As life expectancy continues to rise, the concept of longevity is shifting beyond simply living longer to focusing on living better. Increasingly, longevity is being defined by good health, financial resilience and the ability to maintain independence with adequate support over time.
Findings from the latest Hong Kong edition of the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026 highlight this changing mindset, showing that independence — underpinned by both health and financial security — is emerging as a more important legacy than wealth accumulation alone.
However, the survey also underscores a significant readiness gap.
Despite the growing emphasis on healthier and more financially secure ageing, many respondents remain underprepared in key areas such as preventive healthcare, retirement planning, and long-term caregiving resilience.
The shift is reflected in both attitudes and financial priorities. The survey found that 90% of Hongkongers aspire to remain self-sufficient for as long as possible, while respondents expect to allocate around 71% of their assets to meet their own future needs, compared with 29% earmarked for the next generation.
This outlook is closely linked to a strong desire to avoid placing a burden on family members. An overwhelming 91% of respondents said self-reliance helps prevent dependence on loved ones, while 64% identified “freedom from being a burden” as their top longevity aspiration. The sentiment is even more pronounced among older respondents, rising to 74% among those aged above 60.
“People in Hong Kong are increasingly defining a meaningful long life not by what they leave behind, but by their ability to choose how they live — supported by good health and strong financial preparedness,” said Manulife Incoming Chief Marketing Officer for Greater China Celia Ling.
While the desire for self-sufficiency is strong, the survey points to a persistent gap between awareness and action, particularly in preventive healthcare.
Although 83% of Hongkongers acknowledge the importance of regular health check-ups, only 42% undergo them annually, while nearly one in five (19%) have never had a check-up at all — underscoring the disconnect between intention and actual behaviour.
Preventive care also appears to be largely reactive rather than routine.
Around 38% of respondents said they only seek early screening when they suspect symptoms of a serious condition. The main barriers cited include perceived cost, mentioned by about 50% of respondents, followed by the view that screening is not yet necessary, at 31%. These findings point to an opportunity to improve access, affordability, and ease of uptake in preventive care, helping translate awareness into sustained health habits.
The findings also highlight that independence in later life is shaped not only by individual health and financial preparedness, but also by the interaction between health, wealth, and caregiving responsibilities.
Among caregivers in Hong Kong, 41% provide health-related support while 38% offer financial assistance, underscoring the dual pressures many face as they balance their own future planning with immediate family obligations.
The impact of these responsibilities is significant.
Among those providing health care support, 68% reported disruptions to daily activities and financial planning, while 58% said caregiving has affected their ability to maintain long-term independence. The strain is also reflected in caregivers’ priorities, with key needs identified as preventive health check-ups and screenings (84%), financial planning support (83%), and emotional support (81%).
The survey was based on responses from 1000 Hong Kong respondents aged 18 and above.