Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026: Malaysians Define Independence as Their New Legacy

As life expectancies increase, the latest findings from the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026: Malaysians Define Independence as Their New Legacy reveal that Malaysians are fundamentally rethinking what it means to grow old and what kind of legacy they want to leave behind. Surveying 1,000 respondents across Malaysia (and over 9,000 regionally), the study highlights a major cultural shift away from traditional inheritance toward prioritizing personal autonomy, health, and financial security in later life.

From (L-R)_ Vibha Coburn, Group CEO, Manulife Holdings Berhad and CEO, Manulife Insurance Berhad, with Jason Chong, CEO, Manulife Investment Management, at a media session on redefining legacy for Malaysian

1. Independence is the Ultimate Legacy

For nearly nine out of ten Malaysians, maintaining independence and self-reliance is their primary longevity goal. This extends beyond finances—it is about retaining decision-making autonomy, securing quality care, and avoiding becoming a burden on family.

• Asset Allocation: Malaysians plan to earmark 68% of their assets to support their own long-term health and wealth, leaving 32% as a traditional inheritance.
• Younger Priorities: Adults aged 25 to 34 lead this mindset, viewing personal security as a meaningful family legacy.
• Proactive Well-being: 70% actively focus on quality of life, though 56% worry about unexpected later-life expenses.

Vibha Coburn, Group Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Malaysia

"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." — Vibha Coburn, Group Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Malaysia

2. Health: The Core Foundation of Autonomy

85% of respondents agree that preventive health and self-care directly protect their independence in old age. While physical activity (44%), proper nutrition (42%), hobbies (41%), and social time (37%) are popular daily habits, key structural preventive steps are still lagging:

• Preventive Screenings: Only 27% have scheduled routine health screenings to catch chronic illnesses early.
• Social Investments: Just 26% actively invest in building long-term social connection networks.

Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026: Malaysians Define Independence as Their New Legacy

3. The "Sandwich Generation" Challenge

Caring for aging parents while supporting children presents a major barrier to future planning. Two-thirds of Malaysians are caregivers, directing an average of 41% of their monthly income to family needs.

• Financial Constraints: 68% say family commitments limit their ability to build personal long-term savings.
• Health Neglect: 60% have delayed their own medical care due to family obligations.
• Care Duration: Malaysians expect to require 17 years of care in later life (vs. the regional 14-year average).

Jason Chong, Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investment Management

"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." — Jason Chong, Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investment Management

4. Bridging the Care Cost Gap

Financial anxiety remains high: 70% of Malaysians worry about funding future care needs (exceeding the regional average of 66%). On average, respondents estimate needing RM4,760 per month for future care, with younger adults (aged 18–24) projecting higher needs at RM5,595 per month.

To maintain self-reliance, reliance on children is minimal (23%). Instead, Malaysians are turning to:

Personal Savings: 83%

Investments: 52% (57% plan to shift toward income-generating assets)

Insurance Protection: 40%

Securing Your Long-Term Independence

Preparing for longer life spans requires a holistic strategy that integrates physical well-being, asset growth, and tailored health protection.

To learn more about these findings and explore solutions across health, wealth, and retirement planning, download the full report at www.manulife.com.my/ACS2026