5 Key Findings: How The Affluent View Longevity & Financial Security

^{By Erin Chan Ding}

In a recent survey of 250 high-net-worth (HNW) individuals conducted by Forbes Insights in partnership with Manulife Singapore, nearly all respondents said health is their most important priority.

We surveyed respondents across three age groups—young adults (18 to 40-years-old), middle-age adults (41 to 60-years-old) and older adults (61-years-old and up)—all based in Singapore, Hong Kong or mainland China to examine how they’re managing both their wealth and health to set themselves up for fulfilling, long lives. How are affluent individuals investing in their wellness? Where do longevity and financial planning intersect? And what are the common barriers they face as they aim to optimize each?

Read on to explore five top trends revealed by our research.

1. HNW Individuals Are Health-Conscious & Motivated

In our survey, 96% of respondents agreed that “nothing is more important than health” and 80% said financial wealth is key to a healthier, longer life.

And they’re putting these core beliefs into practice by actively working toward specific wellness objectives. Here’s what respondents cited as top health and longevity goals:

1. Supporting their families with their longevity and health issues (48%)
2. Staying active as they age (46%)
3. Improving or maintaining mental health (45%)
4. Ensuring financial stability to support healthcare expenses and long-term care (42%)

2. They Indicate Some Sense Of Security About Health—But There’s A Limit

Most respondents express some level of confidence about their future health—perhaps due in part to their financial status, their wealth management approach and access to solid health insurance. And as they look ahead, they feel at least somewhat prepared to help their families and handle both expected and unforeseen medical expenses.

• 78% of respondents are at least moderately confident they’ll be active and in good health post-retirement
• 62% are either very or extremely confident that their wealth management plan will support their families over a longer lifespan
• 89% view having a health insurance plan as a necessity
• 73% say insurance enhances quality of life and financial security by covering unexpected costs

However, when we dig deeper to examine just how health-assured respondents feel, we see that confidence in long-term health is less likely to reach very strong—and especially unshakeable—levels:

• Less than half (47%) felt very or extremely confident they’ll be active and in good health post-retirement
• Only 24% said they’re extremely confident their wealth management plan will support their families over a longer lifespan

3. Longevity Confidence & Goals Vary With Wealth Level

Since 80% of respondents agreed that financial wealth is essential to longevity, you might expect higher wealth to correlate with greater health confidence. However, as we examined wealth levels more closely, our research exposed a confidence gap:

• The cohort with the most investable assets ($5 million or more) were the least confident they would be active and in good health after retiring, with just 39% characterizing themselves as either very or extremely confident
• Of those with less wealth ($1 to $3 million in investable assets), 52% felt either very or extremely confident they’d be active and in good health post-retirement

Health and longevity goals also differed across wealth level:

• Top goal for respondents with $5 million or more: Enhancing longevity and future quality of life
• Top goal for respondents with $1 to $3 million: Helping their families with longevity and health issues

Mark Czajkowski, chief marketing officer of Manulife Singapore and chief analytics officer for Manulife Asia, found these insights striking. “It challenges the assumption that greater wealth automatically translates to greater peace of mind,” he said. “It suggests that even those with significant financial means remain uncertain about their long-term health, highlighting the need for more integrated longevity planning.”

4. Age May Impact Peace Of Mind, Too

When studying how health confidence differs across generations, another gap emerged. Older respondents expressed less certainty about remaining physically active and healthy after their working years:

• 58% of older adults indicated moderate confidence in good health after retirement
• The share jumps to 79% when surveying the middle-age demographic
• The number rises again for the youngest cohort, with 92% citing moderate confidence in future health

Health and longevity goals also diverge with age:

• Top goal for older adults: Ensuring financial stability to cover health care costs and long-term care
• Top goal for middle-age adults: Staying active as they age
• Top goal for young adults: Helping their families with longevity and health issues

As does the value surveytakers placed on health insurance:

• 96% of percent of older adults say health insurance is necessary
• 24% of young adults don’t view health insurance as a necessity

5. Education & Simpler Systems Could Boost Confidence

What’s preventing people from feeling more assured about their future health? While many respondents feel secure in their financial ability to pursue their wellness goals, the results highlighted key barriers that may be weakening their sense of longevity security and optimism:

1. Difficulty navigating health care systems and insurance
2. Limited knowledge about best treatments and hospitals
3. Difficulty making lifestyle changes
4. Increasing mental health issues from high-pressure work

The good news? Despite their frustration with healthcare complexity, respondents are still taking initiative to achieve their longevity goals—from maintaining preventative care and wellness visits and subscribing to state-of-the-art health insurance plans to living healthy lifestyles that include a focus on nutrition and movement.

Ready to take control of your future?

Download the full report to uncover deeper insights into how high-net-worth individuals are preparing for longer, healthier lives—and learn how Manulife can help you build a financial strategy that supports your longevity goals.