Filipinos are shifting how they define family legacy, increasingly viewing self-reliance, financial freedom, and quality care as the ultimate inheritance they can pass down to their loved ones.
According to the new Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026: Independence as the New Legacy, an overwhelming 88% of Filipinos agree that their personal independence and financial freedom form the inheritance they wish to leave their families. That number climbs to 95% among young adults aged 25 to 34.
For respondents, independence means three key things: the freedom from becoming a burden on others, the power to make life decisions without family pressure, and guaranteed access to quality care. Overall, 56% cite their own health and quality of life as a top priority, while 53% worry about surprise expenses in their later years.
“For many Filipinos, legacy has always been deeply connected to family. What we are seeing is that people increasingly view legacy not only as what they leave behind, but also as the choices they make to stay healthy, independent and able to enjoy life for longer,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.
“This is especially important as Filipinos face more complex health, care, and financial needs as they age. At Manulife, we are committed to helping them prepare for the future through trusted advice, protection, and health and wealth solutions that enable greater confidence, dignity, and financial security in the years ahead.”
The health factor in aging well
Filipinos widely recognize that physical health underpins personal freedom, with 92% agreeing that preventive care and consistent self-care habits extend their years of self-sufficiency.
When asked about current daily wellness routines:
- 52% prioritize spending quality time with family and friends.
- 50% follow a balanced diet.
- 48% maintain a regular exercise routine.
Despite these positive habits, critical gaps remain in proactive health management. Only 29% actively build social networks to combat isolation, and just 26% undergo early screenings and preventive care to stop chronic illnesses before they start.
The heavy strain on the sandwich generation
The journey toward long-term independence is being compromised by immediate family caregiving and financial obligations.
Roughly 67% of respondents currently provide care to a family member, devoting an average of 32 hours per week to these duties—far exceeding the regional average of 23 hours. Additionally, 68% carry financial obligations for relatives, channeling nearly half of their monthly income toward family support.
This dual pressure falls hardest on the “sandwich generation,” who care for both aging parents and growing children simultaneously. Within the survey pool, 13% provide hands-on care to both generations, while 17% extend financial support to both.
These dual responsibilities directly undermine long-term stability:
- 76% of caregivers struggle to make long-term plans for themselves.
- 74% report that caregiving and financial burdens hinder their ability to build self-reliance.
- 71% have delayed their own medical care to meet family obligations.
- 69% struggle to balance caregiving duties with basic daily activities.
- 68% experience persistent sleep problems.
- 67% report financial strain and difficulty adjusting their life plans.
- 54% suffer from deteriorating physical health.
“The findings show us where the gaps are, and where support is most needed. Filipinos caught in these dual responsibilities should not have to choose between caring for their families and securing their own future. That is precisely the kind of challenge we want to help them navigate,” Hora added.
Rising care costs fuel financial anxiety
These daily pressures feed into widespread economic uncertainty. A striking 82% of Filipinos admit they are worried about affording future care needs, significantly higher than the 66% regional average.
Filipinos estimate they will need PHP34,485 per month to cover future care costs. To pay for this, 87% plan to rely on personal savings and 59% point to investments. Only 21% expect financial support from their children, underscoring a strong desire to remain self-sufficient and allow the next generation to focus on their own ambitions.
“Financial independence is becoming an essential part of how Filipinos define a secure and dignified future,” said Aira Gaspar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investments Philippines. “As people live longer, many are thinking more intentionally about how they can support their retirement, care needs, and life goals through savings and investments, while remaining self-sufficient and giving their children the freedom to pursue their own goals.”
To close the funding gap, Filipinos actively saving and investing are recalibrating their financial strategies:
- Nearly 50% plan to shift toward income-generating investments.
- 30% intend to work directly with a professional financial planner or advisor.
- 28% plan to diversify across various asset classes.
- 21% favor a conservative approach focused strictly on capital preservation.
Gaspar added, “At Manulife Investments Philippines, we help bridge the gap between intention and action by offering professionally managed unit investment trust funds (UITFs) as well as expert guidance and resources that make long-term financial planning more accessible and relevant to Filipinos at different life stages.”
The insights uncovered in this year’s survey align with the Manulife Longevity Institute, a global research, thought leadership, innovation, advocacy, and community investment platform that drives action to help people thrive at every age. Learn more about Manulife’s Longevity research and insights at: manulife.com/longevity.
Leave a Reply