Manulife Survey Reveals Shift in Asian Legacy Mindset: Independence Over Wealth
Event summary
- Manulife's Asia Care Survey 2026, based on 9,000+ respondents across nine markets, shows 80% prioritize independence over traditional wealth inheritance.
- Respondents estimate 13-14 years of potential care dependency in later life, driving demand for financial self-sufficiency.
- Only 51% use investments to fund retirement, with gaps more pronounced in Japan (30%), China (40%), and Vietnam (43%).
- 74% plan to work beyond 65, with flexible part-time roles most preferred across Asia.
The big picture
The survey highlights a generational shift in Asian attitudes toward aging, where financial independence and health self-sufficiency are increasingly valued over traditional wealth transfers. This trend presents both a challenge and opportunity for insurers and wealth managers to develop products that support longer, more independent lifespans. Manulife's findings align with its broader longevity-focused strategy, positioning the company to capitalize on this evolving market dynamic.
What we're watching
- Investment Utilization
- Whether Asian consumers will increase investment utilization to bridge the independence-funding gap.
- Retirement Age Evolution
- The pace at which traditional retirement norms (age 65) will be redefined across diverse Asian markets.
- Financial Product Innovation
- How insurers and wealth managers will adapt products to meet growing demand for independence-focused solutions.
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