From age 40, health is no longer a matter of tomorrow
Population aging is no longer a story for the next few decades but is happening faster than predicted. This also poses a new requirement: preparing for old age must start when healthy, instead of waiting until illness appears.
This message was emphasized by many experts at a scientific conference on improving health protection and care in the aging population phase that just took place in Ca Mau.
According to the Ministry of Health, in the Draft Circular guiding the implementation of the National Target Program on health care, population and development for the period 2026-2035, people from the age of 40 will be equipped with knowledge and skills to prepare for old age. The content not only includes health training, maintaining a healthy lifestyle but also aims at preparing finances, suitable jobs and skills to care for the elderly at home.
Standing Deputy Minister of Health Vu Manh Ha said that Vietnam is entering a period of rapid population aging, requiring the health system to shift from disease-curing thinking to proactive health management, strengthening prevention, applying technology and improving grassroots health capacity.
According to Associate Professor, Dr. Le Dinh Thanh - Director of Thong Nhat Hospital, many chronic diseases in the elderly have actually formed many years ago. Therefore, periodic health monitoring and early detection of risk factors right from middle age are decisive for the quality of life later.
Prepare early so as not to become a burden
For many people, age 40 is the busiest period of their lives. They both build a career, raise children, and take care of their elderly parents. Therefore, their own health is often placed at the bottom of the priority list.
Reality shows that many diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, metabolic disorders or some cancers are tending to appear at a younger age than before. Most of these diseases progress silently for many years before having obvious symptoms.
Mr. Nguyen Van Quoc (45 years old, Bac Lieu ward) believes that 40 years old is the time to think more seriously about the road ahead.
At this age, I realize that time passes very quickly. If I don't prepare my health and finances from now on, I will be very passive in the future. Old age is not as far away as I once thought," Mr. Quoc shared.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Chi Linh (46 years old) said that he still spends most of his time taking care of his parents and children, rarely thinking about his health. However, after listening to experts' analysis, he realized that regular health check-ups and lifestyle changes need to start today.
Vice Chairman of Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee Le Van Su said that the locality has achieved a health insurance coverage rate of over 99%, but elderly health care is still a major challenge. The province hopes to continue to receive professional support and technical transfer to improve the quality of people's health care in the context of population aging.
