A recent survey by Manulife has identified a shift in how Hong Kong residents approach longevity, with a growing emphasis on living well rather than simply living longer.
The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025, which gathered responses from 1,000 adults in Hong Kong, found that most participants now define health as the ability to live independently and pursue meaningful activities, rather than the mere absence of illness.
According to the survey, 77% of respondents equate good health with autonomy and the ability to do what matters to them.
Many indicated they would prefer a fulfilling life that may be shorter, rather than a longer life without satisfaction.
The top priorities cited by respondents include:
Celia Ling (pictured left), chief marketing officer at Manulife Hong Kong and Macau, commented that the company is seeing a broader understanding of what it means to live well.
“It’s encouraging to see more people in Hong Kong redefining what it means to live well – not just living longer, but living with purpose, independence, and peace of mind,” she said.
Ling noted that Manulife’s insurance offerings are designed to support customers in both health and financial planning, enabling them to approach aging with resilience.
“At Manulife, we recognise that quality and quantity of life don’t have to be a trade-off. As people navigate their lifestyles and financial choices, the demand for flexibility and support continues to grow. Through our holistic suite of insurance products and services – designed to provide protection during illness and help financial planning for the future – we empower our customers to embrace aging with greater resilience and treat it as an evolving journey,” she said.
The survey findings suggested that resilience in retirement is built on three pillars:
Respondents reported noticing early signs of health concerns at an average age of 39, much earlier than the expected age of 67.
Anticipated future expenses include:
To address these anticipated challenges, 91% of those surveyed are open to making lifestyle changes during retirement, such as lowering utility bills, choosing more affordable food options, or seeking medical care outside Hong Kong.
The survey also found that 83% of respondents view family relationships as equally important as financial resources for mental health, and 77% believe mental well-being has a direct impact on longevity.
Insurance coverage is also seen as a key factor, with 61% agreeing that it can help maintain physical health.
Long-term income generation is a central concern for those planning retirement.
The survey indicated that 43% of respondents look to pension providers for reliable income, 36% focus on investment growth, and 32% prioritise protection against inflation.
Despite these strategies, more than half of those surveyed (52%) are uncertain about having enough funds for retirement.
Cash remains the most common asset, making up 45% of liquid holdings, with younger adults holding an even greater proportion.
Jeanie Ho (pictured right), head of Hong Kong and Macau retirement at Manulife, observed that while cash is often seen as a safe asset, it may not be sufficient to support a high quality of life in retirement.
Ho pointed to the growing role of MPF schemes in retirement planning and highlighted Manulife’s initiatives to expand fund choices and investor education, including the use of artificial intelligence for educational content.
“Our survey shows that as the MPF system continues to mature, MPF schemes are playing an increasingly important role in retirement financial planning,” she said. “At Manulife, we are committed to driving product innovation in the MPF space. In addition to offering the widest range of fund choices in the market, we are also strengthening investor education through artificial intelligence (AI) in creating educational videos and an MPF simulation game platform.”
Professional financial advice appears to have a positive effect on retirement confidence.
The survey found that 62% of those working with a financial planner feel prepared for retirement, compared to 29% of those without such support.
However, only 30% of respondents are actively diversifying their assets, which could limit their ability to manage risks such as inflation.
In a separate study, Prudential Hong Kong Limited reported that less than 40% of individuals feel prepared to handle unexpected medical expenses.
The Hospitalisation Coverage Survey, released in July, found that only 36% of respondents are confident in their ability to pay for unforeseen healthcare needs, with the figure dropping to 29% among those aged 51 and above.
The majority of respondents rely on a mix of medical insurance (68%), personal savings (65%), and public healthcare (46%) to manage medical costs.
Despite these resources, many still feel exposed to the financial risks associated with illness.
