Reporter: Professor Nguyen Dinh Cu, when discussing Vietnam's demographic transformation, people often emphasize the trend of rapid population aging. Could you please tell us a little about this trend?
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Professor Nguyen Dinh Cu: Throughout the last 50 years of the 20th century (1950-2000), the proportion of elderly people worldwide only increased by 1.2%, but according to forecasts, in the first 50 years of the 21st century (2000-2050), the proportion of elderly people will increase by 12%, meaning a tenfold increase! The "explosion of the elderly population" in the world can be considered the most remarkable social phenomenon of this century.
Vietnam is not immune to the general trend of population aging; moreover, due to a sharp decline in birth rates and a significant increase in life expectancy, Vietnam is among the countries with the fastest aging rates in the world. In 2012, 10.2% of Vietnam's total population were elderly, officially entering the process of population aging. It is projected that by 2034, this rate will reach 20%, making Vietnam an elderly country. Thus, from entering the aging process to reaching the "elderly population" threshold, Vietnam will only take 22 years (2012-2034). Meanwhile, France took 115 years, Sweden 85 years, Australia 73 years, and the United States 69 years... It is also projected that by 2036, the number of elderly people will exceed 22 million, more than the number of children under 15 years old (nearly 20 million). This is a crucial characteristic that needs to be considered in awareness and in all economic and social development plans.
Reporter: With such a rapid aging rate, what are the notable characteristics of the current elderly population in our country, sir?
Professor Nguyen Dinh Cu: The current generation of elderly people was born and raised when the socio-economic development level was low, and the country was in a state of war. Therefore, when they reach old age, most of them have poor health and low levels of education and technical expertise. Although the average life expectancy in our country is quite high, reaching 74.7 years, the average number of years lived with illness is about 11 years for women and about 8 years for men. In addition, the rate of disability among the elderly is significant and increases with age. Up to 28% of those aged 60-69 and over 50% of those aged 80 and above experience at least one difficulty in daily activities.
Economically, the proportion of elderly people receiving pensions is very low, only about 15%. Another small percentage of elderly people receive monthly allowances for old age, war veterans, etc., and the amount of these allowances is not substantial. This poses a challenge to their income security.
The dramatic changes in the backgrounds of birth and upbringing between the older and younger generations (war and peace; a poor, centrally planned economy versus a prosperous, market economy; isolation and deep international integration; traditional crafts versus the Fourth Industrial Revolution, etc.) have led to profound differences between the two generations. Failure to listen, understand, and share these differences can lead to conflict and disagreements.
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| Presenting gifts to elderly people in difficult circumstances during the 2026 Action Month for Vietnamese Elderly. Photo: Le Hao |
Reporter: Given the low percentage of older adults with regular incomes, what are their chances of participating in the labor market and generating income? How does this relate to the shift in mindset from "patronage" to "creating opportunities for development"?
Professor Nguyen Dinh Cu: This is the crux of the matter. According to 2019 statistics, 39% of the elderly population nationwide are employed. However, due to poor health, low educational and technical skills, the quality of their work and income are both low. Nearly 90% of the total elderly workforce is employed in the informal sector, and nearly 70% are employed in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, which are sectors with low productivity and heavy dependence on nature.
If the elderly have declining health and lack technical skills, they will be unable to participate in economic activities. In that case, society loses a workforce and also has to ensure their social security. Conversely, if the population quality is high, the elderly will no longer be a dependent burden. They are fully capable of producing and doing business until the age of 65-75. This creates a "double benefit": the state does not have to bear social costs for the elderly, and through their labor, the elderly also create products for their families and society, contributing to economic growth. Therefore, instead of merely considering the elderly as subjects for social protection, we must shift towards creating an environment and space for them to continue working and contributing.
Reporter: So, to turn this "burden" into a "double benefit," what kind of solutions do we need to implement, sir?
Professor Nguyen Dinh Cu: Improving the quality of the elderly population is fundamentally reflected in implementing "healthy and active aging." This process requires the joint efforts of many generations and various segments of society.
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| Professor Nguyen Dinh Cu speaks at conferences on population work in Vietnam. |
Firstly, for the younger generation: We need to implement the motto "prepare for old age from a young age." Young people need to have a healthy lifestyle to reduce illness in old age, actively study, work, and contribute to social insurance to build a security fund for old age.
Secondly, for the elderly themselves: They need to proactively ensure they have sufficient finances to pay for goods and services that support their lives. The elderly also need to uphold the spirit of "self-service," cooperate in receiving support, and continue to contribute to their families and communities.
Thirdly, regarding the family: The family plays a key role in caring for and ensuring the material and spiritual well-being of the elderly.
Fourthly, for the community: Appropriate goods and services for the elderly need to be provided. In particular, jobs should be created, elderly workers should be employed, and resources should be provided to support the care of the elderly.
Fifthly, for the State: It is necessary to establish a legal and policy framework to encourage and facilitate the employment of elderly workers who are still capable and willing to work, through: creating a list of priority jobs for the elderly; providing financial support for retraining to change professions; providing labor market information; exempting/reducing taxes for vocational training institutions for the elderly and employers of elderly workers; and expanding access to bank loans.
Reporter: Thank you very much, Professor Nguyen Dinh Cu!
Le Duy
(Perform)
Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202610/kien-tao-khong-gian-phat-trien-cho-tuoi-gia-1d7128f/
