Manulife Philippines has released its 2026 Asia Care Survey, “Independence as the New Legacy,” revealing that Filipinos increasingly define a secure future through financial freedom, self-reliance, and healthy aging. The study highlights growing concerns about long-term care, retirement readiness, and the challenges faced by the sandwich generation, while underscoring the importance of proactive health and wealth planning. Manulife continues to position itself as a trusted partner, helping Filipinos achieve greater independence and financial security throughout every stage of life.
Filipinos are increasingly redefining what it means to leave a legacy, placing greater emphasis on independence, financial freedom, and self-reliance as they prepare for longer lifespans, according to the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026: Independence as the New Legacy.
The study, which surveyed more than 9,000 respondents across Asia, including 1,000 Filipinos, found that 88% of respondents view their independence and financial freedom as the inheritance they want to leave their families. The figure rises to 95% among Filipinos aged 25 to 34, highlighting a growing shift toward self-sufficiency and long-term financial planning.
The survey revealed that Filipinos increasingly associate independence with maintaining good health, avoiding becoming a burden to loved ones, and having access to quality healthcare. Among those who prioritize independence as a legacy, 56% cited health and quality of life as key concerns, while 53% identified unexpected expenses later in life as a major challenge.
Health remains a critical pillar of independence, with 92% of respondents agreeing that preventive care and self-care habits can help extend years of self-reliance. Popular wellness practices include spending time with family and friends (52%), maintaining a balanced diet (50%), and exercising regularly (48%). However, fewer Filipinos are taking proactive steps such as preventive health screenings (26%) or building social networks to combat isolation (29%).
The findings also highlight the pressures faced by the country’s “sandwich generation”—individuals supporting both parents and children. About 67% of respondents provide care to a family member, averaging 32 hours per week, while 68% offer financial support to relatives, allocating nearly half of their monthly income to these responsibilities.
These caregiving and financial commitments are affecting long-term planning. Among respondents, 74% said family obligations hinder their ability to build self-reliance, while 71% reported delaying their own medical care due to caregiving and financial pressures.
Financial concerns are also growing, with 82% of Filipinos worried about the cost of future care, significantly higher than the regional average of 66%. Respondents estimated they would need approximately PHP 34,485 per month to cover future care-related expenses. Most plan to rely on personal savings (87%) and investments (59%), while only 21% expect financial support from their children.
The survey suggests that Filipinos are becoming more proactive in preparing for longevity, with many planning to shift toward income-generating investments, diversify their portfolios, and seek professional financial advice to strengthen retirement readiness and long-term financial security.
The findings align with Manulife’s broader longevity research initiatives, which focus on helping individuals prepare for healthier, more financially secure lives as life expectancy continues to increase.
