What does it truly mean to live a good life?
According to the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025, people in Singapore value a life filled with enjoyment, meaning, and financial independence over simply living a long life. For them, the essence of “longevity” lies not in the number of years lived, but in the quality of those years—defined by financial freedom, purposeful living, and aging with grace.
Yet, concerns persist. Many are still navigating the challenges of financial preparedness for their later years. The focus is shifting toward a balanced pursuit of both health and wealth—ensuring a financially independent retirement that allows for a better and more fulfilling life.
The Key findings from Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025:
- “Quality of life” over “length of life” as meaning of longevity is redefined
- Financial freedom remains the top goal for people in Singapore
- Property loses its shine as an investment vehicle due to concerns over market stability
As people in Singapore live longer, the focus is shifting from living longer to living better.
By 2050, life expectancy at birth in Singapore is projected to reach 87.1 years—up 3.4 years from 2023, according to the United Nations.
Women are expected to live longer than men, with life expectancies of 89.5 and 84.8 years, respectively. This rise is driven by advances in healthcare and better living conditions, enabling people to enjoy longer, healthier lives.
Our survey shows that staying physically, mentally, and socially active, achieving full financial independence, and aging gracefully matter more than simply living longer.
In fact, just 6% of respondents said their top wish was to maximize their lifespan (the number of years a person lives from birth until death). It’s clear that longevity today is less about adding years to life—and more about adding life to years.
With life expectancy on the rise, how do Singapore respondents view longevity?
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Quality Life Years
For people in Singapore, simply extending life is no longer the goal
A new mindset around aging is emerging—one that values not just longevity, but a life rich with purpose, vitality, and meaning. As people grow older, they’re prioritizing fulfillment and enthusiasm over mere years.
The meaning of longevity in Singapore has evolved to include quality, meaning, purpose, and health.
50%
or more want a meaningful life and quality of life over a longer life
40%
want to live life in dignity, and without chronic illnesses or disabilities over a longer life
39%
want to age with dignity and avoid periods of deterioration
When people were asked why extending their lifespan isn't their most important consideration, they revealed a fundamental shift in priorities: they value being physically, mentally, and financially healthy in their older years to maintain autonomy and age with dignity.
Some also expressed concerns about physical and cognitive decline, further motivating their aspiration to live vibrantly.
Top 5 reasons why maximizing lifetime is not people’s top wish
1. Having a meaningful life is more important.
2. Quality of life is the most important factor.
3. I don’t want to live longer with chronic illness or disabilities.
4. I want to age with dignity and avoid prolonged periods of health deterioration.
5. I don’t want to be a burden to my family or rely on anyone for help
People in Singapore seek longevity through a balanced pursuit of health and wealth.
People view physical, mental, and financial health as almost equally important in determining the desired lifespan, with physical health being their top priority.
Balancing healthspan (the number of years a person remains in good health) and wealthspan (the number of years a person has the financial means to support their desired lifestyles) is considered essential for a fulfilling and well-rounded life.
Discover what better means to you
The Asia Care Survey 2025 reveals a profound shift in how people across Asia envision their lives as they age. Physical, mental and financial resilience matter now more than ever. Addressing these three pillars of well-being equally is key to achieving a higher quality of life. This approach to living defines a new meaning of longevity.
How can you achieve this?
- Seek a health and wealth partner: Create a life that is not only long but also rich, balanced, and deeply rewarding. The survey highlights the need for individuals to partner with a holistic solution provider to make wise decisions that shape their behavior, track progress and, ultimately, achieve the new meanings of longevity.
- Start planning today: Live vibrantly in the present while planning for the future. Strive to meet your longevity aspirations by prioritizing both your health and wealth span to enjoy a longer, healthier, and better life.
Physical & Mental Well-Being
Being healthy is less about being illness-free and more about being independent
People are redefining health by prioritizing independence over being entirely illness-free, focusing on what matters most to them. In Singapore, 78% of respondents across all age groups see illness as a natural part of aging. For them, health means embracing and enjoying life rather than being limited by health issues.
Are people in Singapore doing enough to take care of their health?
29%
are either experiencing or worried about physical and/ or mental health issues that could impact their lifestyles.
60%
believe they have made sufficient efforts to stay healthy and don’t feel the need to do more.
Balancing physical and mental health for better quality of life
Our research reveals that focusing solely on physical health, with little consideration for mental health, can impede a fulfilling life. Achieving a fulfilling life requires a balanced focus on physical and mental well-being.
Although mental well-being is often undervalued compared to physical health, people believe it significantly contributes to longer, healthier lives.
83%
believe mental well-being significantly impacts their ability to achieve their desired quality of life in older age
75%
consider mental well-being a crucial factor in their long-term physical health
What preventive actions are people focusing on, according to our survey?
Our observations indicate that people tend to take more preventive measures for their physical health than their mental health. We see distinct trends in preventive health actions among different age groups – older adults (55+) tend to focus more on managing their physical health. At the same time, younger generations may be more inclined to seek mental health support and prioritize self-care.
To manage age-related health risks, people over 55 most often undergo regular health check-ups (48%) and, for example, reduce their salt intake (63%). People aged 35-44 are the most aware of maintaining a work-life balance (45%) higher than any other age group. They are also more likely to skip breakfast compared to older segment, often possibly due to their busy lifestyles. Notably, 17.8% of individuals aged 25–34 spend more than 5% of their total annual income on products and services that promote a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, practicing self-care is consistently more common across all age groups in Singapore compared to most other Asian markets. Talking to a therapist is also more prevalent among those aged 25–34, with 15.1% taking this action.
Crucial indicators of health and longevity are often overlooked
People often pay close attention to familiar health markers, such as body weight, blood pressure, sleep quality, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels, to keep track of their health. However, they overlook equally essential but lesser-known factors such as grip and leg strength, muscle mass, balance and heart rate, which have been scientifically proven to be suitable predictors of health and longevity.
The patterns we observe paint a clear picture: health and wellness in Singapore are being redefined, moving beyond illness to focus on a life where we can be independent, happy, and live with purpose. It highlights specific areas of concern, particularly the lack of proactive health monitoring and preservation, which can ultimately hamper our desired lifestyle.
Aging and sickness may be natural, but don’t let them define your life.
- Start taking care of your future health at any point in life: Experts estimate that genetics account for approximately 25% of the differences in human lifespan. The remaining variation is primarily influenced by how we care for our overall health.1 There’s no pre-defined moment to start caring for your physical or mental well-being – every time is the right time! It’s never too late to start, but the earlier the better. Don’t delay health monitoring, it’s not a catch-up game.
- Make balanced well-being a priority: Mental well-being is just as important as physical well-being at all stages of life. Achieving a better quality of life requires a balanced approach to both.
- Health is not age specific: Regardless of your age, emphasise physical and mental well-being equally. Your health status in your 30s to 40s will greatly influence how you fare in your 60s to 70s.2
- Prevent health issues from becoming serious: Pay attention to all health indicators. Neglecting certain health indicators can lead to long-term health issues.
Retirement and Financial Readiness
Health is wealth, and wealth is health
People worldwide have long embraced the idea that health is wealth. However, those living in Singapore have expanded on this notion. Indeed, people are becoming increasingly aware that their mental well-being depends heavily on how secure they feel about their financial situation.
People in Singapore believe that financial well-being affects:
72%
how long they remain physically healthy
71%
How long they remain mentally healthy
70%
how long they can expect to live
The uncertainty about the future health still stay, over half (53%) believe cancer is the hardest illness to prevent, followed by Alzheimer’s (29%) and stroke (27%). On average, respondents expect to face critical health issues by age 66.5—if not earlier.
For many in Singapore, insurance is more than financial protection—it’s a source of reassurance. 70% say it helps them live more worry-free in retirement, while 52% believe it can even improve their physical health.
Despite strong belief in the benefits of insurance, actual coverage remains limited:
35%
have critical illness insurance
41%
have life protection insurance
15%
have disability insurance
30%
do not plan to take up any insurance in the next 24 months
This gap highlights a disconnect between awareness and action when it comes to long-term health and financial planning.
Overconcentration in cash allocation as savings and investments
While many people recognize the positive impact of financial well-being does not always lead to adequate financial preparation for later years. In Singapore, 59% of the respondents believe they will not have sufficient funds for retirement.
Despite this concern, they continue to adhere to the ‘cash as king’ philosophy. Cash, savings, and fixed deposits make up 47% of their total assets, which include all savings and investments but exclude real estate. The rest of their investments is distributed across stocks, funds or unit trusts, bonds, and savings/annuity insurance, among other options.
Our observations indicate that individuals without clearly defined future goals often lack a well-defined financial plan or strategy. As a result, they tend to hold a significant portion of their savings in cash, thereby limiting their potential wealth growth over time and affecting their retirement preparation.
Property remains an important component of retirement preparation, though its significance has significantly declined
Cash remains the most important tool for retirement preparation for 35% of people in Singapore, followed by pension scheme at 22%, and property investment at 19%. They also say that close to half (47%) of their current savings and investments, excluding property, are in cash and cash equivalents.
However, this reality is rapidly changing: the value place on property for retirement preparation has significantly declined over the years. Today, only 35% of respondents consider property to be one of their top two retirement priorities, a significant decline from the 65%.
This shift is driven by uncertainties about property’s long-term stability and changing view of property as a family legacy. People are now prioritizing other financial instruments over traditional homeownership.
Retirement needs vary with age
Age 55+: Steady Income Takes Priority
For those nearing retirement, steady income streams are the top priority when selecting retirement solutions. 56% of respondents aged 55 and above cite this as the most crucial factor in maintaining their desired lifestyle in later years—highlighting a clear shift toward income stability over growth.
Aged 25 to 34: Prioritizing Long-Term Growth The Most
Younger individuals, especially those aged 25 to 34, are increasingly focused on retirement solutions that offer long-term growth potential, with 48% identifying it as a top priority. This highlights a forward-thinking mindset among younger generations who are looking to build a strong financial foundation early.
Most people in Singapore recognise that holding cash may not be the best way to plan for retirement.
51%
feel the need to diversify their cash holdings into higher-return investments to afford retirement
58%
more willing to invest idle cash into assets that can generate sustainable income
49%
want their pension providers to ensure steady income streams during retirement.
Professional advice can make you better prepared for later years
Seeking advice from financial consultants can enhance your financial readiness for retirement. Individuals who consult financial consultants report being significantly more financially prepared for retirement than those who do not.
In Singapore, 71.2% of respondents who receive guidance from professional financial consultants expect to have sufficient retirement funds, compared to only 41% of those without such support.
The Asia Care Survey 2025 reveals a clear connection between financial well-being and overall quality of life, particularly in retirement. While many Singapore people recognize the importance of financial health, gaps in preparation remain, with many uncertain about their ability to sustain themselves in later years. This is where proactive planning and informed financial decisions become critical.
Achieving a better quality of life in retirement starts with taking deliberate steps today.
- Diversify your investments: Relying solely on cash or property may no longer be the safest or most effective investment strategy. Move beyond the traditional mindset of ‘cash/property is king’ and broaden your investment approach to achieve your desired lifestyle in retirement.
- Create sustainable income streams: Explore alternative financial or investment products that offer steady and sustainable income streams, especially those tailored to long-term retirement goals.
- Seek professional guidance: Engage with financial consultants to develop a personalized strategy that maximizes your financial readiness based on your unique needs and preferences.
- Adjust your strategy at every life stage:
- Young adult (25-34), start investing early to maximize growth potential of your investments. Align your portfolio with higher-growth assets that reflect your long-term retirement goals.
- Middle-aged professional (35-54), it is important to balance growth with stability. Diversify your portfolio with a mix of sustainable income-generating and growth-focused assets to meet both short-term responsibilities and long-term retirement goals. Regularly review your financial plan to accommodate changes in your life stage, health, and aspirations.
- Pre-retiree (55+), ensure financial resilience throughout an extended retirement. Rising life expectancy means retirement is no longer the end of your investment journey. Staying invested beyond the traditional retirement age helps maintain financial independence, combat inflation, and manage healthcare costs or unexpected expenses. Focus on strategies that provide a steady income stream while preserving capital for the years ahead.
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About Asia Care Survey 2025
The Asia Care Survey 2025 was conducted across January and February 2025 and captured insights from over 9,000 individuals aged 25 or above (including 60+) across nine Asian markets: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan region, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, and Malaysia. For the Asia-specific data version, please visit https://www.manulife.com/en/news/Asia-Care-Survey-2025.html.
Source:
- Harvard Health Publishing, June 2024. Longevity: Lifestyle strategies for living a healthy, long life
- Medical News Today, July 2025. Longevity: 8 habits can add 24 years to lifespan, new study finds ; Verywell Health, January 2024. Longevity To-Do List for Your 30s
