Vietnam should promote preventive healthcare, healthy aging from middle age: expat

Vietnam could expand community-based senior centers and strengthen pension coverage for informal workers, he said.

Alongside government policies and community-based social activities, Chatterji emphasized that families remain the most important source of emotional support and play a central role in caring for older people.

He pointed to India’s National Pension System and public awareness campaigns on financial planning as examples of how governments can encourage citizens to prepare for retirement.

Regular health checkups and wellness programs, he said, have also contributed to healthier aging in his home country, where he described pension programs and affordable healthcare services as the most effective measures so far.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health recently released a draft circular under a national program on health care, population, and development for 2026-35.

The draft proposes measures to adapt to population aging, including preparing citizens for old age starting at 40.

Guidance would cover healthy lifestyles, physical exercise, home-based elder care, and financial planning.

As per the draft, authorities would also provide materials for younger citizens under 60, teaching skills for healthy living, parenting, saving, and preparing for a proactive life in old age.

Training programs for health and population officers are planned to improve counseling capacity, while community clubs and cultural activities would help spread awareness.

Information campaigns would use newspapers, radio, television, websites, social media, and digital platforms to reach the public. The goal is to encourage people to prepare for aging early, rather than waiting until they are elderly.