PETALING JAYA: As people across Asia live longer than ever before, a growing number are prioritising purpose and quality in a longer life, according to the 2025 Financial Resilience and Longevity Report for Asia unveiled by Manulife.
It reveals that as longevity rises across the region, people aspire to live independently and healthily in retirement, but many still face challenges in achieving lasting financial resilience.
The report, which focuses on Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, builds on Manulife’s established commitment to longevity preparedness and is exemplified by the recent launch of Manulife’s Longevity Institute, a global platform that seeks to drive action to help people live longer, healthier and more financially secure lives.
Manulife Investment Management Hong Kong Asia retirement head and CEO Calvin Chiu said, “Longevity is reshaping how people across Asia think about retirement. We’re seeing people rethink what retirement means – not simply living longer, but living better. Financial independence, health and wellbeing now define success in this new era of longevity.”
The report shows that most Asians prioritise quality of life over longevity itself. Fewer than one in 10 respondents said they wanted to live longer regardless of circumstances, while half said they value living a meaningful life, and over one-third expressed a desire not to be a burden on others. When envisioning later life, people overwhelmingly said they hope to be financially independent, stay physically and mentally active, and age gracefully while maintaining their desired standard of living.
These findings highlight a strong desire for autonomy and wellbeing, with many viewing health and financial stability as deeply connected. Across all four markets, three quarters of respondents believe that their financial wellbeing affects their physical and mental health, while 85% said financial wellbeing influences their mental state during retirement.
“People across Asia want to enjoy their extended lifespans with dignity, purpose, and freedom,” Chiu said, adding that requires a shift in mindset – from saving for retirement to planning for longevity.
Despite this awareness, less than half of respondents across Asia believe they will have enough funds to retire comfortably. Confidence varies widely across markets, from just 48% in Hong Kong to 77% in Indonesia. Mid-career individuals aged between 45 and 54 are the least optimistic about their preparedness, underscoring a need for more proactive financial planning.
Cash continues to dominate the average Asian portfolio, representing roughly half of non-property investments, reflecting ongoing caution towards risk. Many respondents cited fear of capital loss and lack of investment knowledge as reasons for avoiding higher-yielding assets. Property, once the cornerstone of Asian retirement planning, is losing its dominance. While most still regard it as important, only three in 10 now see it as less of a priority than before.
“Holding too much cash and relying solely on property can leave people vulnerable to inflation and income shortfalls,” said Chiu. “Building financial resilience means diversifying across income-generating and inflation-protected assets – and doing so early.”
The report found a clear link between financial advice and confidence. Across all four markets, people who work with a financial planner are significantly more likely to feel ready for the future.
“Professional advice can make all the difference,” said Chiu. “With the right guidance, people can move from simply saving to actively investing, giving them greater control over their future income and lifestyle.”
In Malaysia, confidence is moderate, with 58% expecting to be financially ready. Many Malaysians expressed strong interest in pension solutions that provide steady retirement income and protection against inflation.
The report also highlights a common insight across generations. Younger, mid-life and older groups consistently ranked a work-free new chapter as their top priority when it comes to retirement outlook. This desire is strongest among the younger group (25-34) at 55% and the older group (60+) at 58%, while mid-life groups (45-59) show a more balanced view with many leaning towards balancing work and life with continued employment at the same time.
The report urges individuals, employers and financial planners to rethink traditional retirement strategies, as life expectancy continues to rise.
“Longevity should be a source of optimism, not anxiety,” Chiu said, adding that with the right financial habits and guidance, people can turn longer lives into better lives – and that’s the vision driving their work at Manulife.
The Asia findings of the 2025 Financial Resilience and Longevity Report draw from Manulife’s Asia Care Survey conducted between January and February 2025. The study gathered insights from over 9,000 respondents aged 25 and above across nine markets: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan region, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. The report examines how financial resilience, health and retirement aspirations are evolving across generations in an era of extended longevity.
