The Da Nang Association of the Elderly, in collaboration with HelpAge International (HAI), has recently summarised the model of “Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs (ISHCs) under the VIE071 project ‘Reducing the vulnerability in terms of income and health of the elderly in Viet Nam’ funded by the Government of Japan.

Illustrative image. (Photo: https://dangcongsan.vn/)

The project has been implemented since 2021 with the goal of taking care of the health, life, spirit, and increasing income of the elderly.

After three years of implementation, the city has established 30 ISHCs with a total of about 3,500 elderly people.

The clubs have appropriate activities, bringing practical benefits in caring for and training, helping the elderly ensure better health, improve their spiritual life and material life as well as interpersonal interactions. 

It is expected that in the 2025 - 2026 period, the city will continue to establish 10 ISHCs following the operating model of the HAI organisation in wards and communes.

On this occasion, the Da Nang Elderly Association honoured 10 ISHCs with outstanding achievements.

In Viet nam, Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs (ISHCs) cover the entire country where they stand as a testament to resilience and community-driven solutions amidst the country’s rapid ageing.

This award-winning initiative, spearheaded by HelpAge and supported by the World Bank, 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, and where you might not be seen as employable once you reach just 35 years of age.

Reporting by NGOC QUOC - Translating by A.THU