Vietnam elderly care: Gap between life expectancy and healthy years

According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, the average life expectancy in Vietnam is approximately 74.7 years, but the number of healthy years lived is only about 65.4 years. This 9.3-year gap highlights a growing need for long-term care planning.

Financial planning for old age often focuses on medical expenses and hospital fees, but experts suggest families must also prepare for caregiving costs. These include hiring caregivers, nutrition, transportation, rehabilitation, and professional home care services.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) forecasts that the number of elderly people in Vietnam requiring daily living assistance will increase from 4.7 million in 2025 to 6.5 million by 2035. To manage this potential financial burden, it is recommended to establish long-term care funds separate from daily living expenses or short-term savings.