Living Arrangements of the Elderly in Vietnam: Adaptation to Change

Vietnam is experiencing an increase in the share of the elderly population (people aged 60 and over) and profound social and economic changes at the same time. Co-residence with children is the traditional means of support for the elderly. Given the minimal coverage of formal care, concern has been voiced that the increasing old age dependency ratio and the strong flow of rural-urban labour migration among younger adults will threaten the viability of the traditional support system for the elderly. By analysing the secondary data of Vietnam (Housing) Living Standard Survey (VHLSS 1992-2010), Vietnam National Aging Survey 2011, and qualitative case study data, this paper aims to describe different living arrangements of the elderly and how these patterns have been shaped by the changing conditions.
The preliminary results show that while the majority of elderly live with children, this type of family support is changing. Elderly living alone or with their spouse only is increasing. Quasi-co-residence, rotation residence, or living with grandchildren can be regarded as coping mechanisms to maintain inter-generational support under changing conditions. Living in private or state institution covers only small proportion of the richest and poorest sections of the elderly population.