Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026: Why Independence Is Becoming Malaysians’ New Legacy

As Malaysians prepare for longer lives, the definition of a meaningful legacy is changing. Instead of focusing solely on what they can leave behind for their children, more Malaysians are placing greater emphasis on staying healthy, financially secure and independent for as long as possible.

This is one of the key findings from the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026: Independence as the New Legacy, which gathered insights from more than 9,000 respondents across Asia, including 1,000 Malaysians.

The findings highlight an increasingly important reality: living longer is only part of the equation. For many Malaysians, the real goal is to enjoy a longer life while retaining the freedom and financial confidence to make their own choices.

Independence Is the New Definition of Legacy

Nearly nine in 10 Malaysians surveyed identified preserving independence and self-reliance as their primary longevity goal.

For respondents, independence goes beyond having enough money. It also means being able to make personal decisions, maintain a good quality of life and access proper healthcare when required without becoming overly dependent on family members.

Interestingly, four in five respondents believe that maintaining their own independence and financial security represents one of the most meaningful legacies they can leave their families.

This sentiment is particularly strong among younger adults aged between 25 and 34, suggesting that the concept of retirement and legacy planning is evolving among the younger generation.

Rather than thinking of legacy purely as an inheritance, many Malaysians now see being healthy, financially stable and self-reliant as a valuable gift to their loved ones.

“These insights reinforce an important reality. As Malaysians live longer, planning for later life is not just about what they leave behind for their families. It is also about living healthier and staying financially secure, so that they can maintain their independence for longer.

At Manulife, we are focused on helping customers prepare for longer lives with greater confidence.

Through our ONE Manulife approach, we are combining the strengths of Manulife Insurance and Manulife Investment Management to deliver more holistic solutions across protection, health, wealth, retirement, and legacy planning, helping customers protect their health, grow their wealth, and build a better future for themselves and their families.” – Vibha Coburn, Group Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Malaysia.

Health and Wealth Are Closely Connected

The survey also demonstrates how closely health, financial security and independence are linked.

Seven in 10 Malaysian respondents are actively focused on maintaining their well-being, while 56% are concerned about the potential financial impact of unexpected expenses later in life.

When asked how they would allocate their assets, respondents indicated that 68% would prioritise their own long-term health and financial well-being, while 32% would earmark their assets as financial inheritance for their children.

This does not necessarily mean Malaysians are becoming less concerned about their families. Instead, it reflects a growing understanding that maintaining personal financial security can also reduce the financial and caregiving burden placed on loved ones.

Preventive Healthcare Could Play a Bigger Role

For Malaysians hoping to remain independent as they age, health is clearly an important foundation.

According to the survey, 85% of respondents believe preventive healthcare and positive self-care habits can help preserve their autonomy later in life.

Among the most common self-care activities are staying physically active at 44%, eating well at 42%, engaging in hobbies at 41%, and spending time with loved ones and pets at 37%.

However, there is still room for improvement.

Only 27% of respondents have undertaken preventive health screenings to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, while just 26% actively invest in building stronger social connections.

These figures suggest that while many Malaysians understand the importance of healthy ageing, translating that awareness into action remains a challenge.

Starting preventive healthcare, maintaining social relationships and considering future care requirements earlier could potentially help Malaysians enjoy greater independence in later life.

The Sandwich Generation Faces a Difficult Balancing Act

One of the biggest challenges highlighted by the survey is the pressure faced by Malaysians who are simultaneously supporting their parents and children.

Two-thirds of respondents provide care and financial support to family members, spending an average of 41% of their monthly income on family needs.

For the so-called sandwich generation, these responsibilities can make it difficult to prioritise their own long-term financial and health needs.

In fact, 68% of respondents said family financial commitments limit their ability to build long-term self-reliance, while 60% admitted they had delayed seeking medical care because of family commitments.

This is particularly significant considering Malaysians expect to require approximately 17 years of care later in life, compared with the regional average of 14 years.

The findings underline the importance of planning ahead, particularly for Malaysians who may eventually need to manage their own retirement while continuing to support other family members.

“Many Malaysians are working hard to support the people who matter most to them, often at the expense of their own future preparedness.

No one should have to choose between caring for their loved ones and investing in their own well-being.

By making planning simpler, more accessible, and better aligned to real-life needs, we can help individuals navigate these responsibilities while building greater confidence and security for the years ahead,” – Jason Chong, Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Investment Management.

Preparing for the Cost of Living Longer

Financial preparedness remains another major concern.

Some 70% of Malaysians surveyed worry about their ability to fund future care needs, higher than the Asia regional average of 66%.

Respondents estimate that they may require around RM4,760 per month to cover future care costs. Interestingly, younger adults aged 18 to 24 expect their monthly future care expenses to be even higher, at approximately RM5,595.

Most Malaysians expect to finance their later years through personal savings, with 83% identifying savings as a source of funding. Investments follow at 52%, while 40% expect insurance to contribute towards their future financial needs.

Only 23% expect to rely on financial support from their children.

This again reflects the strong desire among Malaysians to remain financially independent rather than transferring the responsibility of funding their later years to the next generation.

Malaysians Are Rethinking Their Investment Strategies

For those who are already saving and investing, the survey also reveals changing financial priorities.

Some 57% plan to shift towards income-generating investments, primarily to create a more consistent source of income, support longer retirement periods and maintain financial independence.

Meanwhile, 33% plan to diversify their investment portfolios, 24% intend to seek professional financial advice, and 19% expect to adopt more conservative investment strategies focused on capital preservation.

These strategies reflect a broader shift from simply accumulating wealth towards ensuring that accumulated wealth can continue supporting individuals throughout a potentially longer retirement.

A Longer Life Requires Earlier Planning

The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026 offers an interesting perspective on how Malaysians are approaching longevity.

The message is not simply about living longer. It is about living longer with health, dignity, freedom and financial confidence.

As life expectancy increases, planning for retirement and future healthcare costs will likely become increasingly important. At the same time, younger Malaysians may need to start thinking about financial independence much earlier instead of waiting until retirement approaches.

Ultimately, the idea of legacy may be changing. For many Malaysians, the greatest legacy may not necessarily be the size of the inheritance they leave behind, but the ability to remain independent, healthy and financially secure while reducing the burden on their loved ones.

The full Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026 report and white paper is available through Manulife Malaysia – www.manulife.com.my/ACS2026 for those interested in exploring the findings in greater detail.

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