A Group of Studies on the Social Portrait of the Elderly as Represented through Employment

Le Van Kham (2014b, p. 79), or " Shaping the future: how can changing demographics be a driving force for human development? " by Thangavel Palanivel and colleagues (2016, pp. 17-18) pointed out that participation in social activities outside the family and maintaining relationships with the community are legitimate needs of the elderly, especially in today's life. Therefore, when the trend of separating households increases, household size shrinks, and the trend of loneliness among the elderly increases, many elderly people realize that in order to have a healthy life in terms of spirit and strength, it is necessary to maintain and expand the environment of social interaction. Following this trend, many elderly people actively and proactively expand social activities beyond the framework of the household.

Socially, in the minds of many Vietnamese people in general and the elderly in particular, the community is considered an extended family, because among the people who make up the community there may be marriage, blood, and family relationships. With this awareness, many elderly people today tend to actively restore the traditions of their clans and villages such as: linking households in the clan to restore their genealogy together; establishing hometown associations to connect people living far away from home; establishing seniors' associations to participate in common activities together [Phan Dai Doan, 2010, pp. 88 - 114].

Similarly, the study on “ Social and cultural changes in rural villages during the urbanization process in Hanoi ” by Tran Thi Hong Yen (2015, p. 59) discovered that many elderly migrants consider themselves to have two hometowns, one is the old village where they were born and the other is the place they moved to. On convenient occasions such as holidays and Tet, they often try to spend time returning to their old village to visit family, relatives, and friends. Many people with economic conditions even return to buy land to build houses to relive the old days. For them, returning to live in their hometown is like returning to their roots, returning to their grandparents, parents, returning to family affection, and village affection.

Following the above research, the research of Le Van Kham (2014a), Le Anh Vu et al., (2015, pp. 24 - 27) shows that for the elderly who live alone, or feel lonely in their own home, visiting friends is considered a measure to help them have more joy and motivation in life.

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Traveling, visiting, and encouraging each other becomes a spiritual support and many elderly people always try to maintain that support.

In addition to participating in the above-mentioned community activities, the elderly also actively participate in movements and organizations. The most active participation is shown in the cultural and social sector. Most of the positions of group leader, deputy group leader, village leader, and deputy village leader are held by the elderly; many activities to propagate and disseminate policies to the masses are undertaken by the elderly; many shining examples of maintaining and promoting the good traditions of village love and neighborhood affection are held by the elderly [National Committee on the Elderly in Vietnam, 2016].

Also following this approach, the study “ Towards the goal of healthy aging in Vietnam ” by the Ministry of Health (2017, pp. 201-202) shows that many elderly people living locally have actively contributed to social activities, such as participating in the “patriotic emulation” movement, participating in initiatives to “build the political system, grassroots culture”, participating in programs to “protect sovereignty and security of borders, seas and islands”, contributing ideas to amend the Constitution and laws, participating in “volunteer home care” activities, and being active members of many clubs. This participation affirms the position, role, and value of the elderly, and is the driving force to help them have a positive life.

Studies on “ Evaluating the participation of the elderly in community development ” by Le Vu Anh and colleagues (2015, pp. 23-27), or “ Caring for the elderly in Vietnam: current situation and solutions” by Nguyen The Hue (2017, p. 284)

– 287) also pointed out that participating in clubs for the elderly, such as chess clubs, poetry clubs, health clubs, etc., is welcomed by many elderly people. According to them, when participating in these clubs, they feel comfortable and mentally relaxed, which is a measure to help them actively adapt to old age.

The participation of many elderly people in social activities is positively recognized by local leaders. The assessment shows that the elderly have great potential in promoting the movement "Live happily, live healthily, live usefully" for society; are important in educating the younger generation about learning awareness, promoting the spirit of enthusiasm for work; and are active factors in the fight against social evils. From this reality, local authorities always seek to attract the participation of the elderly in social movements [Le Vu Anh et al., 2015, pp. 23 - 27].

1.2.2. Social respect

Social respect for the elderly has always been a topic of interest to many scientists with the aim of creating a friendly social environment for the elderly.

In the world, research by Drennan.J et al. (2009), Kyu-Taik Sung (2010), as well as many other authors, shows that the elderly at the present stage still receive a higher level of respect from society than other population groups. This respect is demonstrated through behavior, through conversations, exchanges, daily care activities, through the promulgation of regimes and policies, as well as through visits, through listening to and complying with the opinions of the elderly...

However, studies by the ECCV (Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, 2009) on “ Reclaiming Respect and Dignity: Preventing Elder Abuse in Ethnic Communities ” or by Kyu-Taik Sung (2010, pp. 127 –

128) on “ Responsible treatment of the elderly: perceptions and behaviors of young Americans ” warned about the trend of mistreating the elderly, the sick, disrespecting them and often ignoring their problems. This situation does not only occur in the small scope of a neighborhood or a street, but it “explodes” on a global scale.

The causes of the increasingly widespread lack of respect for the elderly in communities have been partly outlined in the study of Emmanuelle Castaldi (2003, pp. 52-65). This study points out two types of obstacles that cause the elderly to be treated disrespectfully, which are obstacles from the elderly themselves and obstacles from the social environment. Obstacles from the elderly themselves mean that when they get old, their health declines, their intelligence is no longer clear, many elderly people do not behave in the usual way. Such behaviors easily cause trouble for others. The accumulated frustration day by day causes many people to have unfriendly behaviors towards them. Obstacles from the living environment may be due to the concept that the elderly are a burden to the community and society. With this concept, many elderly people do not receive guaranteed care, are treated coldly, and are even humiliated and beaten. Therefore, research by many different authors around the world is aimed at solutions to improve the elderly's quality of life.

enhance the status of the elderly, reducing the risk of them being treated disrespectfully.

In Vietnam, according to research by a number of authors such as Phan Dai Doan (2010), Vo Dinh Lien (2016), Ministry of Health (2017), Nguyen The Hue (2017), Le Van Kham (2014b)..., the respect of society for the elderly is a traditional beauty inherited from many generations, a recognition of the contributions and dedication of this population group to society. The above cultural beauty is enshrined in the Constitution, institutionalized in legal documents on honoring and supporting the elderly; and concretized in social programs jointly implemented by individuals and social organizations.

In Phan Dai Doan's study (2010, pp. 69 - 70), the elderly in traditional society have a special role and social position that is highly respected. They have the right to participate in meetings with the mandarins and participate in building village and commune conventions. When young people see the elderly carrying heavy loads, they proactively approach them to help them carry them. If they just walk away, they will be punished by the village. When villagers have grievances to report, the elderly will first come to judge. Only when the trial fails will the matter be brought to the mandarin. When the village has common work, the elderly often go to the village hall to discuss how to organize and implement it. When the villagers have conflicts and disagreements and want to settle them, they can invite the elderly to help. These things show that the elderly have a position that is respected and recognized by the village and commune.

Similarly, research by the Ministry of Health (2017, pp. 194-195) and Le Van Kham (2014b, p. 80) also shows that the elderly always receive respect from society, expressed through the concept of "Respect the elderly to achieve longevity", "Love the elderly and let them live". This is an ancient tradition, maintained by successive generations. Also according to the Ministry of Health (2017, p. 196

– 202), the above-mentioned respect was included by the State in the 2013 Constitution with the content that " the elderly are respected, cared for and promoted by the State, family and society in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland ", institutionalized into specific policies and preferential treatment regimes, such as: regular social allowance policy to improve the living standards of poor elderly people, the regime of bringing lonely elderly people into care and nurturing at social protection centers, housing support policy for elderly people who have contributed to the revolution or are poor households; the regime of exemption and reduction of tickets for sightseeing, tourism, use of public transport...

In fact, the respect of society for the elderly is also shown in the care and concern for the poor elderly, helping them have a roof over their heads, warm clothes to wear, organizing social activities to honor them, helping them integrate into society to avoid feeling lost and lonely on the margins of society. Analysis of some studies shows that organizations and the masses show their gratitude and care for the elderly in the traditional cultural spirit of "the whole leaves cover the torn leaves ", through visiting and encouraging activities, and by organizing healthy recreational activities suitable for the health of the elderly. At festivals, the elderly are often honored, congratulated, and celebrated by the Fatherland Front, the Association of the Elderly, and local authorities [Nguyen The Hue, 2017, pp. 286 - 29].

In addition, the research results of the General Department of Population - Family Planning and UNFRA (2013) also show that the elderly always receive attention from local authorities, are consulted by the authorities on the development of new policies, on the development of new cultural life, on measures to organize and implement policies to the community. In many cases, the elderly receive authorization from local authorities to implement policies to life.

However, studies by some authors such as Phan Dai Doan (2010), Vo Dinh Lien (2016), Ministry of Health (2017), Nguyen The Hue (2017), or the General Department of Population - Family Planning and UNFRA (2013) ... also pointed out the phenomenon of disrespect for the elderly in a minority, but this phenomenon tends to spread more and more. The consequences of this disrespect make many elderly people feel suffocated and uncomfortable when participating in social life.

1.3. Group of studies on social portraits of the elderly expressed through work

1.3.1. Working engine

Despite reaching retirement age, many elderly people continue to participate in the labor force. Their motivation for working may stem from the need for social interaction, health training, and contribution to society, but may also stem from the need to ensure their own livelihood.

In the world, according to the study of Weber. D et al. (2016, pp. 24 - 34) on " Health and quality of life of the elderly ", the motivation for the elderly to work is quite diverse. Part of it is because they want to maintain good health, reduce time

living in a hospital bed. Others are unable to bear the increasingly monotonous life when social relationships are declining, and do not want to give up the stable lifestyle of " going to work in the morning, coming home in the afternoon ". Another group is because they realize that they can continue to contribute to society. The research of the group of authors also shows that, in addition to the above motivations, another group of elderly people want to work because they want to maintain their family business and create income to ensure their own life in old age.

Similarly, the study on “ Loneliness, isolation and the elderly ” by Denis Mannaerts (2016, pp. 27-29), or the study on “ The art of aging with joy ” by Ezzedine El Mestiri (2016, p. 14) also shows that many elderly people participate in the labor market for the purpose of balancing their lives. According to the authors' argument, many elderly people do not want to live a lonely life, depressed in old age, but have the need to participate in the labor market. For many elderly people, continuing to work means continuing to communicate with society, continuing to feel that life is meaningful and especially feeling that they are still full of energy and healthy. Therefore, participating in the labor market is a form that helps many elderly people satisfy their need to make the most of life in a reasonable way.

However, many studies emphasize that the working motivation of the elderly is strongly influenced by economic factors. For example, the study by Philippe Antoine and Valérie Golaz (2010, pp. 45-50) on “ The Situation of the Elderly in Africa ” shows that the motivation for the majority of the elderly here to participate in the labor market is due to economic difficulties. With a slow-growing economy, many workers find it difficult to accumulate an amount of money that allows them to live enough when they retire. The coverage of the pension system in this continent is also low, and the level of pension payments and other benefits are not guaranteed. Therefore, for many elderly people, as long as there is an opportunity, they will find a way to get a job. Because of the precarious life, many elderly people have the concept that retirement age is not the age of rest when they cannot earn enough money to take care of their lives. Retirement age is the age of finding additional sources of income to take care of their old age. In fact, a 2007 United Nations study [Unions Unis, 2007, pp. 9-12] also showed that when quality of life declines, health care costs increase, and the risk of falling into poverty increases, many older people have the need to continue working. That helps them improve their quality of life.

In Vietnam, according to the general assessment from some studies such as the World Bank (2016), Richard Jackson and Tobias Peter (2015) or Martin Evans and Susan Harkness (2008), many elderly people continue to work instead of having fun and relaxing with their families even though they have reached the legal retirement age. The working motivation of the elderly is also different, some work to have a rich spiritual life, to ensure their health, but some people work for livelihood reasons.

Specifically, the research content on “ Turning challenges into opportunities: the future of retirement in Vietnam ” by Richard Jackson and Tobias Peter (2015, pp. 8 - 9), or on “ Elderly people in Vietnam: social protection, informal support and poverty ” by Martin Evans and Susan Harkness (2008) pointed out that Vietnamese legal documents stipulate that workers have the right to retire at the age of 60 for men and 55 for women. However, the authors' argument shows that the concept of “retirement” is not the same as the concept of “elderly people”. At retirement age, many people continue to work. Therefore, according to the analysis of the above authors, only a small part of the elderly population works for the purpose of improving physical and mental health, the majority of the rest work for livelihood reasons. This fact makes the above authors conclude that “ it is very difficult to correctly interpret the attitudes towards work and retirement of the elderly in Vietnam ”. Many elderly people want to retire to enjoy a leisurely life with their families, but soon after that, many people want to return to work to avoid a monotonous and boring life.

Research by Mac Van Tien (2015), or Le Ngoc Lan et al. (2010, p. 10) shows that working or retiring is the right of every human being. Many elderly people choose the right to continue to maintain income-generating labor activities in order to ensure their own lives and avoid economic dependence on their children/grandchildren.

According to the findings of the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (2016), most of the elderly in Vietnam do not have accumulated assets, which is due to the history of war, the economic stagnation of the old mechanism, low labor productivity due to low education level, low skills and the habit, mindset, and concept of investing all in children and grandchildren with the hope that they can break through and rise up. This reality motivates many elderly people to want to work to improve their quality of life.

Also following the above research direction, the research results " Towards a

healthy and active life for the elderly in Vietnam ” by the World Bank (2016, p. 35), on “ Scientific basis for building a social security floor in Vietnam in the coming time ” by Doan Mau Diep and colleagues (2015, pp. 224-225) emphasized that the economic dependence rate of the elderly in Vietnam is up to 40% of the total population of this group. At the age of 80 and above, on average, 2 out of 3 elderly people are completely dependent on the economy of their children and grandchildren. This creates a lot of economic pressure on the shoulders of the younger generations and encourages many elderly people to continue participating in the labor market.

This fact was also pointed out by Nguyen Thi Thu Ha and colleagues (2015, pp. 41-42) in the study on “ Overview of poverty reduction studies in Vietnam ”. Accordingly, the dependence of the elderly on their children/grandchildren increases the poverty rate of households. The risk of falling into poverty of households increases by about 4% when there is an elderly person in the family and this risk level increases when there is a second and third person. In fact, when the income of the elderly decreases, it inevitably causes the income of the household to decrease, so when economic shocks occur, households with elderly people are often the first to feel their negative impact. It is for this reason that many elderly people want to continue working.

Similarly, the findings of Wan He et al. (2016, pp. 91-94) also show that the elderly who can support themselves from past savings or rent assets are often less motivated to participate in the labor market. For them, the remaining time should be spent on leisure and enjoyment activities. However, the proportion of this population group is not high in the total elderly population, so most healthy elderly people need to continue working to support themselves.

Also following this research trend, the World Bank (2016), Nguyen Thi Thu Ha and colleagues (2015), Nguyen Nam Phuong and Ngo Quynh An (2013), Nguyen The Hue (2016), Pham Vu Hoang (2014), T Van Nguyen and colleagues (2017), or Richard Jackson and Tobias Peter (2015) all argued that the elderly have many economic worries and insecurities, which are: (1) their average income is lower than the general level of society and is gradually decreasing; (2) the rate of economic difficulties is increasing in the last years of life; and (3) the risk of running out of money before death makes many people live in anxiety about old age. To cope with the tragedy

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