Directive No. 117/TTg On Care for the Elderly and Support for Activities of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly

DIRECTIVE

ON THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY AND SUPPORT FOR THE ACTIVITIES OF THE VIETNAM ASSOCIATION OF THE ELDERLY

AGE OF VIETNAM

The elderly population in our country accounts for about 10% of the total population and continues to increase. They are a generation that has contributed significantly to the birth, upbringing, and education of successive generations, preserving and developing the race, protecting and promoting traditional customs, beauty, and patriotic traditions of the nation. A large number of the elderly have dedicated almost their entire lives to the national liberation cause, defending and building the country.

To promote the fine tradition of the people "Respect for the Elderly Brings Longevity," the Party and State consider the concern for the material and spiritual life of the elderly as a national moral duty, a sentiment and responsibility of the whole Party, the whole people, and all levels of government, and have formulated many policies reflecting this concern.

In recent years, the renovation process has achieved significant accomplishments, with economic development and improved living standards for the people, including the elderly. However, currently, the lives of the elderly generally still face many issues that need to be addressed, with a portion of the elderly encountering numerous difficulties and hardships, especially those who are alone and unfortunate. There are cases where the responsibilities, filial piety, and respect of children and grandchildren towards their grandparents and parents do not meet the demands of morality and law.

To promote the national tradition, implement the policy of the Party, and support the activities of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly, the Prime Minister issues the following directive:

1. On the care of the elderly:

At all levels of People's Committees must direct relevant agencies and units under their jurisdiction to consistently pay attention to and effectively carry out work related to the care of the elderly. This work needs to be reflected in short-term and long-term socio-economic development plans of localities, in family culture construction targets, and new life construction programs in residential areas; direct cultural, information, education, and training agencies to intensify propaganda and education among the people, particularly the younger generation, on awareness, attitude, and obligations regarding the care, assistance, and respect for the elderly.

All levels of government and state management agencies, when formulating plans, developing the economy and society, and national programs, need to pay attention to nurturing and promoting the resources of the elderly. Each year, a suitable proportion of the budget should be allocated to address social issues, care, nurture, and promote the role of the elderly, and support the Vietnam Association of the Elderly.

2. Regarding the Vietnam Association of the Elderly:

The Vietnam Association of the Elderly, which was permitted to be established by the Government on September 24, 1994, will create additional favorable conditions for the care and promotion of the elderly. The Association has legal personality and operates according to its Charter in compliance with the Constitution and laws under the leadership of the Party and the support of the Government in terms of funding and operational conditions.

The Vietnam Association of the Elderly at commune, ward, and town levels, established in accordance with the law and the Charter of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly, shall have its own seal to operate.

To quickly stabilize organizational structure and expand effective activities at the grassroots level, ministries, sectors, and all levels of government need to do the following:

a) The Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs manages the Vietnam Association of the Elderly from the state perspective, responsible for monitoring and guiding the Association to operate in accordance with the state's policies, laws, and guidelines. Regularly listen to the Association's reports on the situation, reflect the thoughts and wishes of the elderly, study, and submit proposals to the Prime Minister to adjust and issue policies for the elderly in line with the Party and State's guidelines, aiming to promptly motivate the capabilities and experiences of the elderly for the country.

b) The Ministry of Finance and local People's Committees need to create conditions and provide support in terms of infrastructure and part of the operating funds for the Central, commune, ward, and town-level Vietnam Associations of the Elderly.

c) Ministries and sectors, when drafting legal documents related to elderly policies, need to consult the opinions of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly before submitting them to the Government and National Assembly.

d) The Ministry of Health and the General Department of Sports and Physical Training need to create conditions and cooperate with the Association to disseminate necessary knowledge for health, guide disease prevention and treatment exercises, organize medical examinations and treatments for the elderly, and study policies to encourage the expansion of voluntary health insurance for the elderly.

e) The Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Science and Technology and Environment need to create conditions for the Vietnam Association of the Elderly to participate in summarizing practical experience, conducting scientific research on the elderly.

g) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnam Federation of Friendship Organizations need to assist the Association in performing its tasks of representing Vietnamese elderly in relations with foreign elderly organizations and international NGOs in accordance with the law.

h) It is suggested that the Vietnam Fatherland Front and mass organizations coordinate with the State and the Vietnam Association of the Elderly in mobilizing families and society to care for, nurture, and promote the role of the elderly in serving the renovation process for a wealthy people, a strong country, a fair and civilized society in the direction of socialism, and help the Association operate effectively, especially at the grassroots level.