Helpage International’s Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs (ISHC) is a community-based organization model that is revolutionizing social welfare for the elderly in Vietnam. Built on the principle of "by the community, for the community”, each ISHC is a self-managing entity that comprises not only the elderly, but also members of various age groups with the shared goal of supporting one another across eight key areas. Ensuring livelihoods, healthcare, volunteer-based homecare, self-help and community support, rights advocacy, lifelong learning, social care, and resource mobilization. By making the most of local resources and the crucial support of a revolving fund, the ISHC model gives vulnerable older people a chance to become active advocates of their own development as well as others’, fostering a sense of dignity and resilience within the elderly.
Founded in April 2025, Đoài Khê ISHC is a proactive example of this now nationwide initiative to address the needs of Vietnam’s aging population. The 55 club members and volunteers would gather at the village’s cultural center not only to exercise, sing and dance but also participate in health check-ups and workshops, creating a vibrant environment where the wisdom of the elderly meets the energy of the younger generation. With a current revolving fund of 80,000,000 VND (approximately 3000 USD) that continues to grow, members have been taking out loans to start a small business or finance materials to improve farming. After a year in operation, Đoài Khê ISHC continues to demonstrate itself as a sustainable model of social security and economic empowerment that has been specifically tailored to the nuances of a historic agrarian village in Northern Vietnam.
What is the value of generations coming together in programs like this?
Nguyễn Hữu Trung (23) - Vice President of Đoài Khê ISHC: “I joined the club with the expectation of being able to work in an intergenerational environment. As a young person, I think my role in the club is quite important. There are many aspects of the operation that I am more familiar with - from paperworks, to technicalities and technology, these are things that I have an advantage with. I’m glad I can contribute my strengths to help the club and its members. Sure it’s always fun hanging out with people my age, but sometimes we tend to take for granted the time spent with our elders. Participating in club activities with generations older than me, I gain a new perspective of how society works, and there’s just so much to learn from their life experiences.”
Nguyễn Hữu Cường (59) - President of Đoài Khê ISHC: “I approach the club’s activities treating the older generation as if they were my own parents. Being born into hardship and having to help my mom and dad with farm work when I was younger, I empathize with the difficulties that the elderly may face in this agrarian community, and how important it is for society to care and recognize them. This is why I choose to dedicate my time and energy to the club. Though my contribution may still be little, it's meaningful to have played that small part, bringing joy to the elderly and creating a space where they can share the thoughts and feelings, joy and sorrow that they might not have a place to express at home. I’m proud to have been able to give them such encouragement.”
Life expectancy 2023
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