Population aging is a critical challenge across Southeast Asia, though the speed and scale of this phenomenon vary among countries.Vietnam, with one of the fastest aging rates globally, is expected to see 14% of its population aged 65 and above by 2036.This rapid shift, termed a “silver tsunami”, is mirrored in nations like Thailand and Singapore, albeit with unique national dynamics.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
While aging is a shared challenge across Southeast Asia, Vietnam is positioned uniquely to harness this trend for positive change:
• 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺: By 2036, 20% of our population will be aged 60+, transitioning us to an “aged society”. Though fast, this growth reflects a maturing workforce and society ready for innovation.
• 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: Already facing similar challenges, 22.8% of Thailand’s population will be elderly by 2035. Healthcare costs and workforce declines loom larger for our neighbor.
• 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲: With 26.6% of its population expected to be 65+ by 2035, Singapore faces one of the steepest aging curves globally. While its advanced systems set benchmarks, maintaining economic vibrancy remains a challenge.
• 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗮: Aging at a slower pace, Malaysia’s aging population is projected to reach 15% by 2040. Their gradual demographic shift offers time for preparation, but also less urgency to innovate.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲
Vietnam’s birth rate, at 2.01 children per woman, is close to the replacement level of 2.1. This places Vietnam in a stronger position compared to other Southeast Asian countries, such as:
• 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲: 1.2 children per woman, one of the lowest globally, creating significant long-term workforce challenges.
• 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: 1.5 children per woman, indicating a sharper population decline.
𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀
• Harnessing Experience: Older generations hold invaluable expertise and wisdom. Vietnam can lead in creating opportunities for older adults to contribute to society through flexible work and mentorship programs.
• 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲: With an increasing demand for healthcare, Vietnam has the chance to position itself as a leader in telemedicine, health technology, and elder-friendly infrastructure.
• 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Vietnam’s tradition of multigenerational living ensures that our elders are cared for while contributing meaningfully to family and community life.
At 𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙤𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙑𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙣𝙖𝙢, we believe that leadership is about seeing opportunities where others see challenges. Vietnam is not just aging—it’s evolving. By embracing our strengths, and fostering collaboration, we can turn this demographic shift into a springboard for progress.
