Manulife Survey Finds 80% of Asians Favor Independence Over Inheritance as 74% Plan to Work Past 65
Updated
Updated · briefglance.com · Jun 12
Manulife Survey Finds 80% of Asians Favor Independence Over Inheritance as 74% Plan to Work Past 65
3 articles · Updated · briefglance.com · Jun 12
Summary
More than 80% of Asian adults now rank self-reliance above leaving an inheritance, with respondents expecting to spend 13 to 14 later-life years needing care or financial support.
The survey of 9,000 adults found a sharp execution gap: 89% prioritize financial independence, but only 51% use investments to fund retirement and care needs.
Health planning shows the same shortfall, with about half skipping regular comprehensive check-ups and fewer than half maintaining consistent exercise or balanced diets despite broad support for preventive care.
Around half of respondents already provide care or financial support to relatives, and 6 in 10 caregivers say those duties are hurting their own future planning.
That strain is reshaping retirement across Asia: 74% expect to work beyond 65, while more than 40% have never held family talks about aging, care and money.
With most Asians planning to work past 65, how must societies re-engineer retirement and the very definition of a career?
As Asians redefine legacy as independence, what stops them from taking the financial and health actions needed to achieve it?
As elders fight for financial independence, are we prepared for the rising tide of sophisticated scams designed to steal it?
Redefining Legacy in Asia: Key Findings from the 2026 Manulife Survey on Health, Longevity, and Financial Independence
Overview
The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026 shows that people across Asia are changing how they think about legacy, longevity, and health. Instead of focusing only on financial inheritance, most now see legacy as passing on values, wisdom, and life lessons. Many also want to leave a positive social or environmental impact. Longevity is about living better, not just longer, with a strong focus on quality of life. Health and well-being are now top priorities, often more important than wealth. This marks a clear shift towards a more holistic and values-driven approach to life and lasting impact.