MATERIAL SUPPORT FROM ADULT CHILDREN TO OLDER PARENTS IN RURAL BAC NINH, VIETNAM: PATTERNS AND FREQUENCY OF INTERGENERATIONAL SUPPORT

Author: Lê Thị Hoa

ABSTRACT

In the context of an aging population and socioeconomic changes in rural Vietnam, the relationship of material support between children and elderly parents continues to play a crucial role in the intergenerational care system. This article examines the current state of material support provided by children to the elderly in rural areas. The research findings show that various forms of support are provided at different frequencies over time. Cash support and payments for medical expenses are typically made monthly to cover regular expenses and healthcare needs of the elderly. Meanwhile, support in the form of clothing and supplies is mainly concentrated around holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year). At the same time, food and fruit are provided weekly and monthly to ensure daily nutritional needs are met. The research findings confirm that material support from children remains an essential resource for ensuring the livelihoods and healthcare of the elderly in rural areas and for improving their quality of life.

Keywords: older adults; material support; intergenerational support; rural areas; social security.

REFERENCES

  1. Bar-Tur, L., Ifrah, K., Moore, D., & Katzman, B. (2019). Exchange of emotional support between adult children and their parents and the children’s well-being. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 28(5), 1250–1262. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01355-2
  2. Gerber, A., Heid, A. R., & Pruchno, R. (2019). Adult children living with aging parents: The association between income and parental affect. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 88(3), 215–230. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415018758448
  3. Nguyễn, T. H. Đ., Lê, T. H., & Nguyễn, T. N. (2024). Factors affecting the receipt of cash or in-kind support from children among older adults in Vietnam by region. Journal of Science of Hong Duc University, 70, 29–36.
  4. Regional Medical Center of Binh Tan. (2024). Population aging: Each person lives with illness for 10 years. https://trungtamytebinhtan.medinet.gov.vn.
  5. Trần, T. M. T. (2016). Economic support between older adults and their children in contemporary Vietnamese families. Vietnam Social Sciences Journal, 12(109), 43–54.