In Ho Chi Minh City’s District 8, a health station buzzes with activity as senior citizens line up for routine check-ups. The scene is a microcosm of a broader, pressing issue in Vietnam: the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the elderly. With life expectancy climbing to over 73.6 years, health experts warn that the quality of those extra years is diminishing, as chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases take a heavy toll on this growing demographic.

The Burden of Chronic Illness

Vietnam’s aging population faces an escalating health crisis. According to the Ministry of Health, while the average life expectancy stands at 73.6 years, the number of healthy years is significantly lower at just 65.4. This gap highlights a stark reality: many elderly Vietnamese are living longer but with declining health. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Văn Tân, head of the geriatrics department at the HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, notes that 75.5 percent of seniors suffer from one to two chronic diseases, with a small but growing 1.34 percent battling three or more conditions.

The shift in disease patterns among the elderly is striking. Once dominated by infectious diseases, the health landscape for seniors now centers on NCDs such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and mental disorders. “The disease model has changed dramatically” said Dr. Tân, pointing to the increasing prevalence of conditions that require long-term management. These illnesses not only impair physical health but also affect mental well-being and daily functioning, as highlighted by Phạm Chánh Trung, director of the population division at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health.

The economic burden of caring for the elderly is substantial, particularly for low-income families and those in remote areas. Healthcare costs for seniors are estimated to be seven to eight times higher than for children, placing immense pressure on households already struggling to make ends meet. For many, access to adequate care remains limited. Trung emphasizes that each elderly person often grapples with more than two NCDs, necessitating lifelong treatment that many cannot afford or access easily.

The healthcare system itself is struggling to keep pace with the rapidly aging population. Trung points out that the quality of elderly care is often substandard, with insufficient funding for programs targeting seniors living alone. Rural areas, in particular, lack the infrastructure and resources needed to provide consistent care, leaving many without the support they need to manage chronic conditions effectively.

Underlying Causes and Lifestyle Factors

Experts attribute the surge in NCDs among Vietnam’s elderly to a combination of longer life expectancy and modern lifestyle changes. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đỗ Kim Quế, deputy director of Thống Nhất Hospital, explains that unhealthy eating habits, poor nutrition, and the prevalence of contaminated or fast food contribute significantly to these health challenges. “Modern lifestyles play a role as people are becoming less physically active” said Dr. Quế, adding that prolonged stress and anxiety further exacerbate the risk of chronic illnesses.

In the southern region alone, a report from the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City revealed that over three million people were diagnosed with hypertension in the first four months of 2025, with more than 1.4 million under management or treatment. Similarly, over 1.2 million were found to have diabetes, with 656,000 receiving care. These numbers underscore the scale of the problem, with NCDs—categorized into cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory conditions, and diabetes—accounting for nearly 80 percent of deaths in Vietnam.

Systemic Challenges and Limited Access

Despite the growing need, Vietnam’s healthcare system faces significant hurdles in addressing elderly care. Access to counseling and specialized services remains limited, particularly for those outside urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City. The grassroots healthcare network, which could play a pivotal role in primary care and disease prevention, lacks the capacity to meet current demands. Analysts argue that strengthening this system is critical to providing convenient and accessible care for seniors, especially in underserved regions.

Funding shortages further complicate the situation. Programs designed to support elderly individuals living independently often fall short, leaving many without essential health check-ups or timely interventions. Early detection and treatment, as Dr. Quế emphasizes, are vital for managing NCDs effectively, yet the infrastructure to support such initiatives is often inadequate.

Toward a Sustainable Future for Elderly Care

Addressing the health challenges faced by Vietnam’s elderly requires a multi-faceted approach. Analysts advocate for comprehensive annual health check-up programs tailored to seniors, alongside the development of electronic health records to track and analyze disease patterns. Building a robust health database could help policymakers and healthcare providers better understand and respond to the needs of an aging population.

There is also a push to develop long-term care models that prioritize accessibility and convenience. This includes bolstering community-based health services and training more healthcare professionals in geriatrics. Such measures could alleviate the burden on families and ensure that seniors receive the care they need without facing financial ruin.

In urban areas like Ho Chi Minh City, where the strain on healthcare facilities is evident, public-private partnerships could play a role in expanding capacity. Investments in technology, such as telemedicine, could also bridge the gap for those in remote areas, offering consultations and follow-ups without the need for costly travel.

A Call for Awareness and Action

Beyond systemic reforms, raising awareness about healthy aging is crucial. Public health campaigns could educate families on the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and stress management in preventing NCDs. Community initiatives, such as local exercise groups or nutritional workshops, could empower seniors to take charge of their health while fostering social connections that combat isolation and depression.

The financial aspect cannot be overlooked. With costs soaring, there is a pressing need for government subsidies or insurance schemes that specifically target elderly care. Without such support, the economic disparity in access to healthcare will only widen, leaving the most vulnerable at risk.

Looking Ahead

As Vietnam grapples with the dual challenge of an aging population and rising healthcare costs, the path forward remains uncertain. Will the country’s health system adapt in time to meet the needs of its seniors, or will the burden continue to grow? For now, scenes like the one in District 8 serve as a reminder of both the resilience of Vietnam’s elderly and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to ensure their later years are lived in health and dignity.