Ho Chi Minh City already houses more than 1.57 million seniors and is expected to become an aged society by 2038 and a super‑aged society by 2048. Understanding its new care plan helps us see how fast‑growing cities can respond to ageing.

The municipal People’s Committee has approved a 2026‑30 project to build a unified five‑tier healthcare system for older residents, with a vision extending to 2045. The current system mainly treats acute illnesses and does not provide a citywide pathway for long‑term or rehabilitative care.

The five tiers are: Tier 1 – self‑care and health promotion; Tier 2 – community‑based support; Tier 3 – home‑based support; Tier 4 – residential care; and Tier 5 – hospital care. Each level is designed to match the specific needs of seniors, from prevention to complex medical treatment.

Movement between the tiers will be decided by standardized assessments of an older person’s health status, level of dependency and care requirements. This assessment‑driven approach aims to guarantee continuity and coordination as needs change.

Ho Chi Minh City’s model shows that a clear, multi‑level framework can link preventive services, community help, home care, residential facilities and hospitals. The lesson is that coordinated tiers, guided by regular assessments, can support a rapidly ageing population.