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According to the Asia Care Survey 2026 of Manulife, more adults in the region are aiming for independence in their older or retirement years.
The Asia Care Survey 2026 was conducted in February and March this year, and covered 9,000 individuals aged 18 or above (including 60+) across nine Asian markets:
These are China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
Specifically, 82% are aiming to be independent, including financially, as they age or reach retirement age.
This is opposed to the tradition where the elderly are cared for by family members, particularly children.
The survey showed that older adults may require care or financial support for as long as 13-14 years. This is forcing many Asian adults to rethink their future.
The survey revealed three things, and to quote directly from the report’s summary:
No. 1 – 82% of people in Asia believe their independence to be the most meaningful legacy they could leave to their families.
No. 2 – Health and financial well-being are the key building blocks on the path to independence.
No. 3- Those who talk openly about their retirement needs report a better quality of life than those who do not.
In the Philippines, 88% of adults are aiming to be independent in their retirement years.
And independence means freedom for older Asians.
This is what freedom looks like for older Asians:
-66% do not want to be a burden to their families.
-49% want to make decisions without family pressure.
-35% are able to travel like their younger peers.
-34% can choose where to live.
However, the Manulife survey showed that only around 50% of adults in Asia have taken concrete steps to protect their health.
The Manulife survey show that among older Asian adults, below 41% do these top 5 self-care habits (to quote):
No. 1 – Maintain a consistent exercise routine to stay healthy and mobile.
No. 2 – Follow a balanced diet to prevent future health issues.
No. 3 – Engage in hobbies and leisure activities.
No. 4 – Spend quality time with supportive friends, family members or pets.
No. 5 – Attend early screenings and take preventive care.
Manulife recommended the following for adults to start preparing for healthy aging (to quote):
No. 1 – Make preventive care a routine.
No. 2 – Build sustainable self-care habits, starting small.
No. 3 – Start the family conversation about aging and retirement now.
The message of the Asia Care Survey 2026 of Manulife is very clear.
Adults should start preparing financially if they want to become independent as they age.
Being healthy is also part of attaining independence as a person ages.
