Việt Nam currently has 7.4 million older persons, accounting for 7.7 per cent of the population.— Photo giadinh.net.vn

 HÀ NỘI — An international workshop on active ageing, innovation and application of digital technology in care for older persons in ASEAN was held in Hà Nội on Friday.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Health Đỗ Xuân Tuyên said that the workshop was an initiative of Việt Nam as the deputy chair of the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI), which receives strong support from ACAI members. 

This is a chance for participants to share experience for stronger cooperation among ACAI members and partners, heading to an ASEAN Community of solidarity and active adaptation to population ageing in a dynamic, healthy and innovative manner, he said. 

Tuyên noted that ASEAN, which has the third-largest population in the world with 634 million people, is experiencing a population ageing period with more than 45 million senior citizens, accounting for about 7 per cent of the total population in 2019, which is forecast to rise to 132 million in 2050, making up 16.7 per cent of the total ASEAN population. 

Việt Nam is among countries with the fastest population ageing speed in the world. Currently, the country has 7.4 million older persons, accounting for 7.7 per cent of the population. The figures are predicted to reach 22.3 million and 20.4 per cent by 2050, respectively, the official said.

According to Naomi Kitahara, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Việt Nam, there is no comprehensive policy that can deal with the population ageing issue. 

The important thing is to invest in policies toward the future based on rights and improvements of gender relations, and focus on the demands of people at every age. This can ensure that ASEAN countries can head to a brighter future for all, without leaving anyone behind on the path of implementing development goals. 

Last year, Viet Nam and other ASEAN member countries signed an agreement on establishing the ACAI. In July 2021, at the ACAI's first session, Thailand was elected as the chair and Việt Nam as deputy chair of the centre for the 2021-23 tenure. Việt Nam is scheduled to undertake the ACAI chair for the 2023-25 tenure. — VNS