As a result, the Ministry of Health’s proposal to equip people with knowledge about preparing for old age at 40 has prompted many to ask whether this age is too early.

Giang Thanh Long, professor and population and development expert at the National Economics University, said the confusion stems from equating "preparing for old age" with "preparing for retirement."

"Preparing for old age is not about preparing to retire. It's about ensuring that when you grow older, you can remain healthy and live with greater independence," he said.

Why start at 40?

According to Long, people in their 40s generally reach a more stable stage in their careers and enjoy relatively steady incomes. In Vietnam, this age group also records the highest growth in average per capita income. It is also a time when health is still good enough to adopt healthier habits, prevent disease, and build on established social networks and professional standing.

If old age is considered to begin between 60 and 65, today's 40-year-olds still have another 20 to 25 years to build their health, financial security, and social resources.

Long stressed that choosing age 40 as a milestone does not mean preparations should only begin then. Instead, it is an appropriate time for people to reassess their circumstances and develop long-term plans for the future.

One concern is that Vietnamese people are marrying later than previous generations. Many now marry between the ages of 32 and 38, meaning that by the time they reach 40, their children may still be in primary school and family finances remain under significant strain. 

Long argued that this does not make preparing for old age a greater burden because the two issues are fundamentally different.

"It's true that many people in their 40s are focused on supporting their families and raising young children. Some also belong to the 'sandwich generation,' caring for both children and aging parents. But looking after your children doesn't mean neglecting yourself," he said.

Long noted that the very fact that people shoulder multiple responsibilities at this stage of life makes early preparation even more important, rather than waiting until health declines or income becomes unstable.

At the same time, he acknowledged that it is unrealistic to expect everyone to prepare for old age when they are still struggling with immediate financial pressures.

"No one whose income barely covers today's expenses or whose biggest concern is paying their children's school fees can realistically think about what life will look like 20 years from now," he said.

Individuals cannot do it alone

Long argued that preparing for old age should not rely solely on individual effort but must be supported by appropriate public policies.

He cited Australia as an example, where workers begin contributing to a mandatory pension fund from their very first paycheck, with around 12 percent of wages set aside for retirement. Some countries also provide support for people caring for elderly parents or relatives so that caregiving responsibilities do not disrupt their long-term financial security.

"We cannot simply urge people to 'prepare for old age' without accompanying policies. Self-preparation is only feasible for those who already enjoy solid economic, health, and social foundations, and that group remains a minority," Long observed.

Alongside refining social welfare policies, the expert emphasized the need to enhance financial literacy so citizens learn to save and invest effectively. Additionally, health education must be strengthened starting in schools, covering everything from nutrition and food label reading to non-communicable disease prevention.

At the workshop "Youth Adapting to Population Aging in Vietnam," organized by the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union on July 31, Nguyen Xuan Truong from the Ministry of Health said that preparing for old age from a young age is not only an individual responsibility but also requires support from the State, families, and communities.

According to Truong, individuals should cultivate healthy lifestyles, exercise regularly, maintain balanced diets, and undergo periodic health checkups. 

Participating in social and health insurance helps alleviate financial burdens in later years, while lifelong learning and updating new technologies and skills help maintain adaptability in the labor market.

Furthermore, the State needs policies to support priority groups while encouraging enterprises, organizations, and communities to join hands in creating conditions for citizens to prepare for old age.

"If young people do not prepare now, they will pay the price in old age," Long said.

Vo Thu