New Chapter for Ageing in Vietnam: Thousands of Community Clubs to Be Set Up Nationwide

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12,000 new intergenerational Self-Help Clubs will be set up across Vietnam in the following decade, supporting hundreds of thousands of older people while strengthening community ties across generations. 

A major milestone has been reached in Vietnam’s efforts to support older people. On 1 August 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long approved a new national plan to expand Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs (ISHCs) across the country until 2035. These clubs, which bring together older people and other community members, have already proven to be a powerful way to improve lives, especially for those facing hardship.  

The aim is simple but ambitious: to build 12,000 new clubs over the next 10 years, supporting hundreds of thousands of older people while strengthening community ties across generations. 

The extraordinary impact of ISHCs in Vietnam

What began as simple gathering spaces for older people, ISHCs have grown into dynamic community hubs and powerful drivers of change.

This initiative has been embraced in national government policy. ISHCs have evolved by listening to older people’s needs and responding to specific national challenges where the pace of ageing is faster than the pace of development.  

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Developed by HelpAge International in Vietnam and network member Vietnam Association of the Elderly (VAE), ISHCs are small, voluntary groups set up at the village or neighbourhood level. Most members are older people, women, or those on low incomes.

The clubs focus on a wide range of activities – from health and home care to small business support, community events, learning, and helping neighbours in need. Over the past 20 years, ISHCs have lifted people out of poverty, boosted health and wellbeing, and brought generations closer together. 

This new phase marks a turning point for community support in Vietnam. Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs have shown that when older people are empowered and included, entire communities thrive. Now we have the opportunity to bring this proven model to every corner of the country, helping older people live healthier, more connected, and more dignified lives.

Tran Bich Thuy, country director of HelpAge International in Vietnam.

A proven model with global recognition 

The ISHC model in Vietnam has received widespread recognition for its impact. In 2020, it was awarded the inaugural Healthy Ageing Prize for Asian Innovation, highlighting its success and innovation in supporting older people. 

Over 9,000 clubs already operate in all 63 provinces and cities in the country, helping older people live healthier, more connected, and more active lives. Their success has earned praise from global organisations like the World Health Organization and UNDESA, and even a place on the Wall Street Journal’s list of top global innovations for ageing populations. 

The project builds on this success and brings in new ideas to make the clubs stronger and more effective. From 2025 to 2030, 6,000 new clubs will be set up, involving at least 300,000 older people. Another 6,000 will follow by 2035, reaching another 360,000. Between 70% and 80% of all club members will be older women. The project also sets goals to improve the quality of the clubs, not just the quantity. 

Fresh ideas for a changing world 

What makes this new project stand out is its forward-looking approach. Clubs will now include activities that help members adapt to the modern world – such as digital skills training, environmental awareness, and support for starting small businesses. There are also plans to build long-term care networks at the community level, helping older people remain independent and cared for close to home. 

To keep clubs running smoothly, all club leaders will receive regular training. The plan also encourages clubs to build income-generating funds, so they can lend money to members and keep activities going without relying only on outside support. By 2035, the goal is for all towns and 85% of remote areas to have up to six fully active clubs each. 

This project is a powerful example of how grassroots, people-led approaches can shape national policy and transform ageing. We’re proud to support this work and to see Vietnam leading the way in building inclusive, resilient communities for all generations.

Rhea Tariq, director of global impact at HelpAge International.

Strong partnerships for a stronger future 

HelpAge International in Vietnam will continue to support the growth of ISHCs. This includes helping with training, developing new content like green practices and digital tools, and testing new ideas that can be scaled up nationally. Working hand in hand with the government, VAE, and local communities, they aim to build a future where older people are truly included, respected, and empowered. 

With this project, Vietnam is showing that ageing is an opportunity to bring communities together and ensure that everyone, at every age, can live with dignity, purpose, and connection.