Regulations on How to Celebrate Longevity

Article 21 of the Law on the Elderly in 2009 prescribes the celebration of longevity for the elderly as follows:

1. Individuals who reach 100 years of age receive congratulatory messages and gifts from the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

2. Individuals who reach 90 years of age receive congratulatory messages and gifts from the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province or centrally run city.

3. The People's Committee of communes, wards, and commune-level towns cooperate with the local Association of the Elderly and the elderly person's family to organize longevity celebrations for individuals at the ages of 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 years or older on any of the following days:

a) Vietnam Day of the Elderly;b) International Day of Older Persons;c) Lunar New Year;d) The birthday of the elderly person.

Clause 4, Article 8 of Circular No. 06/2012/TT-BVHTTDL of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism specifies the content of longevity celebration titles according to specific ages as follows:

- Age 70 and 75: longevity celebration ceremony;- Age 80 and 85: grand longevity celebration ceremony;- Age 90, 95, and 100 or older: great grand longevity celebration ceremony.

In cases where a joint longevity celebration is organized for elderly individuals of different ages, the title will generally be: longevity celebration ceremony.

With the above regulations, your grandmother, who is currently 65 years old, is not eligible for a state-organized congratulations or longevity celebration.

Regarding gifts and funding levels for organizing longevity celebrations and congratulations for the elderly:

Gifting for elderly individuals during longevity celebrations and congratulations is specified in Clause 2, Article 3 of Circular 21/2011/TT-BTC dated February 18, 2011, of the Ministry of Finance as follows:

a) Gift levels for longevity congratulations and celebrations for the elderly:

- Elderly individuals aged 100 receive congratulatory gifts from the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, including 5 meters of silk and 500,000 VND in cash.- Elderly individuals aged 90 receive congratulatory gifts from the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province or centrally-run city, including gifts valued at 100,000 VND and 300,000 VND in cash.- Chairpersons of the People's Committee of the province or centrally-run city determine gift levels for elderly individuals aged 70, 75, 80, 85, 95, and over 100 based on local socio-economic conditions.

b) Content and funding for organizing longevity celebrations and congratulations for the elderly:

The People's Committee of communes, wards, and commune-level towns are responsible for cooperating with the local Association of the Elderly and the elderly person's family to organize congratulations and longevity celebrations ensuring they are solemn, economical, and in accordance with cultural practices, customs, and traditions of the locality; ensuring funding for the following activities:

- Printing or purchasing "Longevity Celebration Certificates."- Expenses for drinks, fruits, and candies. Average expense: 10,000 VND per attendee.- Renting halls, decorations, chairs, sound systems, etc. (if any). Expense levels follow contracts, receipts, or invoices (in the case of service rentals).

Source: Vnexpress.net

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE