necessary services; there needs to be a new definition of talented elderly labor force in rapid and sustainable development - Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thang said.
At the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thang suggested many questions to orient the discussion. That is how to turn the silver economy into a national growth driver, shifting from the thinking of security - cost to the thinking of investment - value creation - market. Combining traditional family values with a modern elderly care model. On the principle of State-made, private leadership - accompanying society - technology to create breakthroughs, it is necessary to encourage private investment in nursing care services, recovering healthcare...
Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Hoang Trung Dung - Member of the Party Central Committee, Editor-in-Chief of the Communist Magazine said that in 2025, the number of elderly people (from 60 years old and above) will account for over 14% of the population; it is forecasted that within another decade (until 2036), Vietnam will officially become a country with an aging population.
In the general context, the thinking about developing the silver economy was set out as a breakthrough approach, a solution to the problem of population aging, a reality that is happening to our country - Dr. Hoang Trung Dung emphasized.
For old age to truly become the "golden season" of society
Speaking at the Workshop, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan emphasized that population aging opens up huge social resources, a "golden" generation of production experience, governance, and vocational knowledge. That is the basis for the formation and development of the silver economy.
To take advantage of the potential of the silver economy, Vietnam needs to build a national strategy, include the silver economy in socio-economic development programs, and set specific goals on the contribution rate of the silver economy. At the same time, it is necessary to develop markets, service infrastructure, encourage businesses to produce suitable products, build community care centers, resorts, cultural and sports spaces, promote e-commerce and a friendly digital platform - Vice Chairman of the National Assembly emphasized.
According to Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan, it is necessary to change social awareness and communication about the image of the elderly, creating conditions for the elderly to live usefully as a foundation to turn the challenge of population aging into an opportunity for development. At that time, old age will truly become the "golden season" of society, both reducing burdens and creating economic and humane values.
