What is Manulife Asia Care Survey?
Started in 2020, Manulife’s Asia Care Survey is an annual research study that explores the evolving behavior, sentiments and priorities of people from eight markets in Asia (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam) against the backdrop of volatile economic and sociopolitical realities impacting their financial goals, aspirations, and overall well-being.
This year's survey findings reveal a significant shift in priorities among consumers, emphasizing quality of life over lifespan. Filipinos surveyed prioritize health and financial independence to enjoy a better life over merely living a long, illness-free life. The survey also highlights the perceived importance of financial stability in maintaining overall health and quality-focused longevity. This underscores the importance of wellbeing in physical, mental, social, and financial aspects.
This evolving definition of longevity highlights the need for proactive engagement and support to help individuals make informed decisions and adopt behaviors aligning with their life goals. The survey also reveals a variety of approaches to planning for the future, indicating a broader opportunity for collaboration in guiding and empowering consumers to track progress and achieve a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in their later years.
This year’s Asia Care survey asked 1,000 Filipinos about their views on longevity. In the Philippines, life expectancy at birth is projected to reach 73 years by 2050, from 70 years in 2023. As people live longer, they start viewing longevity from a different lens, which focuses on meeting their own needs and priorities.
More than 40% of respondents have claimed they have started experiencing physical and/or mental health issues that they worry about / are impacting their life / lifestyle—a lot higher than the regional average of 36%. However, only 5 of the 17 preventive actions to stay healthy are taken by more than half of Filipino consumers, likely a contributing factor for the health issues experienced even at a young age.
These preventive actions include drinking the amount of water per day recommended by health professionals, taking vitamins and other supplements, reducing stress and anxiety by maintaining work-life balance, having the amount of sleep per day recommended by health professionals, and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Only 4 of the 13 health indicators are monitored by more than half of Filipino consumers, and those scientifically proven to be vital signs or predictors of health and lifespan, such as muscle mass and oxygen intake, are neglected by many.
Despite the few actions taken and few indicators monitored, many (74%) consider their current efforts to stay “healthy” are sufficient.
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