Over the past 5 years, Khanh Hoa local authority has been committed to promoting and protecting the rights, health and economic well-being of older adults according to the Elder Law...
Over the past 5 years, Khanh Hoa local authorities has been committed to promoting and protecting the rights, health and economic well-being of older adults according to the Elder Law.
 |
| Medical examination and counseling for seniors in Dien Khanh District. |
Much concern has been given by the community to help seniors to lead a happy and healthy life. Monthly allowances of VND270,000 each are granted to those above 80 years of age without retirement pensions. Over 17,800 old people, including over 1,000 lonely and disabled and 16,800 over 80 in Khanh Hoa have fully benefited from referential policies. 95 year-old Tran Thi May, Phuoc Long Ward, Nha Trang City says, “I am glad to receive a monthly allowance which I spend on tonics. Besides, I am offered a medical insurance card. This is valuable support for me.”
In addition, old people are entitled to free and concessionary travel. Accordingly, over-80s get free travel and those aged between 60 and 79 are given 50% discount on bus services. Elders can get 20% off rail fares. According to leaders of the Khanh Hoa Department of Transportation, over 40,000 bus and train discount tickets are offered to old passengers every year. Besides, 50% discount on sightseeing fees benefits over 5,000 old visitors annually.
“The concessionary travel and sightseeing are so helpful to most of the elderly,” says 75-year-old Nguyen Van Hung, Phuoc Hai Ward, Nha Trang City.
In addition, the local authority and the community have also paid attention to health care for the seniors for their happy and healthy life. They have been provided free medical examination, counseling and medical insurance cards.
Furthermore, 185 old people are presently in the care of social services centers. Apart from a funeral grant of VND3 million/ person, over 20,000 people aged over 70 are offered congratulations and gifts worth more than VND6.5 billion in total for their longevity on average annually on national holidays, including New Year festival, the Traditional Day for the Elderly and the International Day of Older Persons.
Senior citizens have been given favorable conditions to continue making valuable contributions to the community. At present, over 7,600 old people are involved in their local authorities’ work. Over 270 people are business owners, creating job opportunities for thousands of residents with a monthly income of VND2-4 million. According to Le Xuan Hanh, Chief of the Representative Board of Khanh Hoa Association for the Elderly, the mental and material life of senior citizens in Khanh Hoa Province has much improved thanks to the support and concern from the local authority and community.
Van Giang
Translated by N.T
