2025 Manulife Financial Resilience and Longevity Report Reveals Quality of Life and Financial Independence Are Top Priorities for Asia’s Aging Population

As people across Asia continue to enjoy longer life spans, a growing number are shifting their focus from simply extending life to ensuring that those additional years are lived with purpose, independence, and stability. This insight comes from the newly released 2025 Financial Resilience and Longevity Report for Asia (the “Report”) by Manulife Wealth & Asset Management (Manulife WAM). The Report highlights that while longevity continues to rise across the region, financial resilience and confidence remain uneven, especially as expectations for healthier, more independent retirements grow.

Covering key markets such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, the Report builds on Manulife’s long-standing commitment to helping communities prepare for longer lifespans. This commitment is further demonstrated through the recent launch of Manulife’s Longevity Institute, a global platform designed to promote innovation, insights, and solutions that empower people to live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.

According to Calvin Chiu, Head of Asia Retirement at Manulife and Chief Executive Officer at Manulife Investment Management Hong Kong, people are beginning to redefine what retirement truly means.
“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 well-being now define success in this new era of longevity.”
Living Better, Not Just Longer

One of the clearest themes from the Report is that quality of life outweighs the desire for longevity alone. Fewer than 10% of respondents said they wanted to live longer regardless of circumstances. Instead:

50% prefer a meaningful, purpose-driven life,


Over one-third want to avoid becoming a burden, and


Many envision later life as a stage where they remain financially independent, physically active, mentally engaged, and able to maintain their preferred standard of living.

The findings also show a strong perceived link between financial and physical well-being. Three out of four respondentsbelieve that their financial state directly affects their physical and mental health, while 85% say it heavily influences their mental well-being during retirement.

Chiu emphasizes this mindset shift:
“People across Asia want to enjoy their extended lifespans with dignity, purpose, and freedom. That requires a shift in mindset—from saving for retirement to planning for longevity.”
Asia’s Financial Readiness Gap

Despite the growing awareness and desire for quality aging, many still feel unprepared for retirement. Less than half of respondents believe they will have sufficient funds to retire comfortably. The confidence gap varies:

Hong Kong: 48%


Malaysia: 58%


Philippines: 52%


Indonesia: 77%

Mid-life individuals aged 45 to 54 emerged as the least confident, signaling the need for earlier and more intentional financial planning.

The Report also found that cash remains the dominant investment choice, comprising about half of non-property portfolios. Fear of capital loss, limited investment knowledge, and market uncertainties contribute to this cautious approach. Meanwhile, property—traditionally a cornerstone of Asian retirement planning—is gradually losing its primacy, with only 3 in 10 still viewing it as a top priority.

Chiu notes that this overreliance on cash and property can create long-term vulnerabilities:
“Holding too much cash and relying solely on property can leave people exposed to inflation and income gaps. Financial resilience requires diversification, especially into income-generating and inflation-protected assets.”
The Power of Financial Advice

A clear trend from the Report is that professional guidance significantly strengthens financial confidence. Those who work with financial planners reported notably higher optimism:

Indonesia: 89% with a planner vs. 63% without


Hong Kong: 62% with a planner vs. 29% without

Insurance agents and financial planners remain the most trusted advisors across the region.

“Professional advice can make all the difference,” Chiu said. “With the right guidance, people can move from simply saving to actively investing, gaining greater control over their future income and lifestyle.”
Generational and Market Insights Across Asia

Regional nuances help illustrate where progress is being made:

Hong Kong: 65% plan to shift their cash holdings into higher-return investments.


Malaysia: Strong interest in pension solutions offering steady income and inflation protection.


Indonesia: Most financially confident market; 69% are more open to income-generating investments over property.


Philippines: A market in transition, with 73% now prioritizing income-generating investments—a shift toward more balanced and diversified retirement planning.

Across generations, a common theme stands out: the desire for a work-free new chapter. This is strongest among younger adults (55% of ages 25–34) and older adults (58% of ages 60+).
A Call to Action: Building Confidence for Longer Lives

As life expectancy is projected to rise further, Manulife WAM highlights the need for a more holistic approach to retirement—one that aligns physical, mental, and financial well-being. The Report encourages individuals, employers, and industry leaders to rethink traditional retirement assumptions and take proactive steps toward longevity planning.

“Longevity should be a source of optimism, not anxiety,” Chiu concludes. “With the right financial habits and guidance, people can turn longer lives into better lives—and that’s the vision driving our work at Manulife.”