Brian Jeffrey
The General Statistics Office (GSO) has reported an increase in the average life expectancy in Vietnam to 74.5 years, with men seeing a one-year rise and women an increase of 0.8 years.
Between 2019 and 2022, the life expectancy in Vietnam ranged from 73.6 to 73.7 years. On average, Vietnamese women outlive men by 5.3 years. In 2023, the life expectancy for women reached 77.2 years and for men, 72.1 years.
Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan highlighted that Vietnam’s life expectancy surpasses that of many nations with comparable income levels.
Urban residents generally have a longer life expectancy (76.8 years) compared to those in rural areas (74.3 years). The life expectancy in rural regions has seen a significant rise of 1.6 years over the past four years, from 72.7 in 2020 to 74.3 in 2023.
The southeastern region boasts the highest life expectancy at 76.3 years, while the Central Highlands have the lowest at 72 years. In the Red River Delta, the life expectancy is 75.7 years, marking a half-year increase from the previous year.
Cities like Ho Chi Minh City lead with the highest life expectancy at 76.5 years, followed by Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Dong Nai at 76.4 and 76.3 years, respectively. Hanoi residents have a life expectancy of 76.1 years, which surpasses the national average.
Regions like Dien Bien, Lai Chau, and Kon Tum have the lowest life expectancy, but there have been improvements in 2023, with Kon Tum and Dien Bien experiencing increases of 1.7 and 1.5 years, respectively, compared to the previous year.
The rise in life expectancy is attributed to improved living standards and healthcare services.
Nevertheless, the Ministry of Health notes an increase in the years that Vietnamese individuals live with illnesses. Generally, people in Vietnam live healthily until 65 years and then spend the next 10 years dealing with diseases.
Elderly individuals typically contend with 2-3 underlying health conditions, potentially linked to factors like pollution and diet. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular ailments, cancer, and diabetes often stem from habits like smoking, obesity, or excess weight.
