Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026
One of the Greatest Legacies We Can Give Our Family is Our Own Independence
As people in Hong Kong look toward longer lives, their idea of a good inheritance is shifting from handing over wealth to handing down burdenless freedom. The Manulife’s Asia Care Survey 2026 shows that 84% of people in Hong Kong now regard independence—the ability to stay self-reliant and avoid burdening loved ones—as the new legacy that matters most. Their blueprint for that freedom rests on three pillars: robust health, resilient finances and sustainable caregiving support. When these foundations are in place, independence itself becomes the most precious gift families can pass to the next generation.
Key Finding 1: Independence as the New Legacy
90% of people in Hong Kong aim to stay self-sufficient for as long as possible, yet they still anticipate an average of 14 years of care dependence and 17 years of financial dependence, the longest span recorded across Asian markets. 91% believe that remaining self-reliant keeps them from burdening loved ones, and 64% rank “freedom from being a burden on others” as their top longevity priority. To safeguard that autonomy, respondents intend to allocate 71% of their financial assets to fund their own future needs, leaving just 29% for the next generation. This is further reinforced by the fact that only 17% plan to rely on financial support from their children for their retirement and care needs, reflecting a desire to avoid placing a financial burden on their families.
Key Finding 2: A Readiness Gap Threatens Future Independence
Despite recognising that independence is the new inheritance, many people in Hong Kong have yet to translate intent into action.
- Less than 50% take concrete steps to protect their health, and only 25% have taken early screenings to avoid chronic illnesses.
- Preventive care seems to remain untapped in Hong Kong.
- With more than 70% no longer living under the same roof as their parents, traditional family back-up is weakening, making advance planning more urgent than ever.
- While many prioritize financially independent, only 52% of respondents are using investments to fund their retirement and care needs—suggesting that many may not be fully leveraging the potential of investment returns for future independence.
The Three Building Blocks of Independence
Independence is forged where health capital, retirement readiness and caregiving resilience and financial converge.
Health Capital: More than half of those who prioritize being self-sufficient understand that good health is the foundation of independence.
Retirement Readiness: While many are shifting from family safety net to self-dependence, they are prioritizing income-generating investments to secure lifelong income.
Caregiving & financial resilience: With thoughtful planning, family caregiving and financial responsibilities can be balanced without compromising self-reliance.
Physical span:
The mean expected age for health issues to begin is 67, yetsigns often appear as early as 39.
Mental span:
77% agree that mental health has a significant impact on longevity.
Financial span:
70% see financial health as a key enabler of a longer, better life.
Preventive habits, regular screenings and daily lifestyle choices that keep us fit to live on our own terms form the first building block of independence.
Close to 60% of people in Hong Kong already rank health and quality of life above all other priorities, viewing good health as an asset they can pass to the next generation because it prevents the transfer of caregiving burdens. About 80 % agree that early screenings and preventive care are vital to building this health capital for an independent retirement.
Yet, intention still outpaces action. Although 83% recognise the importance of regular health check-ups, only 42% schedule one each year, and nearly one in five (19%) have never had a check-up. Meanwhile, fewer than half maintain a consistent exercise routine or follow a balanced diet to strengthen their health capital.
Closing this intention-action gap is critical: unless healthy behaviours become habits now, there’s the risk of losing independence in later life long before savings run out.
People in Hong Kong know independence has a price-tag. Two out of three (67%) are worried about whether they can afford the care they may need in later years.
Additionally, the traditional concept of retirement is changing. The survey shows that 77% of people in Hong Kong plan to continue working beyond the age of 65, not just for income, but to maintain independence and financial resilience.
Facing the cost of retirement and care needs, most plan to shoulder it themselves and primarily rely on personal savings (73%), followed by investments (52%). while just 17% look to financial help from their children.
And with reduced reliance on children, investment as an enabler remains underutilized
When asked about the steps taken to ensure future financial wellbeing and security, only 36% invest in stocks and 13% in mutual funds, while 46% of people are increasing savings such as cash and time deposits.
Encouragingly, there are signs of progress as individuals begin to adapt their financial planning approaches. Among those who have investments, insurance and savings plans, 44% are increasing diversification across asset classes, while 43% are shifting toward income-generating investments — reflecting a focus on building resilient portfolios to support long-term independence.
Retirement readiness means building sustainable income streams early, so that rising longevity doesn’t erode the very independence that people in Hong Kong hope to preserve for themselves.
“Our survey underscores that retirement planning may need to go beyond accumulation to ensuring financial resources are effectively deployed to create sustainable income, resilience and confidence over the 30 to 40 years people may spend in retirement. As MPF schemes continue to improve accessibility and provide a baseline level of protection, greater awareness of income readiness and portfolio resilience will be key in helping people in Hong Kong distinguish between short-term needs and long-term aspirations to ensure independence post-retirement remains a priority.”
Jeanie Ho, Head of Hong Kong and Macau Retirement, Manulife
Caring for family is a cultural cornerstone in Hong Kong, yet the survey shows that doing so can quietly erode the very independence people hope to keep.
Four in ten (40%) respondents already provide some form of care, with 41 % giving health support and 38% offering financial help. Two-thirds say the financial responsibilities hinder their ability to build self-reliance. Among health caregivers, the strain is clear: 68% report compromises in daily activities and financial planning, 58% feel their long-term independence is at risk, and 43% have delayed their own medical care, rising to more than half for those aged 35-44.
Breaking this cycle starts with open and honest conversations. 65% believe open family discussions about retirement needs and expectations would help, yet 30% admit that hesitation in initiating open discussions with family is not knowing where to start. Additionally, people who have discussed with a financial planner also tend to have a better quality of life than those who have not (90% vs 68%).
By turning silent stress into shared planning, caregivers can preserve both the support they give today and the independence they want for tomorrow.
“At Manulife, we focus on building holistic support ecosystems that connect customers to healthcare, wellness and community networks, so they can care for others without neglecting themselves. Ultimately, caregiving should be sustainable — it should not come at the cost of one's own long-term health and independence.”
Celia Ling, Incoming Chief Marketing Officer, Greater China, Manulife
Remarks:
The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026 was conducted between February and March 2026 via online questionnaires across nine markets: Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. More than 9,000 adults aged 18 and above participated.
For the Asia-specific data version, please visit: https://www.manulife.com/ca/en/about-us/news/asia-care-survey-2026
The information and materials presented in this publication are for reference only and do not represent Manulife’s financial analysis, advice, or official position. Manulife does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. Professional advice should be sought where necessary.
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