POLICY GAPS AND SOCIAL WORK RESPONSES TO OLDER ADULT ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN VIETNAM

Population ageing is transforming labour markets and social policy systems in many countries, including Vietnam. As employment opportunities decline with age, entrepreneurship has increasingly emerged as an alternative pathway for older adults to maintain economic participation and financial independence. However, existing policy frameworks often fail to adequately address the specific needs of older entrepreneurs. This study examines policy gaps in supporting older adult entrepreneurship in Vietnam. Using secondary data analysis and a survey of 405 older adults, the study explores entrepreneurial motivations and access to entrepreneurship support policies. The findings show that older entrepreneurship is driven by both financial necessity and personal fulfillment, yet access to entrepreneurship support programs remains uneven. Existing financing mechanisms and training initiatives are often not designed specifically for older entrepreneurs, creating structural barriers to business development. The study highlights the need for more inclusive entrepreneurship policies and emphasizes the role of social work in connecting older entrepreneurs with financial resources, training opportunities, and community support networks.