On August 1, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long signed Decision No. 1648/QĐ-TTg, approving the “Project for the Replication of Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs Until 2035” (Project 1648). This marks an important step, reaffirming the role and necessity of Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs in protecting, caring for, and promoting the role of older people within communities. Through the replication of these clubs, the Project aims to help bring laws and policies on older persons into practice — including the Law on the Elderly and the National Strategy on Older Persons.
A Comprehensive Model for Adaptation to Population Ageing
Jointly developed by HelpAge International (HAI) and the Vietnam Association of the Elderly (VAE), the Intergenerational Self-Help Club (ISHC) is a voluntary, community-based social organisation established at the village, hamlet, or neighbourhood level. Each club typically consists of 50 to 70 members, the majority (around 70%) of whom are older persons, women, and individuals facing social or economic hardship. With eight diverse areas of activity designed to meet the multifaceted needs of its members, the ISHC model has gained increasing acceptance and support from older persons, younger generations, communities, and local authorities.
The ISHC model is recognized as a comprehensive solution for adapting to population ageing, thanks to its integrated approach that combines health care, home- and community-based care, economic support, social connection, and capacity building across generations. Through mechanisms of self-governance, mutual support, and mobilisation of community resources – alongside initial support from the government, community funds, or donors – the clubs enable older persons not only to be protected and cared for, but also to actively participate in economic and social activities, maintaining a positive and contributing role within their families and communities.
Over nearly two decades of implementation in Vietnam, the ISHC model has proven to be an effective solution for reducing poverty, improving health, promoting gender equality, and strengthening intergenerational solidarity. The model was awarded the First Prize in the Community-Based Initiative category of the Healthy Ageing Prize for Innovation (HAPI 2020), and recognised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) as a good practice contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was also highlighted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a notable example in the Western Pacific Regional Action Plan on Healthy Ageing. Moreover, the Wall Street Journal listed the ISHC model as one of ten global innovations for adapting to an ageing population. Today, the model is not only being widely replicated across Vietnam but is also being piloted in several other Asian countries, affirming its sustainability and potential for broader replication.
Decision 1648/QĐ-TTg: Emphasizing Both Scale and Quality
Decision 1648 is a continuation of the success of two previous initiatives – Decision 1533 (2016–2020) and Decision 1336 (until 2025). Thanks to the efforts of the VAE at all levels, along with the support, engagement, and coordination of local authorities, government agencies, and mass organisations, more than 9,000 ISHCs have been established across all provinces and cities in the country. These clubs have become a strong support system for hundreds of thousands of older persons, especially women and those facing economic and/or social hardship. They have contributed to improved health and community-based care, better household livelihoods, enhanced roles and participation of older people, stronger community ties, intergenerational solidarity, gender equality, and lifelong learning at the local level.
With a 10-year timeframe (2025–2035), Project 1648 sets the goal of establishing 12,000 new ISHCs, divided into two phases:
- Phase 1 (2025–2030): Establish at least 6,000 clubs, engaging approximately 300,000 older persons, of whom 50–60% will be women.
- Phase 2 (2030–2035): Establish an additional 6,000 clubs, involving around 360,000 older persons.
Beyond increasing the number of clubs, the project also emphasises enhancing the quality of ISHC operations through specific targets:
- 100% of ISHCs will maintain regular meetings with eight standardised areas of activity, incorporating tasks related to digital transformation, green transition, entrepreneurship, and job creation;
- 100% of club management boards will receive initial training and annual refresher training on management and operational skills;
- 50% of ISHCs will have income-generating funds of at least 50 million VND;
- 50% of members in need of loans or livelihood support will have their needs met;
- Geographic coverage will be expanded so that by 2035, 100% of communes/wards in lowland areas and 85% in mountainous, border, and island areas will have 4 to 6 fully functioning ISHCs.
These targets reflect the project’s clear direction: to develop ISHCs not only in terms of quantity but also in quality – ensuring that their operations are meaningful, effective, sustainable, and responsive to the changing context of a rapidly ageing society.
What sets Project 1648 apart from its two predecessor initiatives is its innovative content and modernised approach. While the previous projects focused primarily on scaling up and standardising the basic functions of the clubs, Project 1648 introduces new requirements to help ISHCs adapt to current development trends. Specifically, the project calls for the integration of digital transformation into both club management and activities, enabling older persons to access technology and improve their digital literacy. It also promotes green transition through awareness-raising and the adoption of environmental protection initiatives; encourages entrepreneurship and job creation for older persons, club members, and the wider community; and aims to gradually build a network of community-based care and empowerment for older persons.
At the same time, the project emphasises financial sustainability, setting a target for 50% of ISHCs to build income-generating funds of at least 50 million VND. This aims to better meet the loan needs of club members and provide stronger financial resources for club operations and management. These requirements underscore that ISHCs are not merely support mechanisms for older persons’ care and daily living, but serve as multi-dimensional community development platforms. They actively contribute to the implementation of the Law on the Elderly, the National Strategy on Older Persons to 2035, with a vision to 2045, and the Project on Older Persons Participating in Digital Transformation, Green Transition, Entrepreneurship, and Job Creation.
Commitment to Partnership
The Government’s approval of Project 1648 presents a major opportunity for the ISHC model to become a sustainable social platform for adapting to population ageing. When implemented comprehensively, ISHCs will help older persons access care services, improve their livelihoods, enhance digital literacy, and actively contribute to community development – ultimately advancing the goal of “living happily, healthily, and with dignity” for all older people.
For nearly two decades, HelpAge International has worked alongside the VAE to design, pilot, refine, and scale up the ISHC model. Entering this new phase, HelpAge International in Vietnam remains committed to:
- Providing technical support to standardise and improve the quality of club operations;
- Supporting the integration of new content into club activities, such as digital transformation, green transition, and community-based long-term care.
In parallel, Vioba Social Enterprise – the organisation inheriting HelpAge International’s mission in Vietnam – will act as a key partner in piloting innovative models, scaling up effective solutions, and connecting with local stakeholders. With expertise in digital skills training, community-based care, and sustainable livelihoods, Vioba will contribute to translating the goals of Project 1648 into practical, flexible, and scalable solutions.
HelpAge and Vioba strongly believe that, through close collaboration with the Government, the VAE, and other partners, Project 1648 will not only improve the lives of millions of older persons but also help build sustainable, inclusive communities that adapt to ageing – for the benefit of all generations.
