Vietnam health ministry prepares over-40s for old age

The health ministry is seeking public feedback on draft guidelines for implementing the first phase of the National Target Program on Health Care, Population and Development for 2026-35, covering the period from 2026 to 2030.

The draft proposes a range of measures to help the country adapt to population aging by encouraging people to prepare for old age early and promoting healthier aging within communities.

Under the proposal, the ministry plans to develop educational materials and provide guidance to equip people aged 40 and older with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for old age.

The guidance would focus on adopting healthy lifestyles, maintaining physical fitness, caring for older family members at home, and preparing financially while planning suitable employment before retirement.

The draft also suggests developing educational materials to encourage people to start preparing for old age earlier in life. The initiative would target everyone under the age of 60.

The program would guide healthy living, raising healthy and well-adjusted children, employment, financial planning, and other preparations needed to maintain an independent life in later years.

To execute the program, authorities would assess public needs before developing and compiling guidance materials.

Once finalized, the materials would be distributed to local governments for use or adaptation to local conditions.

The proposal also includes training programs for healthcare and population officials to strengthen their capacity to provide counseling on healthy aging.

The materials would be promoted through community clubs for older adults and incorporated into local cultural activities to improve public access.

Public awareness campaigns would also be carried out through newspapers, radio, television, official websites, social media, and other digital platforms, with the aim of encouraging people to prepare for old age long before reaching their senior years.

Vietnam had about 14.2 million people aged 60 and older in 2024, according to official estimates. That figure is projected to rise to 20.9 million by 2034, 27.5 million by 2044, and 38.5 million by 2074.

The population aged 80 and above, which requires the greatest demand for health and social care services, is expected to grow the fastest.

The number of people in this age group is projected to increase from about two million to 3.3 million within the first decade of the forecast period and nearly eightfold over the next 50 years.

Based on international benchmarks, Vietnam is expected to officially become an aged society in 2034, when people aged 65 and older account for 14 percent of the population, underscoring the need to adapt to rapid population aging.