Health risks and mental wellness challenges in Vietnam

Health experts and patient accounts highlight growing concerns regarding chronic kidney disease and elderly depression in Vietnam.

Chronic kidney disease often progresses silently, with symptoms appearing only after significant function loss. Patients as young as 20 and 30 have reported reaching end-stage renal failure due to lifestyle factors such as irregular eating habits, excessive consumption of soft drinks, lack of physical activity, and uncontrolled medication use. These conditions necessitate regular dialysis, which severely impacts the ability to work and places a heavy burden on family caregivers.

In the elderly population, retirement and social isolation are significant drivers of depression. Key triggers include the sudden loss of professional routines, financial anxiety regarding reduced income, and a sense of being a burden to family members. Experts suggest that mental health in seniors is often exacerbated by chronic illnesses and a lack of meaningful social engagement, emphasizing the need for family presence and active listening to mitigate these risks.