As the world marks the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, amidst shifting demographics and mounting global uncertainties, local authorities in Quang Ninh are redefining how the city cares for and harnesses the potential of an aging population, blending robust social security with grassroots engagement.
Driven by a unified political system and community-wide support, the city’s approach moves beyond basic welfare. It treats senior citizens not merely as a vulnerable demographic requiring care, but as a vital resource whose experience, wisdom, and prestige continue to fuel local development.
Shifting from reactive care to proactive health management
With an aging population accelerating across the region, local health initiatives have undergone a major structural shift. Under recent national directives effective in 2026, residents aged 60 and older are entitled to annual free health screenings, comprehensive checkups, and digitized medical tracking records.
In Quang Ninh, where authorities have cataloged over 235,000 residents aged 60 and above out of a total population of 1.44 million, the implementation has been swift and localized. More than 99% of senior citizens have already received health screenings.
So as to bridge gaps for elderly residents with limited mobility, local municipalities introduced door-to-door medical consultations and dedicated transportation services. In Ha Long ward, municipal health fleets, complete with shuttle vans and personal assistance, frequently transport seniors directly to the Quang Ninh Center for Disease Control (CDC) for specialized screenings at no personal cost.
"Nearly 15 seniors in our residential group received home visits, and nearly 20 were provided dedicated transport", said Le Trung Cap, head of residential block 5 in Ha Long ward. "Knowing we don't have to worry about travel or medical expenses brings tremendous peace of mind. Happiness is often found in these simple, practical acts of care".
Specialized geriatric care has also expanded across medical institutions. Facilities like the Quang Ninh Gerontology and Rehabilitation Hospital now integrate advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence-driven retinal screening tools and Erigo Pro robotic rehabilitation systems, to manage chronic illnesses among older patients.
Expanding social safety nets and financial security
Quang Ninh’s commitment extends into financial and social support through targeted regional policies. Resolution 90/2025/NQ-HĐND raised social assistance standards to VND 700,000 per month, extending coverage to impoverished seniors, near-poor households, and vulnerable individuals aged 70 to 75 living alone. Meanwhile, Resolution 91/2025/NQ-HĐND covers 100% of health insurance premiums for local residents aged 65 and older who lack other forms of support or pensions.
For destitute seniors lacking family support, the city provides institutional care backed by comprehensive allowances, covering personal care items and guaranteed funeral expense subsidies.
Valuing the experience of the elderly
Rather than stepping back from public life, thousands of seniors in Quang Ninh remain deeply embedded in civic and economic spheres. Under the city's active "Elderly - Shining Examples" movement, over 14,000 older adults participated in local Party, government, and mass organization roles last year, while more than 4,100 engaged directly in local enterprise and economic leadership.
At age 80, Nguyen Huu Tuyen continues to serve as a party cell secretary while managing a multi-sector commercial and urban infrastructure investment firm that employs over 100 local workers.
"Age brings capital, experience, and a network of trusted relationships built over decades", Tuyen said. "We want to continue standing alongside the Party, the state, and the business community, contributing our insights to socio-economic growth. With the right institutional mechanisms, older adults can contribute even more to local enterprise and community building".
From organizing 208 intergenerational self-help clubs to spearheading environmental cleanup campaigns that cleared thousands of square meters of public land for green spaces, older residents remain central to Quang Ninh’s urban evolution.
As local leadership emphasizes, caring for the elderly and empowering them to lead are two sides of the same coin, ensuring that rapid modernization leaves no generation behind.
