Filipinos want to grow old without burdening their children

Nearly nine in 10 Filipinos see financial independence as their greatest legacy, survey finds.

Most Filipinos are no longer dreaming of leaving behind a large inheritance. Instead, their biggest hope is to grow old without becoming a financial burden on their children.

Nearly nine in 10 Filipinos said the greatest legacy they want to leave is not money or property, but their ability to remain financially secure and independent.

This was one of the biggest findings of the latest Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026, released on Tuesday during its “Independence as the New Legacy” event, which surveyed over 9,000 people across Asia, including 1,000 Filipinos, about aging, retirement, caregiving, and financial preparedness.

Among younger adults aged 25 to 34, that figure climbs even higher, suggesting many now define a successful old age as one in which they remain healthy, financially secure, and able to stand on their own.

However, most respondents said they are already caring for aging relatives while supporting other family members financially. Others admitted delaying their own medical needs because someone else comes first.

Around 80% of Filipinos worry they may not be able to afford the care they will eventually need. On average, respondents estimate they would need around ₱35,000 every month to cover future care expenses.

While most Filipinos understand the importance of preventive healthcare, the survey found far fewer actually undergo early health screenings or take other proactive steps that could help them stay independent for longer.

As Filipinos continue living longer, the findings suggest that preparing for old age is also about staying healthy enough and financially secure to avoid passing the same burdens on to the next generation.

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