Speaking at a meeting in Hanoi with 85 outstanding senior citizens on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the Vietnamese Elderly (June 6), the leader said older people play an important role in preserving moral values, strengthening public trust, fostering social consensus and spreading positive values throughout the community.
He noted that Vietnam is entering a new stage of development with the aspiration of becoming a peaceful, independent, self-reliant, prosperous and happy nation. In this context, he said, policies for older people should be approached with fresh thinking and a long-term vision.
“Authorities at all levels should create conditions for older people to continue contributing ideas to the Party and State; educating younger generations about traditions; participating in grassroots conciliation; maintaining security and social order; promoting cultural life; and strengthening national unity. We must build families, communities and social environments that are friendly to older people,” said Mr. Lam.
He emphasized that families should be places where older people are loved, cared for, listened to and respected, while communities should be places where they remain connected, share their experience and continue contributing. Caring for older people must become a social norm, the leader said.
