Kathmandu. Most people in Asia want to be financially independent, healthy and active as they get older. However, less than 10 percent prefer to live longer at any cost.
According to the 2025 Financial Resilience and Longevity Report released by Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, people across Asia are living longer and are focusing more on quality of life in retirement. “However, many are still unsure of their financial preparedness,” the report said.
The report covers people from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Three-quarters said financial well-being would affect their physical and mental health. Despite this awareness, their confidence in retirement preparation is mixed.
Only 48 percent of Hong Kong respondents believe they will have enough money for retirement. This is the case in Malaysia (58 per cent), Indonesia (77 per cent) and the Philippines (52 per cent). Mid-career workers between the ages of 45 and 54 are the least confident.
Asian savers still rely heavily on cash. That’s about half of non-asset investments.
Many avoid high-return assets because of fear of loss or lack of investment knowledge. “Wealth remains important, but its dominance is declining,” the report said.
The report highlights a clear link between financial advice and confidence. In Indonesia, 89 percent of respondents who are financial planners expect adequate retirement savings.
Insurance agents and financial planners are the main sources of advice throughout the region. Market insights show a different level of preparation. Two-thirds of Hong Kong respondents plan to shift some savings to high-yield investments.
Malaysians show a growing interest in products that provide a steady income. Indonesians are the most open to diversification. Whereas Filipinos now prefer income-generating investments over wealth.
