Photo courtesy of VN Express

 

Vietnam has witnessed a remarkable transformation in life expectancy, leaping by an impressive 30 years over the past six decades. As of 2024, the average lifespan stands at 74.7 years, surpassing the global average. While this reflects significant progress, it also uncovers a critical issue: many Vietnamese are enduring longer lives with an increasing array of health issues.

 

To illustrate this profound change, let's step into a recent reunion of alumni from the Chemistry Department of Hanoi National University. Among the attendees was 80-year-old Hanh, along with her contemporaries, aged between 77 and 82. They returned to their alma mater to reminisce and relive the camaraderie of their youth, a time marked by considerable adversity.

 

Back in the 1960s, when Hanh completed her studies, life expectancy hovered around a mere 45 years. It was a period fraught with wars and economic strife, which heavily impacted health standards. Fast forward to today, and the General Statistics Office of Vietnam proudly reports a life expectancy of 74.7 years, reflecting a commendable improvement, driven by enhanced living conditions, revolutionary medical advancements, and the widespread availability of healthcare post-war.

 

Despite the overall progress, significant disparities exist across different regions. For example, areas such as the Central Highlands and the northern mountainous regions report an average life expectancy of 72-72.8 years. These regions, often less developed, struggle with access to healthcare and modern amenities.

 

Conversely, more prosperous parts of the country, such as the southeast, the Red River Delta, and the Mekong Delta, enjoy higher averages of 75.7-76.5 years. Additionally, urban centres like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang report figures exceeding 76 years, thanks to greater economic activity and robust healthcare infrastructure.

 

Gender differences also play a key role. Currently, women outlive men by roughly five years, with their average life expectancy at 77.3 years compared to men's 72.3 years. This difference can be attributed to a variety of factors, including lifestyle habits and occupational hazards more commonly faced by men.

 

Despite living longer, the quality of life for many seniors is marred by health issues. A significant proportion suffer from chronic conditions like arthritis, hypertension, and digestive disorders. In 2019, statistics highlighted that a 60-year-old Vietnamese man could expect to enjoy an additional 12.9 healthy years, compared to a woman’s 16.4 years. Unfortunately, these figures trail behind global standards of 14.8 and 16.6 years, respectively.

 

Several contributing factors exacerbate these health challenges. Poor nutrition, pollution, and the rise of lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, and diabetes are prevalent. An unhealthy lifestyle, often characterised by smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, further compounds the issue.

 

Vietnam is experiencing a notable demographic shift, with the ageing population projected to increase significantly. By 2030, the country is expected to have 17.2 million elderly people, a number anticipated to swell to 27 million by 2049.

 

Traditionally, Vietnamese culture underscores familial support, with the elderly typically living with their children. However, this paradigm is gradually changing. As more people opt for smaller families and some choose to remain unmarried, the once-dominant familial support system is weakening. Between 2009 and 2019, the percentage of elderly individuals living alone or with just their spouse spiked from 18% to 27%.

 

This demographic evolution presents a substantial challenge to elderly care. Professor Dr. Nguyen Dinh Cu, an expert in population studies, stresses the urgency of reforming the healthcare system to accommodate this ageing population. He advocates for long-term care initiatives and comprehensive support systems to improve seniors’ quality of life.

 

Addressing the burgeoning needs of the elderly necessitates a multifaceted approach. Nguyen Trung Anh, director of the National Geriatric Hospital in Hanoi, underscores the importance of investing in geriatric care. There is a pressing need to train specialist medical professionals capable of preventing, diagnosing, and managing chronic conditions prevalent among the elderly, such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders.

 

The Ministry of Health has been proactive in proposing strategic measures. Scholarships and tuition support are being considered for students pursuing geriatrics, aiming to cultivate a skilled workforce dedicated to elderly care. Such initiatives are pivotal for ensuring that the healthcare system can support the anticipated demographic shifts.

 

Additionally, policies such as government-sponsored health insurance for uninsured seniors are being advocated. This is crucial, given that approximately 5% of the elderly population currently lacks health insurance, leaving them vulnerable to financial hardships in accessing necessary medical care.

 

For many seniors, like Hanh, maintaining a sense of independence remains a crucial aspect of ageing gracefully. Living with her children, Hanh is determined to take charge of her health, setting an example for others. She follows a balanced diet, exercises regularly, and ensures she adheres to prescribed medications and health checkups. By avoiding excessive salt, fat, and sugar, she actively manages her health to prevent further complications.

 

Hanh’s proactive approach to her health is emblematic of a broader cultural shift towards self-reliance among the elderly. Despite the availability of familial support, many seniors are choosing to embrace lifestyles that promote health and wellness as they age.

 

The evolving scenario surrounding Vietnam’s ageing population presents both challenges and opportunities. By addressing the healthcare needs of this demographic with strategic foresight and innovative solutions, Vietnam can set a benchmark for holistic elderly care.

 

As the nation stands on the cusp of this demographic transformation, stories like Hanh's serve as a beacon of hope. Her resilience and proactive lifestyle choices underscore the importance of adaptability and personal responsibility in navigating the complexities of ageing.

 

In conclusion, while Vietnam’s leap in life expectancy is commendable, it brings with it the necessity for comprehensive strategies to ensure that longer lives are not only about quantity but also quality. With the right mix of policies, innovation, and cultural shifts, Vietnam is poised to lead the way in crafting a future where the elderly can enjoy a fulfilling, healthy, and dignified life.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-09-09

 

 

Vietnam moving ahead at speed in many areas - economy, industry, education, health ...

 

Demonstrating - as China mostly does - that well-run dictatorships can achieve social goals at a speed that badly-run dictatorships and badly-run democracies can only dream of. 

I wonder what the average life expectancy is in Thailand OK just checked Thailand at 78 years average life expectancy TIT

 

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Vietnam has witnessed a remarkable transformation in life expectancy, leaping by an impressive 30 years over the past six decades.

 

Hardly surprising the life expectancy has jumped......at one point the Yanks must have had down to about 30.