Australian Vietnamese grandparents redefine successful aging

As Australia marks 50 years of Vietnamese migration, new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has shed light on how Vietnamese Australians view aging—and it’s very different from Western ideas of “successful aging.”

The study, led by Dr. Hien Nguyen, conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 42 Vietnamese migrants to explore their perspectives on what successful aging means to them.

The paper, “Social Relational Notions of Successful Aging: Contesting Dominant Individualized Conceptions of Successful Aging By Examining Migrant Intergenerational Lived Experiences,” is published in the The Gerontologist.

“For many Vietnamese migrants, successful aging isn’t just about staying physically fit or independent—it’s about family harmony and continuity, culture, and meaningful relationships,” Dr. Nguyen said.

“Our study found that Vietnamese Australians see successful aging as being deeply connected to their families, feeling respected, and maintaining their cultural identity.

“In Western countries, aging is often measured by how independent someone remains. But for many Vietnamese migrants, fulfillment comes from the successes of descendants, strong family bonds, being cared for, and passing down traditions to younger generations.”

Family first: A different take on aging

The study found that for older Vietnamese Australians, aging well means witnessing their next generation thrive, living happily, staying healthy, achieving success in their careers, and financial stability.

“They cherish staying close to family and being valued for their wisdom and contributions,” Dr. Nguyen said.

“Many prefer to live with or near their children, seeing it as a sign of love and respect rather than dependence.

“Intergenerational support is key,” she said.

“Older Vietnamese Australians feel happiest when they are included in family life, whether that’s through daily interactions, caregiving roles, or sharing cultural traditions.”

Challenges in a Western system

However, the study also found that adapting to Australia’s aged care system can be challenging due to language barriers and older Vietnamese migrants’ strong expectations for intergenerational support and family care.

Dr. Nguyen said Western models often focus on personal independence, which doesn’t always align with the values of Vietnamese families.

“Our participants expressed concerns that mainstream aged care services often fail to meet their cultural needs, particularly when they lack cultural and linguistic relevance,” she said.

“They want services that respect their language, traditions, and the importance of family involvement in care decisions.”

Generational differences

Dr. Nguyen said an interesting finding was the generational differences in perceptions of aging and well-being.

“Older Vietnamese migrants placed greater emphasis on the success of their adult children and the maintenance of intergenerational relationships as a key to aging well,” she said.

“However, adult children, who have grown up in Australia, tended to place more emphasis on independence, personal fulfillment, and a balance between Western and Vietnamese values.

“This generational gap can create challenges in family expectations, caregiving responsibilities, and lifestyle,” she said.

Recognizing the contribution of Vietnamese migrants

As Australia celebrates 50 years of Vietnamese migration, Dr. Nguyen believes it’s the perfect time to recognize the contributions of older Vietnamese Australians—particularly in intergenerational support, such as childcare and home management—and consider how aged care policies can better reflect their needs.

“The Vietnamese community has enriched Australia in so many ways, and their perspectives on aging are just one example of how different cultures can shape our society for the better,” she said.

“We need policies that are inclusive and culturally responsive, so all Australians can age with dignity and joy.”