
28 October 2026
Building a robust individual pension plan is no longer viewed as a financial burden. Perceptions are shifting from a stressful end-stage to a dynamic, multi-phase transition. Retirement planning that provides financial self-sufficiency in later life is increasingly seen as a legacy for families rather than a liability1. Yet, in the pursuit of autonomy, investors face roadblocks.
Many Asian millennials belong to the ‘sandwich generation,’ financially squeezed between simultaneously supporting their ageing parents (or younger siblings) and their own children. Moreover, the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026 (the survey) finds that 74% of the region’s sandwich generation feel family responsibilities are affecting their ability to achieve independence.
People also want to avoid becoming a financial or caregiving burden to their own children in the future. Increasingly, for the sandwich generation, ‘longevity’ doesn’t just mean living longer; it is also defined as a good inheritance, shifting from handing over wealth to handing down burdenless freedom. The survey notes that 66% of respondents define ‘freedom’ as not being a weight on others.
Yet, even as they pursue financial freedom, many people still struggle to save enough for retirement.
Central to this savings struggle is avoiding a shortfall, which is the gap between your ‘healthspan’ and ‘wealthspan’.
A shortfall doesn’t just mean less comfort; it can force difficult choices about healthcare, dependence on family, or compromising on how and where we live. That’s why early planning matters. It’s vital to choose an investment method that helps close this gap. If retirement is no longer a single moment but a multi-decade-long phase of life, then planning for it cannot remain static. A disciplined, long-term approach may help people navigate changing needs and uncertainty with greater confidence.
Retirement planning means thinking ahead to evolving lifestyles, health needs, and the financial risks of living longer. However, people often see managing their personal finances as complicated. In fact, it’s a lot more straightforward – it’s organising your money by establishing a budget that accounts for current expenditure, as well as building a strategy for the years ahead to achieve your financial goals.
The first few steps do not need to be complex. Start by assessing your immediate needs and protection. Next, establish your mid-term goals. Then focus on the later years by planning for your long-term security and retirement. With this structure in place, you are better positioned to decide how you wish to create or adjust your portfolio.
You don’t need to do this alone. The survey tells us that open, honest discussions with family about retirement plans positively impact their well-being during retirement. In addition, 85% of respondents who consulted a financial adviser report a better quality of life. Seeking advice from a financial professional may provide valuable insights into how your assets are structured and whether they can support your long-term objectives.
1 82% of people view independence and self-reliance as an inheritance ranking above all others. This finding comes from the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026, which gathered insights into longevity, health, caregiving, retirement preparedness, and financial well-being from more than 9,000 adults across nine markets. These include the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
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