While Vietnamese citizens are living longer, the country is experiencing an accelerated rate of population aging. In just 12 years, one in every five Vietnamese people is projected to be a senior citizen, according to Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan.

Speaking at the launch of the National Population Month on December 10, Professor Tran Van Thuan highlighted the significant demographic challenges facing Vietnam. These issues are already affecting social and economic development and will continue to do so in the future.

Deputy Minister Thuan noted that maintaining replacement-level fertility remains unstable across the country. The total fertility rate in 2023 is estimated at 1.96 children per woman, the lowest in Vietnam’s history, with projections indicating further declines in the coming years.

Vietnam is transitioning out of its “golden population period,” where every dependent person is supported by two working-age individuals, into a rapidly aging society.

Matt Jackson, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam, described the increase in life expectancy as a positive indicator of development. According to Vietnam’s General Statistics Office, the average life expectancy in 2023 reached 74.5 years, with women living an average of 77.2 years and men 72.1 years.

However, Mr. Jackson warned of the implications of Vietnam’s accelerated aging process. The country officially entered the aging population phase in 2011, and projections suggest it will become an aging society by 2036 and a super-aged society by 2049.

Aging society: 20% of the population aged 60 or above (or 14% aged 65 or above).

Super-aged society: 25% of the population aged 60 or above (or 20% aged 65 or above).

"This transition from a young to an aged society will have profound effects, and preparation must begin now," said Jackson. Suggested measures include improving labor productivity, creating sustainable employment policies, increasing workforce participation - especially for older adults - and investing in healthcare and education.

Despite efforts to control the sex ratio at birth, it remains high, with 112 boys born for every 100 girls in 2023. Mr. Jackson cited gender-based prenatal selection as the primary cause of this imbalance, which poses significant societal challenges.

Deputy Minister Thuan and Mr. Jackson also highlighted other pressing issues: Maternal mortality in remote ethnic minority areas is 3-4 times higher than the national average; Unmet contraceptive needs among unmarried youth stand at 40%, four times higher than among married couples; Gender-based violence remains widespread, with nearly 63% of women experiencing some form of violence from their partners.

In response to these demographic challenges, the Ministry of Health has developed a proposal for the National Assembly to adopt a resolution on a comprehensive population policy framework.

This proposal includes measures to ensure replacement fertility rates across regions and demographics. The draft Population Law is expected to be submitted to the government this December.

Vo Thu