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Marco Luis Beech - The Philippine Star
August 5, 2025 | 12:00am
More Filipinos now prefer to achieve financial freedom by age 60 over living longer.
STAR / File
Manulife’s Asia Care Survey
MANILA, Philippines — An increasing number of Filipinos are shifting their focus from simply extending their lifespan to living a life free from financial burdens, according to a recent survey by an insurance provider.
According to the 2025 edition of Manulife’s Asia Care Survey, 26 percent of Filipinos prefer achieving financial independence by age 60 over living longer or prioritizing other aspects of quality of life.
“Goals related to having total financial freedom and maintaining physical, mental and social health outrank living a longer life,” Manulife said.
“This is likely due to the general awareness or belief that life expectancy is to keep increasing ‘by default.’ As such, having total financial freedom, and maintaining physical, mental and social health are valued more deeply,” according to the report.
The survey revealed that 17 percent of Filipinos prioritize staying physically, mentally and socially active, followed by those 13 percent who wish to live a longer life, signaling a shift in how longevity is now viewed.
Fewer respondents value aging gracefully, at 12 percent. Just eight percent aim to achieve their most desired quality of life and ensure their loved ones’ financial prosperity, suggesting a growing preference for well-being and independence over traditional retirement aspirations.
This also reflected a shift toward personal wellness over traditional longevity goals.
Among Filipinos who value quality of life more than living longer, the preferred lifespan falls eight years below the national estimate, wider than the regional average difference of five years.
“For younger consumers aged 25 to 34, the difference between their desired lifespan and expected lifespan is as large as 10 years,” the report said.
With life expectancy in the Philippines projected to rise from 70 years in 2023 to 73 years by 2050, Filipinos are beginning to see longevity less as a number and more as a pursuit of personal fulfillment and priorities, the survey noted.
Manulife surveyed a total of 1,000 Filipinos.
