International Experience in Developing Social Services for Elderly Care – Discussion in the Context of Vietnam

The elderly in general, and Vietnamese the elderly in particular, play an extremely important role not only for families but also for society as a whole. Therefore, Vietnam has always given attention to the elderly through the promulgation of many policies to care for their well-being. However, in practice, Vietnam is facing the challenge of population aging. In 2023, the elderly population in Vietnam exceeded 16 million, and it is projected that by 2038, the group aged 60 and above will reach more than 21 million, accounting for 20% of the total population. Along with population aging, the needs and issues of older people are becoming increasingly diverse, requiring changes in elderly care models and social services. This paper examines the experiences of countries such as France, Japan, South Korea, and China in areas including communication, operational models and methods, service diversification, optimal resource utilization, and the role of the State and policies in developing social services for the elderly. These valuable experiences serve as useful lessons to be applied in Vietnam’s practical context in this field.