Vietnam Proposes Mandatory Retirement Preparation for Those Over 40

The Ministry of Health of Vietnam has proposed a policy to mandate the provision of materials, guidance, and training for citizens aged 40 and above, focusing on maintaining healthy lifestyles, physical fitness, financial planning, and age-appropriate employment choices. This initiative is expected to be implemented from January 1, 2027, with parallel training for healthcare professionals. The program's core content will emphasize health maintenance during middle age, starting from the 40s, prevention of chronic diseases, care for elderly relatives, and securing financial resources and employment for old age. Localities will survey actual needs in each region to develop localized materials and integrate advisory activities into community-based elderly care clubs, social activities, and local cultural events. The program also targets individuals under 40. Those under 60 will receive information on healthy lifestyles, physical fitness, financial accumulation, labor, child-rearing, and building a foundation for a healthy and proactive old age. This move is in response to the rapid increase in Vietnam's elderly population. Currently, there are 14.2 million people aged 60 and above, an increase of 2.8 million since 2019. This number is projected to reach nearly 18 million by 2030. The generational ratio is also changing worryingly. While in 2024, there are approximately 60 elderly people for every 100 children, this ratio is expected to rise to 225 by 2074. This places an enormous pressure on the social security system, as each young worker will bear a heavier burden. Furthermore, while the average life expectancy of Vietnamese people is increasing, their health quality remains poor. On average, individuals live about 14 years in illness, leading to escalating healthcare costs that strain both the health insurance budget and the state budget. In the healthcare sector, the program will implement campaigns for early detection of common diseases among the elderly in about half of the communes in each province and city. Elderly individuals will establish health monitoring records, undergo specialized screenings tailored to local conditions, and receive guidance on home healthcare skills. The system of community-based elderly care clubs will be strengthened, offering guidance on exercise and self-care under the professional support of health stations. The health sector will enhance training for geriatric specialists, including doctors, nurses, and technicians, and conduct research on disease patterns and the healthcare needs of the elderly. According to experts, preparation for old age must begin in middle age, as this is when risk factors for chronic diseases, declining health, and financial pressure start to emerge. Changing lifestyles, maintaining physical activity, accumulating finances, and acquiring caregiving skills will help individuals extend their healthy life years, reduce the burden of illness, and improve their quality of life in old age.