Retirement and Health Dynamics in Rural Vietnam: Insights From Longitudinal Data

Achieving good health in retirement has become a key priority for aging societies. This study examines the relationship between retirement and retirees’ health in rural Vietnam, using data from the Thailand Vietnam Socio-Economic Panel. The analysis employs multiple approaches, including fixed effects, random effects, and instrumental variable models, to assess the impact of retirement on health, with a focus on various health indicators. The study found that retirement is linked to a positive change in body mass index (BMI, measured in kilograms per meter squared [kg/m 2 ]) among rural Vietnamese populations, but the effect varies by socio-demographic factors. Men and the Kinh ethnic majority experienced an increase in BMI, while women and ethnic minorities did not. These findings not only highlight the positive impact of retirement on health but also emphasize the importance of developing tailored health programs and policies to support diverse groups of retirees in rural areas, where access to healthcare and social services may be limited. The study contributes to the existing literature on retirement and health in emerging economies, offering critical insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and employers to design effective interventions that address the unique needs of Vietnam’s aging population.