Forum connecting policy - community - academics

On October 11, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Silver Digital Citizen Social Enterprise organized the Silver Digital Citizen Festival 2025 with the theme "Silver Gene - Catching the wave of the times".

The event responds to the Action Month for the Elderly in Vietnam in 2025 and the Action Month in response to the National Digital Transformation Day (October every year), aiming to promote the spirit of learning, adapting to technology and promoting the role of the elderly in the digital transformation process.

The festival attracted about 300 attendees, including seniors (and their children), artists, KOLs and volunteers. Activities took place throughout the day, including talks, workshops, exhibitions, interactive games, AI application classes... to help the "Silver Generation" live healthy, happy and connected lives.

The program aims to bridge the digital divide between generations, helping the elderly not only access but also actively use technology, thereby connecting more closely with family and society.

Speaking at the discussion session “Elderly people in the wave of technology”, Mr. Nguyen Huu Chau, former Standing Member of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council, shared: “Technology is no longer the business of young people. We, the elderly, will also use the spirit of learning to get closer to the young and preserve the identity of the silver generation”.

Forum connecting policy - community - academics - family - photo 2 — Speakers and guests shared at the festival

Sharing the same view, Dr. Quach Thu Nguyet, former Director, Editor-in-Chief of Tre Publishing House, Chairwoman of the Board of Management of Hoa Sen Fund, highly appreciated the Silver Digital Citizen model - a digital skills education initiative to help the elderly access technology.

She said: “From the first classes at Nguyen An Ninh Digital Library, the project has now opened nearly 50 classes in many neighborhoods and apartment buildings. The students are very diligent and are enthusiastically guided by 'teachers' who are their own children and grandchildren.”

According to Dr. Nguyet, it is necessary to expand the "digital literacy" classes to each ward, commune, and neighborhood so that no one is left behind, and at the same time encourage the elderly to change their perception, proactively study, and live positively so as not to be isolated in modern society.

The multi-generational discussion “Healthy Waves – Safe Waves” broadened perspectives as young doctors and experts shared about mental health, memory and cyber safety.

Doctor CKII Tran Thi Thu Huong said: “After the age of 50, memory begins to decline. If you only forget small things, it is not a cause for concern, but if you forget a lot, forget important events, lose the ability to manage work or money, it could be a sign of dementia.”

Doctor Huong recommends that the elderly should maintain light exercise, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, read books, and chat regularly with friends and children to keep their memory sharp.

From the perspective of a child and grandchild, Master, Doctor Le Hoang Thien (Geriatrics major, Department of Geriatrics, An Binh Hospital) shared: "Caring for the elderly is a long journey, requiring patience and understanding. Most importantly, children and grandchildren should accompany their grandparents throughout so that they feel loved, listened to and motivated to live a healthy life every day."

The event atmosphere was more exciting with 5 digital skill game stations, a "Catch the Wave" photo booth, a health - memory - exercise consultation area, a digital photo exhibition of elderly students and friendly art performances.

Ms. Tran Bich Nga, owner of the TikTok channel “Ms. Nga U70”, shared: “I see social media as a diary recording everyday moments. I hope people of the same generation will see social media that way – as a place to connect and share with their children and grandchildren.”

Forum connecting policy - community - academics - family - photo 3

Within the framework of the event, the workshop “AI helps grandparents?” attracted many attendees. The elderly were instructed to use artificial intelligence to search for information, compose poetry, and distinguish works created by AI. Master Trinh Thuy Vu, lecturer of the program, said: “AI does not replace humans, but can be a tool to help grandparents learn happily, be creative and connect more with their families.”

The festival ended with a "wave-ending" performance between Silver Generation and Digital Age at the Silver Digital Citizen booth, along with fundraising activities for 100 free digital skills classes, opening up opportunities for many elderly people across the country to access technological knowledge.

Ms. Phan Bao Thy, Director of Silver Digital Citizen Company Limited, said: “According to statistics in 2023, people aged 55 and over currently account for nearly 20% of Vietnamese Internet users. Although this is a remarkable rate, compared to the total of 16 million elderly people (as of 2024), the ability to proficiently use smartphones and digital services is still modest.

We want to equip the elderly with basic knowledge and confidence, thereby promoting digital transformation, helping the silver generation access public and medical services and live safely in the digital environment."

With the message “Elderly people – Catch the wave of technology, live healthy, live happily, live safely”, the Festival is not only a technology playground but also a forum connecting policy – community – academia – family, where the elderly are equipped with skills, confidence and happiness in the technology era.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/nhip-song-so/dien-dan-ket-noi-chinh-sach-cong-dong-hoc-thuat-gia-dinh-174001.html