Older People in Rural Areas in the Silver Economy: The Relationship between Living Standards and Access to Healthcare Services
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E9/2026-14Keywords:
Older people, living standards, healthcare services, rural areasAbstract
The rapid aging of Viet Nam's population has increased demand for healthcare services among older people, particularly in rural areas where access remains limited. This study analyzes the current utilization of healthcare services among older people in rural areas and examines the relationship between household living standards and the choice of healthcare facilities. Based on data from the 2020 Viet Nam Household Living Standards Survey (VHLSS), combined with relevant literature and previous studies, the results show that older people in rural areas primarily use commune health stations, district hospitals, and private healthcare facilities, while their access to higher-level healthcare facilities is lower than that of their urban counterparts. Living standards have a clear influence on healthcare choices: low-income groups tend to use primary-level healthcare facilities due to limited affordability, greater distances, and higher travel costs, whereas high-income groups have greater access to higher-level facilities. Healthcare costs and out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance remain significant barriers. The study proposes strengthening primary healthcare, developing home-based care, expanding insurance coverage, and enhancing social protection support to improve access to healthcare services among older people in rural areas.
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Copyright (c) 2026 MSc. Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
