Vietnamese adults face growing caregiver burden amid aging parents

A Vietnamese woman in her early thirties, now a planning director at a large corporation, must choose between her demanding career and caring for her mother, whose health is rapidly declining. She reflects on the sacrifices her mother made for her education and wrestles with the decision to stay at work or become the primary caregiver.

A 58‑year‑old man, the eldest of five siblings from a rural area, has long shouldered the responsibility of supporting aging parents and maintaining the family home. After both parents passed away, he continues to host family reunions during Tet, but the physical and financial strain has become overwhelming, leading him to limit gatherings despite criticism from his siblings.