Filipinos are looking for ways to remain independent as they age, but growing caregiving responsibilities and the rising cost of future care are making that harder, according to the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026: Independence as the New Legacy.
The findings point to a growing role for technology in helping people manage health, caregiving, and finances as they prepare for longer and more independent lives.
The survey gathered responses from more than 9,000 people across Asia, including 1,000 respondents in the Philippines. It found that 88% of Filipinos consider independence and financial freedom the inheritance they want to leave their families, rising to 95% among those aged 25 to 34.
“For many Filipinos, legacy has always been deeply connected to family. What we are seeing is that people increasingly view legacy not only as what they leave behind, but also as the choices they make to stay healthy, independent and able to enjoy life for longer,” said Rahul Hora, president and CEO, Manulife Philippines.
For many, independence means avoiding becoming a burden on loved ones, making their own decisions, and being able to access quality care.
Technology can potentially help address some of the pressures behind these concerns, particularly through digital health services, remote health monitoring, online financial planning, and digital investment platforms.
The need is particularly evident among Filipino caregivers.
About 67% of respondents provide care to a family member, spending an average of 32 hours per week, compared with 23 hours across the region. Another 68% have financial responsibilities for family members, spending nearly half of their monthly income on them.
Among those caring for both parents and children, 74% said caregiving and financial commitments hinder their ability to build self-reliance, while 71% said they have delayed their own medical care because of those responsibilities.
These pressures create an opportunity for digital tools that can make care and financial management easier to access. Telehealth and digital health platforms, for example, can reduce the need for some in-person visits, while financial technology can give users more convenient ways to monitor savings, investments, and long-term financial goals.
The survey also highlights a gap between recognizing the value of preventive care and actually taking action. While 92% agree that preventive care and self-care can extend years of independence, only 26% have taken early screenings and preventive care to avoid chronic illness.
About 82% of Filipino respondents worry about paying for future care, compared with 66% across the region. Respondents estimate they will need an average of ₱34,485 per month for future care.
Most expect to fund those needs through personal savings (87%) and investments (59%), while only 21% expect financial support from their children.
Among those already saving and investing, nearly half plan to shift toward income-generating investments, while 30% intend to work with a professional financial planner or adviser. Another 28% plan to diversify across asset classes, and 21% plan to take a more conservative approach focused on preserving capital.
The findings suggest that as caregiving and financial pressures grow, technology will increasingly be part of how Filipinos manage health, care, and financial independence.