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For more than a decade, Chien headed the veterans’ association in his ward, organizing community events, writing public information materials and producing educational videos.

At a job fair for older workers in Hanoi in late June, Chien searched for an office-based job that would let him use a computer instead of working outdoors, where age and declining health have made long hours in the sun and rain increasingly difficult.

After leaving the military in 1989, Chien worked as a freelancer while staying actively involved in community affairs. He stepped down from his part-time commune-level role in mid-2025 after Vietnam eliminated many such positions and he exceeded the age limit.

Without a pension and receiving only state health insurance, he has spent nearly a year searching for work that can supplement his income.

“I came to find out what kinds of jobs are available for someone my age,” he says. “I honestly don’t know what opportunities there are for older workers.”

The Hanoi Employment Service Center organized the job fair in late June, offering around 250 vacancies for senior jobseekers.

Employers promoted positions they considered suitable for older applicants, including security guards, customer service advisers, cooks, kitchen assistants, cleaners, handicraft workers and hourly domestic helpers. But nearly 67% of the vacancies were low-skilled jobs. Only 12% required vocational qualifications, while 21% were aimed at candidates with college or university degrees.

Around 40% of the openings were for basic jobs such as cleaning, sanitation and handicrafts, paying less than VND7 million (US$267) a month. Jobs offering VND7-10 million, mainly in sales, security and kitchen work, accounted for 30%. Positions paying VND10-15 million made up 15%, largely for experienced security staff and consultants, while only 5% offered salaries above VND15 million and required specialized expertise or extensive experience.

The jobs are there, but they are not always the jobs older people want.

Ngoc Hanh, from Hanoi’s Nghia Do Ward, is looking for work not because she wants to stay active while earning some extra income.

She retired early last year at 54 after nearly three decades as an accountant with the postal service. Since then, her days have been filled with exercise, housework and preparing meals before her husband returns home.

Missing the camaraderie of office life, she attended the fair after a close friend encouraged her to do so.

“I’d like a job that’s less mentally demanding. I’ve spent decades immersed in accounting,” she says.

Finding the right fit has proved more difficult than expected. Restaurant and cleaning jobs often require weekend shifts, while childcare demands patience and running a food business involves preparing meals, managing supplies and handling paperwork.

Her husband believes she should simply enjoy retirement, but Hanh wants something beyond household chores and cooking.

Vietnam’s rapidly aging population means more older adults are healthy enough and willing to continue working, says Nguyen The Toan, chairman of the Hanoi Association of the Elderly.

Many have valuable technical expertise, professional knowledge and years of management experience that could continue contributing to the economy if used effectively, he says. “But many find it difficult to secure jobs that match both their health and qualifications.”

By the end of the fair, Chien had still not found the opportunity he was looking for. The office jobs that matched his experience were too far from home, while nearby employers required qualifications he did not have.

He is considering a commission-based freelance position with an airport services company in Hanoi’s Long Bien District, though he plans to observe the work before making a decision. “I’m not under much financial pressure. What matters most is knowing I can still make a contribution.”

If the right opportunity comes along, he says he will gladly return to work. Otherwise, he is just as happy staying home and helping care for his grandchildren.