Build a foundation of wealth that grows with you for a lifetime
Life today moves at a relentless pace, so do its demands.
To keep up, your income should work as hard as you do — not just to cover today, but to build a future that goes beyond comfort
and holds real meaning.
Is a better life measured in years or the richness of the moments that make up those years? As Malaysia moves towards an ageing nation, is living a long life still considered a dream?
In 2023, Malaysia had an average life expectancy of 76.7 years. By 2050, that figure is projected to rise to 81.1 years. Yet, the insights from the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025 reveal a compelling shift in mindset: as people are living longer, extending life is no longer a primary focus.
The survey findings show only 8% respondents in Malaysia chose to maximise their lifetime as their top wish.
Malaysians indicated their desired lifespan is less than the age they expected to live - by 8 years. The mismatch suggests concerns about ageing and quality of life in later years.
What are Malaysians looking for?
Malaysians are re-defining what it means to live well. Beyond simply living longer, there’s a growing desire for a more fulfilling and diverse life – where quality of life and complete financial freedom takes centre stage.
Ageing is now embraced with optimism and longevity is viewed through a refreshed lens: one that values purpose, health, independence and dignity.
Retirement is no longer just about reaching the end of career – it is about enjoying life without financial stress, staying active and living meaningfully.
The Pursuit of Healthiness
Health today goes beyond just the physical.
For Manulife Investments, true longevity is shaped by a balance of physical, mental, and financial wellbeing – with physical health still seen as the most essential foundation. As people look to live longer and better, holistic health is becoming central to how we define a meaningful life.
While physical health remains a top priority, many Malaysians may be overestimating how well they are maintaining it as they age.
Findings from our survey reveal a noticeable gap between perceived wellness and actual behaviours – highlighting the need for greater awareness and action to truly support healthy ageing.
This gap highlights a shift in how Malaysians define health.
Rather than focusing on solely on being free from illness, many are now prioritising the ability to live independently and fully enjoy life. It is a refined view of wellbeing, one that values freedom and everyday joys of living.
Good intentions alone are not enough. Our survey suggests that many Malaysians are committed to staying healthy as they age, however they may be overestimating their efforts. This disconnection highlights a need for better awareness and a more proactive health management to truly suppor long-term wellbeing.
Wealth enables Health
People worldwide have long embraced the idea that wealth enables health. As people live longer, the importance of financial stability in supporting overall health and longevity is becoming increasingly clear.
As Malaysians underestimate the reality of longer lifespans, many are falling behind in preparing financially for their retirement years. The gap between expectation and preparation highlights the urgency for more proactive financial planning to ensure a secure and fulfilling future.
These findings reveal a key challenge in how Malaysians are embracing a new vision of longevity.
Insights from the Diverse Asia study uncover a clear gap between retirement income expectations and the actual financial reality – highlighting the need for more informed planning and a shift in mindset around ageing and financial preparedness.
Why Malaysians face hurdles in embracing a new vision of Longevity
As Malaysians are living longer, the path to a fulfilling and financially secure retirement is increasingly shaped by complex social, economic, and demographic factors.
Insights from Manulife's Diverse Asia series reveal that outdated systems, shifting family dynamics, and gender disparities are among the key challenges that must be addressed to redefine longevity in Malaysia.
These challenges reveal a deeper disconnect between Malaysians' aspirations for a longer, healthier life and the financial realities they face.
Despite growing awareness, the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025 shows that many Malaysians are still underprepared for retirement. And while the belief that 'cash is king' still persists, it may no longer be enough to support the kind of longevity people envision.
Cash, savings, and fixed deposits make up 51% of Malaysians’ total assets, with the rest spread over other investments such as insurance, stocks, mutual funds, bonds and others. This indicates a dire need for further asset diversification.
Furthermore, property is still considered a crucial part of retirement planning, but its importance has dropped significantly.
This shift reflects that Malaysians are prioritising other values over traditional homeownership.
These contradictions point to a broader challenge in achieving true longevity.
There's a clear gap between the life Malaysians aspire to and the steps they're taking to get there. Differences in financial attitudes reveal people's varying mindsets towards retirement confidence and shed light on why many delay taking action.
Shaped by inaction, entrenched habis and limited awareness of smarter financial strategies, this disconnect continues to hinder genuine wealth creation and long-term wellbeing.
Getting professional financial advice is not just helpful, it is transformative. 72% of Malaysians who work with financial planners expect to have sufficient retirement funds, compared to just 48% without guidance. The difference is clear: planning with a professional can be the key to retiring with confidence.
This sharp contrast in confidence proves the value of expert advice in building a secure future.
Guided planning provides the clarity and structure needed to secure both stability and quality of life in retirement and you can take the right steps now to secure your future:
Make your income work for the better
Let your income do more: go further, last longer and lead you towards the life you want to achieve. Uncover purpose-led solutions designed to grow alongside your ambitions.
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This is where Better will take you
Build income that does not just keep up; but moves you forward. Invest with intention and take control of the life you have worked hard to create.
Our financial advisers are ready to help you turn life goals into achievable income strategies. With access to tailored funds, expert guidance and consistent planning, you will have the clarity and confidence to move forward with purpose.
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Remarks:
Conducted in January and February 2025, the Asia Care Survey 2025 gathered insights from over 9,000 individuals aged 25 or above (including those aged 60+) across nine Asian markets: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan region, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, and Malaysia.
The information and materials presented in this publication are for reference only and do not represent Manulife’s financial analysis, advice, or official position. Manulife does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. Professional advice should be sought where necessary.
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