Hongkongers Prioritize Quality of Life Over Quantity: Manulife Survey Highlights Shift in Attitude Towards Longevity and Individual Autonomy
In a groundbreaking survey, Manulife Asia has revealed that Hongkongers are redefining their perception of longevity, prioritising a meaningful life over simply living longer. This shift towards a quality-over-quantity approach to health and well-being involves focusing on health as the ability to live independently and pursue meaningful activities.
According to the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025, 77% of respondents define health in terms of living independently and doing what's important. This preference for a meaningful life, even if it's shorter, reflects a significant change in the way Hongkongers view their future.
Resilience and family support are crucial for aging well, the survey indicates. Physical, financial, and mental well-being, along with strong family support, are all key aspects of this redefinition. Many Hongkongers are open to lifestyle changes such as reducing expenses and seeking affordable healthcare to sustain themselves in later years.
Financial planning is also seen as essential for maintaining a desired lifestyle in retirement. Building steady income streams and seeking financial professional advice are key strategies for proactive planning. In fact, 43% of respondents expect pension providers to help ensure stable income in retirement, highlighting the need for financial professionals to offer guidance on managing retirement finances effectively.
Mental health and family relationships are highly valued. 83% of respondents emphasise the importance of family support for mental well-being. Pension schemes are the second most important asset for retirement preparation, with 31% of respondents.
Jeanie Ho, Head of Hong Kong and Macau Retirement at Manulife, emphasises the importance of MPF schemes in retirement financial planning. She notes that achieving a fulfilling life requires resilience across three key pillars: physical, financial, and mental well-being, supported by family relationships.
The survey also reveals that 70% of respondents view financial health as a key enabler of longevity. However, 52% of respondents feel they may not have sufficient funds for retirement. Cash makes up 45% of liquid assets (property excluded) across total savings and investments, with 55% of respondents considering cash their most important asset for retirement preparation.
In response to these concerns, 91% of respondents are willing to make lifestyle adjustments to manage financial pressures during extended retirement. This includes seeking professional financial guidance and making changes to their spending habits.
In conclusion, Hongkongers are emphasising proactive planning in health, finance, and personal relationships to achieve a fulfilling life. This involves a holistic approach that includes lifestyle adjustments, financial planning, and professional support. The survey provides valuable insights into the mindset of Hongkongers and highlights the need for financial professionals to offer comprehensive solutions that cater to this new approach to longevity.
- Achieving a fulfilling life, as perceived by Hongkongers, requires resilience in three key areas: physical, financial, and mental well-being, all supported by strong family relationships.
- Financial planning is essential for maintaining a desired lifestyle in retirement. This includes building steady income streams and seeking guidance from financial professionals.
- Mental health and family relationships are highly valued, with 83% of respondents emphasizing the importance of family support for mental well-being.
- Pension schemes are considered important for retirement preparation, with 31% of respondents placing them as the second most important asset.
- The survey reveals that 70% of respondents view financial health as a key enabler of longevity, yet 52% feel they may not have sufficient funds for retirement. To manage these financial pressures, 91% of respondents are willing to make lifestyle adjustments and seek professional financial guidance.
