Ho Chi Minh City races to reform elderly care as population ages faster than expected
Ho Chi Minh City is facing growing challenges as its elderly population expands faster than expected. With over 1.6 million residents aged 60 and above as of late 2022, the city's care system is struggling to keep up. Experts now urge a shift toward a more connected and diverse long-term care model to meet rising demand.
The city officially entered the ageing phase in 2017, when more than 11% of its population was aged 60 or older. Since then, the pace of ageing has outstripped earlier projections, increasing pressure on healthcare and social services. Currently, around 70% of older residents live with two or more chronic illnesses, pushing up the need for specialised long-term care.
At present, only 36 elderly care facilities operate across the city, supporting over 3,500 people. These services remain limited in both scale and variety, with most options concentrated in residential nursing homes. Uneven distribution, high costs, and a lack of support mechanisms further restrict access for many elderly residents.
In response, the Department of Health has announced plans to develop a master strategy for elderly care between 2025 and 2030. The goal is to create a multi-tier care ecosystem that better addresses the diverse needs of older people. Experts emphasise that such a system would help bridge gaps in the current framework, where detailed tracking of outpatient services remains scarce.
The proposed master plan aims to build a more integrated care network for Ho Chi Minh City's ageing population. With demand for long-term support rising sharply, the city must expand and diversify its services beyond traditional nursing homes. The success of this effort will depend on addressing accessibility, affordability, and the coordination of care across different levels.
Read also:
- Ignorant Youth Unfamiliar with Quebec's Cultural Landscape
- PCOS-related Gas Buildup: Explanation, Control Strategies, and Further Insights
- Astral Lore and Celestial Arrangements: Defining Terms & In-Depth Insights - Historical Accounts & Glossary of Cosmic Mythology
- "Rural Idyls with Supercars: Astonishing Sites Where Residents Cruise McLarens and Ferraris for Groceries"
