Located on the outskirts of Ha Noi, An Binh International Elderly Healthcare Centre is currently home to more than 100 older people. Le Dinh Thang, 81, a retired teacher living at the centre, said that although his children were filial, their busy work schedules meant he inevitably felt lonely when staying home alone. Since moving to the centre, however, he has rediscovered the joy of living through a shared daily routine with other elderly residents, including practising tai chi, playing chess, composing and discussing poetry, and chatting. “The feeling that I am still useful and that there are people who listen to me is so precious,” Thang said.

At the FDC Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre in Ha Noi, alongside treatment rooms, rehabilitation facilities, and medical care areas are spaces for communal activities. Wellness exercises, cultural and artistic exchanges, birthday celebrations, making chung cake for Tet, and weekend gatherings with children and grandchildren have become regular activities, bringing joy to older people.

Phuong Thi Hanh, who is currently staying at the facility for rehabilitation and recuperation, said what she appreciates is not only the clean environment and attentive care but also the feeling of living among people of the same generation.

“It is so much fun here. Everyone cares about and encourages one another. There is always someone to talk to, so I feel very comfortable,” Hanh said.

According to sociologists, no matter how developed social welfare policies or care homes become, family affection will always hold a uniquely important place that nothing can replace. The understanding and filial devotion of children and grandchildren are the most powerful sources of energy for nurturing the spirit of older people.

Caring for older people does not always require expensive gifts. Sometimes, it is simply a phone call to ask how they are each evening, a warm family meal at the weekend, or the patience to sit and listen as parents recount old stories that they have told dozens of times.

“Put away your smartphone when you are sitting with your parents or grandparents. Be truly present in their space, listen to them and share their everyday concerns. Encourage grandparents to participate in community activities, tend to plants, or teach and care for their grandchildren. Staying positively engaged helps older people dispel the feeling that they are no longer needed,” expert Le Thuy An stressed.

In addition, family members and children should take older relatives for routine health check-ups on a regular basis and pay attention to nutrition and physical activity appropriate for their age.

Building a humane society in which every older person can live in peace is not the sole responsibility of the authorities or any individual. It requires a collective effort from society as a whole.