Tuyen Quang proactively responds to population ageing for sustainable development

Population ageing has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges to socio-economic development in Vietnam, including Tuyen Quang Province. As life expectancy continues to rise, family sizes shrink, and the young workforce declines, increasing pressure on healthcare, social security, and human resources. The province is now home to nearly 200,000 older adults, accounting for approximately 10.7% of its population.

Meaningful cultural activities enrich the lives of older people in An Tuong Ward.

In response, Tuyen Quang is shifting its population policy from family planning to a broader "Population and Development" approach in line with the Government's Resolution No. 72/NQ-CP and the 2025 Law on Population. The province is implementing comprehensive measures to improve population quality throughout the life cycle, including reproductive healthcare, premarital health counseling, prenatal and newborn screening, and enhanced primary healthcare services.

Since the beginning of 2026, the provincial health sector has conducted prenatal screening for 10,699 pregnant women and newborn screening for 4,123 infants to detect congenital abnormalities and inherited disorders at an early stage. More than 90% of children under one year of age have received the full course of routine vaccinations, while health insurance coverage has reached 97% of the population. In addition, 15 training courses have been organized for over 1,600 healthcare workers and grassroots population collaborators, alongside expanded communication campaigns on reproductive health and population issues in communities and schools.

Older people are increasingly viewed not only as beneficiaries of social welfare but also as a valuable resource for development. Nearly 31,000 elderly residents remain economically active, contributing to agriculture, household businesses, and local economic development. Thousands more participate in community affairs, mediation, and the preservation of cultural heritage. More than 1,200 elderly clubs are operating across the province, helping older adults stay healthy, socially engaged, and actively involved in community life.

For the 2026–2030 period, Tuyen Quang aims to ensure that around 50% of older adults who are willing and able to work have employment opportunities, while 20% receive vocational guidance and skills training. The province also targets having 85% of communes and wards organize cultural and sports activities for older people, and about 80% establish intergenerational self-help clubs or similar community-based models.

At the same time, Tuyen Quang is promoting the development of the "silver economy," recognizing older adults as an important driver of growth in sectors such as healthcare, retirement services, insurance, wellness tourism, and age-friendly consumer services. The initiative is expected to transform demographic challenges into new opportunities for sustainable development while further improving population quality in the years ahead.

Bien Luan