How are people in Malaysia rethinking independence, health and financial security?
For years, Manulife’s Asia Care Survey has explored evolving health and wealth needs. In Malaysia, the 2026 findings highlight a less-discussed reality: as people live longer, the desire to remain independent in later life is stronger than ever. Yet many are balancing immediate family responsibilities with the need to prepare for their own future—creating a growing gap between intentions today and financial security tomorrow.
As Malaysians live longer, they are rethinking what it means to age well. Rather than focusing solely on leaving wealth behind, they increasingly see maintaining their own independence as the greatest legacy they can give their families. Yet this aspiration is being challenged by rising care needs, concerns over healthcare affordability, and the competing demands of caregiving and financial responsibilities—pressures felt most acutely by the sandwich generation.
Key findings from Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026:
What does independence really mean to people in Malaysia?
Independence in Malaysia goes beyond financial security and is increasingly seen as the most valuable legacy people can leave their families. With 84% of Malaysians viewing independence as the new inheritance, many aspire to achieve “burdenless freedom” in later life by remaining self-reliant and avoiding dependence on their children. This desire for independence is underpinned by both good health and financial preparedness—70% prioritise health and quality of life above all else, while 83% plan to rely on their own savings to fund future care needs. Together, these findings reflect a growing aspiration among Malaysians to age with dignity, autonomy, and minimal reliance on family support.
Independence is becoming the new legacy for Malaysians. The Asia Care Survey 2026 explores why independence matters, the pressures that can make it more difficult to achieve, and how people are preparing for the financial realities of a longer life.
Independence is becoming a more meaningful legacy than inheritance
For many Malaysians, longevity is no longer defined by how much wealth they leave behind, but by how long they can remain independent and self-reliant. Nine in ten respondents say their longevity goal is to maintain independence for as long as possible, reflecting a growing desire to age with dignity, autonomy and confidence. Independence is closely linked to freedom from becoming a burden on loved ones, the ability to make personal decisions, and access to quality care when needed.
Increasingly, Malaysians see their own independence and financial freedom as a legacy in itself. More than four in five agree that being able to support themselves later in life is the inheritance they most want to provide to their families. This mindset is reinforced by a strong focus on health and quality of life, as well as concerns about unexpected expenses in older age.
Respondents also recognise that maintaining independence starts long before retirement. Most believe preventive care and healthy lifestyle habits can help them stay independent longer, making health an important part of long-term self-reliance.
The dependent years are long enough to change financial and health planning assumptions. A longer life can mean more years of care, which makes early health and financial preparation more critical. The majority of Malaysians believe that preventive care and self-care habits can help them stay independent longer—more valuable than the wealth they leave behind.
Family responsibilities are putting pressure on long-term independence
While independence is a shared aspiration, many Malaysians are simultaneously supporting the people around them. Family caregiving and financial responsibilities remain widespread, with many adults dedicating significant amounts of time, energy and income to helping loved ones. These responsibilities often compete with their own health, financial planning and future independence.
Family responsibilities are common
The impact is felt most acutely by the sandwich generation—those balancing support for ageing parents while raising children or supporting adult children. Many report challenges in making long-term plans, maintaining their well-being and building financial security for themselves. As Malaysians live longer, they also expect a longer period of dependency in later life, making preparation even more important.
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Malaysians are taking proactive steps to fund their future independence
As concerns about future care needs grow, Malaysians increasingly recognise that independence comes with a financial cost. Seven in ten respondents are worried about their ability to pay for future care, with concerns exceeding the Asia regional average. Respondents estimate they may require nearly RM5,000 a month for future care support, highlighting the need for early preparation.
Rather than relying on family members, most Malaysians intend to fund their own future care through personal savings, insurance and investments. Many are also adapting their financial strategies to generate more sustainable income and support a longer life. The motivation is clear: maintaining dignity, self-sufficiency and control over their future.
Planning for long-term financial independence
As Malaysians prepare for longer lives, many are rethinking how they save and invest to support future independence. Among those who have already started saving and investing, more than half plan to shift towards income-generating investments, while others are diversifying across asset classes, seeking professional financial advice, or prioritising capital preservation. This reflects a growing recognition that maintaining independence requires more than accumulating wealth—it requires building sustainable income that can support future living and care needs.
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The motivations behind this shift are clear. Respondents want reliable income streams to cover ongoing living expenses, greater financial security throughout a longer life, and the ability to remain self-sufficient as they age.
Beyond meeting practical needs, sustainable income is also viewed as a way to preserve dignity, maintain flexibility and liquidity, protect against inflation, and retain control over future decisions without relying on family members for support. For many Malaysians, financial planning is increasingly focused not just on growing wealth, but on creating the foundation for lasting independence.
Investing for independence
As Malaysians prepare for longer lives, many are adapting their financial strategies to build sustainable income and support long-term financial independence. More than half of investors surveyed plan to shift towards income-generating investments, reflecting a growing focus on creating reliable income rather than simply accumulating wealth.
- 57% plan to shift towards income-generating investments
- 33% plan to diversify across different asset classes
- 24% plan to work with a professional financial planner or adviser
- 19% prefer a more conservative approach focused on capital preservation
Why the shift?
Respondents are looking for greater financial security and flexibility in later life. The strongest motivations are the need for steady income to cover living expenses, support a longer and financially secure life, and maintain financial independence throughout retirement.
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What can Malaysians do today?
Achieving long-term independence requires more than financial planning alone. The survey findings highlight the importance of building healthy habits, preparing financially for longer lives, and having open conversations about future care needs before they become urgent.
Five actions to support long-term independence
Choose a proactive health rhythm
Build healthy habits through regular check-ups, preventive screenings, balanced nutrition and consistent physical activity to support long-term well-being and independence.
Build your independence fund
Start with what is manageable for you today and grow it over time through consistent saving and investing habits that can help support future care and living expenses.
Plan for steady income, not just a retirement target
Focus on creating sustainable income streams that can support everyday living expenses and help maintain financial independence throughout retirement.
Make the family plan visible
Have open conversations with loved ones about care preferences, financial expectations and retirement plans before a crisis forces difficult decisions.
Protect the ability to care
For caregivers, maintaining personal health and financial wellbeing is essential. Supporting others starts with ensuring you can continue to support yourself.
Independence starts before retirement
The journey towards independence is shaped by the choices made today. By prioritising health, building financial resilience and planning ahead, Malaysians can take meaningful steps towards living longer, healthier and more independent lives.
Supporting your journey to independence
About Asia Care Survey 2026
The Asia Care Survey 2026 was conducted across February and March 2026 and captured insights from over 9,000 individuals aged 18 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/ca/en/about-us/news/asia-care-survey-2026.
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