Adults in Asia reject inheritance-first wealth planning: Manulife

Respondents expect 13 to 14 years late in life requiring support.

People in Asia are now prioritising personal independence and financial self-sufficiency over traditional wealth inheritance.

The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026, which polled more than 9,000 adults across nine Asian markets between February and March 2026, found that respondents expect to spend an average of 13 to 14 years late in life requiring care or financial assistance. 

Consequently, nearly 90% of those surveyed aim to remain self-sufficient for as long as possible, whilst more than 80% state that maintaining their independence is more important than passing on wealth to their families. This sentiment is strongest in Indonesia at 93% and Vietnam at 89%, compared to 63% in Japan.

Despite two-thirds of respondents prioritising health and quality of life to avoid becoming a burden to loved ones, the data shows a distinct gap between awareness and practical action. 

Whilst over 80% agree that early health screenings preserve independence, only about half undergo regular comprehensive check-ups, 10% have never had one, and fewer than half maintain a consistent diet or exercise routine.

Financially, respondents are allocating 68% of their total assets toward supporting their own independence, leaving just 32% earmarked for inheritance. Only 19% plan to rely on financial support from their children during retirement. 

However, only 51% are currently utilising investments to fund these later-life needs, a figure that drops significantly in Japan to 30%, mainland China to 40%, and Vietnam to 43%. 

Of those who do hold investments, insurance, or savings plans, 40% are moving toward income-generating assets and 38% are diversifying portfolios to support long-term self-reliance.

The traditional retirement age of 65 is also losing relevance across the region, with 74% of respondents planning to work beyond this milestone to maintain their income and resilience. 

Flexible part-time work is the preferred choice regionally, though 39% in mainland China and 32% in Japan prefer to continue working full-time.

The pressure to secure long-term independence is intensified by current caregiving demands. Around half of the respondents currently provide financial or physical care to family members. 

This is particularly acute for the "sandwich generation", where 60% of caregivers state that these duties limit their ability to secure their own future health and financial freedom.

Although nearly 70% of people believe that early family discussions about ageing and retirement expectations improve later-life wellbeing, more than 40% have yet to have these conversations because they do not know how to start.