Hanoi is charting a new course for the well-being and rights of its elderly population with the recent rollout of comprehensive plans targeting both legal aid and health care for seniors, particularly those facing financial hardship. The city’s ambitious initiatives, announced by the People’s Committee of Hanoi on August 8, 2025, mark a significant step toward a more inclusive and supportive environment for older residents.
At the heart of these developments is Plan No. 229/KH-UBND, which addresses the pressing need for accessible legal aid services for elderly people and those with limited financial means. According to Kinhtedothi, the plan’s primary goal is to "improve the quality and effectiveness of legal aid for elderly people with financial difficulties." It pledges that 100% of eligible elderly individuals will receive free legal aid services upon request, ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial barriers.
But how does the city intend to achieve this ambitious target? For starters, the plan mandates an annual review and evaluation of laws related to legal aid for the elderly. This ongoing assessment is designed to keep policies responsive and up-to-date with the evolving needs of seniors. Each year, between three and five training sessions will be organized to enhance the skills and capacity of legal aid workers—an investment in people as much as in policy.
Outreach forms a cornerstone of the plan. Legal aid activities will include communication through various media channels, and, notably, 30 to 50 communication sessions will be held annually at locations where elderly people live and gather. The city will also distribute printed materials and provide contact lists for legal aid volunteers, making it easier for seniors to seek help when they need it most.
Coordination is key. The plan involves a broad coalition of departments and organizations—ranging from Justice, Internal Affairs, Culture and Sports, and Finance, to the Police, Procuracy, People’s Court, elderly people’s associations, and legal aid centers. The Justice Department is tasked with leading, monitoring, compiling, and reporting on the program, while the Internal Affairs Department will review and propose solutions. The Culture and Sports Department guides media outreach, the Finance Department advises on budgeting, and local People’s Committees coordinate implementation at the grassroots level.
"The plan aims to ensure that elderly people with financial difficulties receive timely and effective legal aid services," Kinhtedothi reported. The People’s Committee has also called on the Vietnam Fatherland Front’s Hanoi branch to coordinate with member organizations and local authorities to ensure the plan’s success. The involvement of community organizations, such as elderly people’s associations and clubs, is expected to play a vital role in identifying those in need and guiding them toward available resources.
Beyond legal aid, Hanoi is also setting its sights on the broader health and well-being of its seniors. On the same day as the legal aid announcement, the People’s Committee issued Plan No. 228/KH-UBND, which outlines the Elderly Health Care Program for 2026-2030. This program is nothing short of comprehensive, setting out clear and measurable goals to be achieved by 2030.
Among the headline targets: 100% of authorities will issue resolutions and invest budgets for elderly health care, and 85% of elderly people and their caregivers will be informed about aging and health care rights. Every elderly person is to receive at least one health checkup per year, and a remarkable 90% will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for self-care. The plan also aims for 90% of seniors to have their non-communicable diseases managed, and for 50% of communes to meet elderly-friendly environmental criteria.
The Health Department has been designated as the standing agency responsible for coordinating and advising on the implementation of this health care plan. The plan emphasizes the importance of leadership, communication, service provision, training, improvement of related legal policies, and international cooperation. In practical terms, this means strengthening primary health care systems, promoting the prevention and management of chronic diseases, and building long-term care models tailored to the needs of older adults.
Training is again a recurring theme. The city will invest in specialized training for those working in elderly health care, ensuring that both medical professionals and community volunteers are prepared to meet the unique challenges of an aging population. The plan also calls for the integration of elderly care into existing health programs and policies, maximizing efficiency and impact.
Local authorities are not left out of the equation. The People’s Committee of Hanoi has directed localities to develop specific plans and to coordinate with relevant agencies in carrying out both the legal aid and health care programs. This decentralized approach is intended to ensure that solutions are tailored to the unique circumstances and needs of each community.
According to baodautu.vn, "the plan emphasizes leadership, communication, service provision, training, legal policy improvement, and international cooperation." The city’s approach recognizes that caring for the elderly is a shared responsibility, requiring the participation of government, civil society, and the broader community.
What does this mean for Hanoi’s elderly? In concrete terms, it promises a future where seniors—regardless of their financial situation—have access to the legal protections and health services they need to live with dignity. The city’s commitment to free legal aid and regular health checkups is a lifeline for many, especially those who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Of course, the path ahead is not without its challenges. The success of these programs will depend on effective coordination, sufficient funding, and sustained public engagement. But the plans set forth by the People’s Committee provide a strong foundation for progress.
As Hanoi moves forward with these initiatives, it sets a powerful example for other cities grappling with the realities of an aging population. By investing in legal rights and health care for its seniors, the city is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for a more compassionate and resilient society.
With clear targets, robust coordination, and a commitment to inclusivity, Hanoi’s new plans for legal aid and elderly health care stand as a testament to the city’s resolve to support its aging citizens in both word and deed.
