Those who never rest

At the age of 75, Mr. Chu Vi Quang (Tay ethnic group, originally from Lang Son, currently living in village 5, Phuoc Son commune, Bu Dang district), is still working hard. Thanks to regular labor, he still maintains good health. Currently, Mr. Quang has more than 20 hectares of land growing rubber, cashew, pepper, and durian. Every day, he still goes to the fields to instruct workers on how to tap rubber latex and how to take care of fruit orchards. For him, working within his capacity is the best way to keep his body flexible and his mind clear. "Having experienced the years of war and hunger, I understand the value of peace and I love working. For me, doing business means daring to think, daring to do, daring to apply science and technology, and especially being diligent to develop the economy," said Mr. Quang.

Mr. Chu Vi Quang (middle) instructs workers to tap rubber latex from his family's trees.

For physician Le Van Quy (73 years old, An Hoa hamlet, Tan Tien commune, Dong Phu district), treating patients is not only a way to earn a living but also to help save people and do charity work. This job has been with him for decades. With the motto "on-site doctor, on-site medicine", Mr. Quy has collected and planted a medicinal herb garden of nearly 4,000 square meters, with over 200 medicinal plants of all kinds, including many rare medicinal herbs... He personally planted, cared for, harvested, and dispensed medicine for patients in the medicinal garden. He often stays up late and wakes up early whenever a patient comes to him. Not afraid of difficulties or long distances, when patients need help, he wholeheartedly helps. “I have been doing this job for a long time, now I can pass it on to my children, but I still love it, still want to do it, want to save people, because I know many people need me. For me, working not only brings material value to myself but also brings health to many people. As long as I am healthy and clear-headed, I can still treat and save people,” Mr. Quy said.

Physician Le Van Quy kindly inquired about the health of people being treated at his family's clinic.

Attached to the garden, Ms. Le Thi Loan (village 2, Minh Hung commune, Bu Dang district) is having a desirable income thanks to knowing how to arrange farming reasonably. At the age of 70, she still diligently takes care of 5 hectares of garden with many high-value crops such as durian, rubber, cashew, etc. Ms. Loan shared: 5 years ago, seeing that durian was expensive, her family started planting 130 Thai-style trees. Although it has only been harvested for 2 years, the fruits are large, even, and abundant, and it is expected that this year the garden will yield 10 tons. The family also has 2 hectares of durian in the basic construction stage. Working not only creates additional income for the family but is also the joy of old age. For me, I have to do it myself and teach my children directly to feel secure. As long as I work, I can control the economy, so I will feel more confident.

At the age of 70, Ms. Le Thi Loan still does everything in the garden herself.

Although he is the owner of a farm with a billion-dollar income, Mr. Hoang Van Hung (village 8, Binh Minh commune, Bu Dang district) still maintains a simple, rustic appearance and always cares for everyone. This year, he has turned 62 years old, but his health is still strong. Every day, Mr. Hung still enthusiastically takes care of his family's 18 hectares of durian, cashew and rubber trees. For him, working is the best way to exercise. Mr. Hung said: "I am old but still healthy. The experience accumulated over many years, I now both work and pass on to my children. This is also a way to set an example for my children and grandchildren."  

Mr. Hoang Van Hung works enthusiastically to take care of his family's durian garden.

Work is the way to stay healthy

According to statistics from the Vietnam Association of the Elderly, about 40% of the elderly are still working. Of these, the majority are self-employed or do jobs that are suitable for their health. Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nga, lecturer at the Faculty of Gender and Development, Vietnam Women's Academy, said: The traditional cultural view in our country is that the elderly need to rest, but now, in the context of population aging, another view has been formed, which is that the elderly need to develop their capacity. The motivation for participating in the labor market of the elderly in our country is also different, some do it to have a rich spiritual life, to ensure their health, but some do it for a living.

In Binh Phuoc, there are currently 65,648 members, of which 1,924 are under 60 years old, 63,724 are 60 years old and over, accounting for 91% of the elderly in the association. Most of the elderly members are still healthy, continue to set a good example in labor production, economic development, and set an example for their children and grandchildren in the spirit of overcoming difficulties, taking control of their lives and families. The whole province has 1,524 elderly people who are good at economics; 411 elderly people are owners of production - business establishments, farms, and enterprises, contributing to the budget and creating jobs, increasing income for thousands of local workers.

Work not only brings income but also brings great spiritual value to the elderly. When participating in work that is suitable for their health, the elderly feel that they are still useful, contributing and maintaining their role in the family and society. Work helps them stay optimistic, reduce feelings of loneliness and emptiness and maintain physical and mental flexibility. At the same time, valuable experiences accumulated over many years of work are also invaluable assets that can be passed on to the younger generation. Therefore, through work, the elderly affirm their self-worth and live happily and healthily every day.

"Work is not only a responsibility, but also a value of life. For the elderly, it is a way to maintain health, keep a youthful spirit and spread a positive spirit. The elderly should choose light jobs, avoid heavy labor or prolonged stress, to protect the heart, joints and spirit" - said Mr. Nguyen Cong Soi, Chairman of the Association of the Elderly in Binh Phuoc province.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Soi, Chairman of the Elderly Association of Binh Phuoc province