Quality of life trumps lifespan for many Asians – report

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November 30, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Most Asians value quality of life over simply living longer, according to a new Manulife report, which found that many prioritize financial independence without becoming a burden on others in their later years.

Noting that only a small fraction of respondents wanted to live longer regardless of circumstances, Manulife said that the findings highlight a strong desire for autonomy and wellbeing, with many respondents viewing health and financial stability as closely interconnected.

The firm’s head of Asia retirement, Calvin Chiu said that people across Asia want to enjoy longer lives with dignity, purpose and freedom, emphasizing the need to shift from merely saving for retirement to actively planning for life expectancy.

“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,” he said.

Manulife said that more than half of respondents across Asia believe they would have enough funds to retire comfortably. Those in the mid-career bracket, aged 45 to 54, are the least optimistic, highlighting the need for more proactive financial planning.

“Cash continues to dominate the average Asian portfolio, representing roughly half of non-property investments, reflecting ongoing caution toward risk,” Manulife said.

The report noted that respondents cited fear of capital loss and limited investment knowledge as key reasons for avoiding higher-yielding assets, reflecting cautious attitudes toward riskier financial options.

“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,” the report noted.

Chiu warned that holding excessive cash and relying solely on property can leave individuals exposed to inflation and income shortfalls, emphasizing that building financial resilience requires early diversification across income-generating and inflation-protected assets.