A new perspective on aging is emerging among Filipinos, who are now placing greater value on the quality of life rather than merely aiming to live longer. This shift in mindset is the key finding from the recently released Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025: “Embracing Longevity: Enjoying a Better Life.” The study, which gathered responses from 1,000 Filipinos, found that only 13% selected living a longer life as their primary goal for old age. Instead, 26% prioritized financial independence, while 17% valued staying physically, mentally, and socially active.
Conducted between January and February, the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025 explored how attitudes toward longevity are evolving across the region as global life expectancies continue to rise. For many Filipinos, the idea of a meaningful and independent life has taken precedence over simply extending the number of years lived. The study showed that those who emphasized quality of life over lifespan had a preferred average lifespan of 69 years—lower than the projected national life expectancy of 73.2 by 2050. This finding points to a clear desire for a life filled with purpose, vitality, and autonomy.
“Filipinos are redefining what it means to live a good life,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “They are no longer focused solely on longevity. Instead, they want to live better—with freedom, dignity, and the ability to enjoy life on their own terms. This shift challenges us to rethink how we support them—not just with insurance, but with holistic solutions that enhance their quality of life.”
Growing Health Concerns, Especially Among the Young
The survey also revealed increasing concerns around health, particularly among younger adults. Nearly 44% of respondents aged 25–34 reported experiencing physical or mental health issues that affect their day-to-day living. Despite this awareness, preventive health habits remain insufficient.
On average, Filipinos engage in only five out of 17 recommended preventive health measures. Critical health indicators such as muscle mass and oxygen uptake—scientifically linked to long-term health and vitality—are monitored by just 16% of participants. Yet, 74% believe that their existing health routines are adequate for aging well.
“There is a clear gap between awareness and action. Filipinos understand the importance of health, but many are not taking the necessary steps to protect it,” added Hora. “This disconnect could lead to long-term vulnerabilities, which will be challenging to address later in life. To bridge this gap, we encourage Filipinos to take more proactive steps, such as scheduling regular check-ups, adopting healthier lifestyle habits, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, to help safeguard their overall health and well-being.”
Financial Stability as a Health Enabler
The connection between financial stability and health outcomes also stood out. A large majority—80% of respondents—believe their financial well-being affects how long they can stay physically healthy. Similarly, 76% indicated that it influences their mental health and emotional resilience.
However, despite this recognition, the average retirement savings in the Philippines is just PHP 630,000—far short of the PHP 3.85 million that respondents estimate they would need to retire comfortably.
“Filipinos recognize that wealth and health are deeply connected,” said Aira Gaspar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investments Philippines. “However, their current savings and investment behaviors do not necessarily reflect this awareness. The gap between what they have saved and what they will need could compromise their ability to live independently and with dignity in later years.”
Rethinking Retirement Planning
When it comes to retirement strategies, the survey found that 66% of respondents prioritize keeping their money in cash or fixed deposits, while 51% favor investing in property. However, more than half (54%) also expressed a desire for reliable income streams during retirement—something not always provided by cash-heavy portfolios, particularly in light of inflation and rising healthcare costs.
“We are seeing a shift in how Filipinos think about retirement,” Gaspar noted. “While they are starting to realize that relying solely on property or savings may not be enough, many still hold excessive cash, which raises their longevity risk or the risk that they might outlive their savings, particularly in the face of potential longer life expectancy.
Gaspar added, “At Manulife Investments, we empower Filipinos to create more holistic wealth portfolios by giving them diverse and affordable investment choices, which they can use as building blocks to mobilize their savings, receive recurring income streams and achieve financial independence throughout their lifetime. Today, Filipinos can choose from our suite of 22 unit investment trust funds (UITFs), including six income-paying UITFs, spanning multi-asset, fixed income, equity and real estate investment trusts (REITs) asset classes that can be accessed for as little as Php1,000.”
The survey also highlighted the role of professional financial guidance. Among those working with financial planners, 70% believe they will have enough funds for retirement, compared to just 38% of those who do not seek financial advice.
Supporting a New Vision of Longevity
As the Philippines moves toward a future with higher life expectancy, the findings of the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025 emphasize the need for integrated health and wealth planning.
“The message from Filipinos is clear—they want to age with dignity, maintain their independence, and have the financial freedom to do what matters to them,” Hora concluded. “At Manulife, we are committed to evolving our products and services to support this vision. That means offering solutions that go beyond medical and critical illness coverage to address health protection needs and offering investment options that can provide reliable income streams for a better, more fulfilling life.”
