Millions of Vietnamese adults now belong to the so-called sandwich generation. They support aging parents above them and young children below them at the same time. Vietnam has nearly 27 million people aged between 40 and 59. Among informal workers, 55 percent have no social insurance, and only 3 percent buy it themselves. One couple in the story earns under 40 million dong a month while supporting four elderly parents.
Experts warn that time is running short for this group and for the country. Vietnam's period of a young, golden workforce is expected to end by 2038. Researchers describe age 40 as a symbolic milestone, when income peaks but spending pulls in three directions. A recent survey found that 89 percent of respondents see financial independence as the greatest gift for their children. Yet only 27 percent have actually started investing, and even fewer get regular health checks.