All elderly people will be provided with permanent housing and healthcare services under the National Action Programme for the Elderly this year.

According to the most recent population and housing census, there are more than 7.7 million elderly people, making up 9 per cent of the country's total population, of which more than 7,000 people are aged over 100 years.

Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the National Committee for the Elderly Nguyen Sinh Hung, said that the target to provide permanent housing for the elderly would only be attained through the joint efforts of localities and relevant agencies made possible through a monthly allowance of VND120,000 (US$6.3) given to them from local and State budgets.

Some localities such as Ha Noi, Da Nang, HCM City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Vinh Phuc, Binh Duong, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh have raised the allowance due to the cost of living in some of the country's more prosperous areas.

Hung also asked the relevant agencies to ensure that the elderly had full access to healthcare, culture and fitness opportunities.

Professor Pham Thang, director of the National Geriatric Institute, said that there was high demand among the elderly for health care. However, many struggled to receive health treatment or have the necessary care provided by their families.

Thang said that the institute survey revealed that more than 14 per cent of the elderly in Viet Nam live alone. Many of them live below the poverty line, especially in rural areas.

More than 50 per cent of the elderly suffer from some forms of medical condition, and more than 45 per cent of the surveyed old people fail to get health checks because of a lack of finances.

He added that the elderly should not only get financial support but also receive health and psychological care.

Thang said that it was necessary to ensure health resources including medicine and health care and treatment services are available for all old people.

He said that a system of community care should be formed in which volunteers and the elderly's relatives are trained to offer healthcare and rehabilitation services.

Le Anh Tho, director of People's Physical Education Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that the ministry would publish health and fitness guidance for the elderly.

VietNamNet (22/02/2010)