“Old age is the future of every one of us” — this seemingly simple observation holds a core insight that can fundamentally transform how society approaches the process of population ageing.
At the National Workshop on “Young People and Adaptation to Population Ageing in Viet Nam,” jointly organised by the Viet Nam Youth and Children Support Center and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ms. Tran Bich Thuy — Country Director of HelpAge International in Viet Nam and CEO of VIOBA Social Enterprise — shared strategic perspectives on the vital role of the younger generation amidst this demographic transition.
Independence in Later Life: A Lifelong Journey
We are accustomed to discussing ageing as an issue exclusive to older adults. However, if old age is a shared destination for everyone, preparing for it cannot wait until our hair turns gray.
According to Ms. Tran Bich Thuy, healthy ageing and financial independence do not simply materialize when we reach the age of 60; rather, they are the result of a continuous process of preparation throughout one's life. This process requires every individual, starting from youth, to proactively:
- Accumulate a strong foundation of physical and cognitive health through healthy lifestyle habits and routine health check-ups.
- Build long-term financial independence and resilience Build long-term financial independence and resilience.
- Maintain social connections and embrace lifelong learning to proactively adapt to changing times.
Eliminating Ageism and Fostering Intergenerational Solidarity
A key message emphasized at the workshop was the urgent necessity of eliminating ageism. An age-inclusive society without barriers benefits not only older adults but also creates opportunities for people of all ages to thrive.
At the workshop, experts and policymakers provided valuable, up-to-date insights on population ageing trends in Viet Nam, their impacts on socio-economic development, as well as strategic policy directions for the future. Concurrently, various practical models and experiences were introduced, highlighting intergenerational approaches, comprehensive healthcare, human resource development, youth empowerment, and the promotion of the Silver Economy as a new engine for economic growth.
A prime example among these is the Intergenerational Self-Help Club (ISHC) model — a space where older persons and youth gather to share knowledge, support each other in livelihood development, and jointly tackle local community issues. This serves as vivid proof that intergenerational connectivity is key to building a resilient and sustainable community.
VIOBA's Commitment
For VIOBA, preparing for population ageing extends far beyond a passive response to demographic shifts, representing a transformative opportunity to drive innovation, empowerment, and social cohesion. Born out of HelpAge International’s localisation strategy in Viet NamVIOBA is dedicated to shifting societal mindsets from welfare dependency to active development partnership. We empower older adults through comprehensive solutions—ranging from digital literacy and safe AI adoption to physical healthcare and cognitive vitality programs—enabling the Silver Generation to maintain independence and continue offering valuable contributions to society.
Furthermore, VIOBA actively collaborates with government agencies, international organizations, and the private sector to unlock the potential of the Silver Economy, scale up impactful intergenerational spaces like Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs, and provide practice-based evidence for long-term policy advisory. Our overarching mission is to build sustainable, age-inclusive ecosystems that empower individuals at every stage of life to proactively prepare for their future, ensuring that every generation can age with health, financial resilience, dignity, and purpose.
