Exhibition marks International Day of Older Persons
(VOV) - A photo voice exhibition “Timeless” was held in Hanoi on September 29 to mark International Day of Older Persons and the Month of Action for Older People 2015.
The event co-organized by the UNFPA and the General Office for Population and Family Planning (GOPFP) aims to show a positive view of ageing population in turning challenges into opportunities and to strengthen the understanding of the dynamics of an ageing society.
Addressing the event, Le Canh Nhac, Deputy Director of the GOPFP stressed that “Longevity is a public health achievement, not a social or economic liability. On this International Day of Older Persons, let us pledge to ensure the well-being of older persons and to enlist their meaningful participation in society so we can all benefit from their knowledge and ability”.
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The exhibition showcases 15 sets of photos taken by photographer Na Son, telling inspiring stories about the lives of older persons and their grandchildren in different parts of Vietnam.
The older persons shared their experiences and described how their lives have changed and what they expect from their family, community and the whole society. The grandchildren expressed their wishes when they get older in the future. Bringing different generations together helps dispel age-related myths and stereotypes around the issue of ageing, preventing individuals from becoming full participants in society.
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“Older persons should be considered as an important economic resource for development. Vietnam should facilitate employment opportunities, flexible retirement age, and skills development for older persons as a mean to ensure income and benefits for old age” said Ritsu Nacken, Acting the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative in Vietnam.
Vietnam has officially entered the “ageing phase” since 2011, and is among the most rapidly ageing countries in the world. The proportion of the elders in the total population has increased to 10.5 percent in 2014 and will be doubled to 23 percent in 2040.
As the world sets out an inspirational new development agenda, and commits to reaching the new Sustainable Development Goals, Vietnam must envision a new paradigm that aligns demographic ageing with economic and social growth and protects the human rights of older person.