Hanoi, June 5 -- Party General Secretary and State President To Lam has called for a fundamental shift in mindset on ageing policies, stressing that older persons should be regarded not only as beneficiaries of social welfare but also as active contributors to national development.

Addressing a gathering of 85 outstanding elderly representatives from across the country on June 5 to mark the 85th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the Vietnamese Elderly (June 6, 1941-2026), the top leader said Vietnam is entering a new stage of development with great aspirations.

In this context, he said, policies for older persons should move beyond care and support towards both caring for and promoting their role. The elderly should be viewed not me...