Vietnam has one of the fastest-ageing populations in the world, ageing at a pace that far outpaces the adaptive capacity of a middle-income country. These conditions leave many older people facing severe hardship, hindering their ability to lead a healthy, safe, and dignified life. Many live in poverty, cope with multiple illnesses, and lack adequate access to social protection programmes.

At the same time, Vietnam regularly faces annual natural disasters, such as storms, typhoons, and floods, that threaten both lives and livelihoods. Older people are among the most vulnerable groups in these emergencies. Furthermore, these disasters are projected to become increasingly frequent and severe, as Vietnam ranks among the countries most severely affected by climate change.

The key areas of work of HelpAge International in Vietnam are designed to address these essential needs while promoting the voice, role, and potential of older people.