In Manulife’s Asia Care Survey 2025, just 6% of the 1,021 locals interviewed chose “living longer” as a life goal.
A generation that once worshipped longevity now wants a shorter, healthier and financially unburdened life.
This article was written by a Financial Horse Contributor.
Living Well > Living Long
The 2025 Manulife Survey shows that just 6% of Singaporeans rank “living longer” as their chief goal – financial freedom, health and meaning dominate as chief goals.
24% picked “staying active and enjoying life” and 43% feared enduring years of chronic illness.
There is an increase emphasis on living well > living long.
This includes staying active and enjoying life, as well as being financially independent.
Financial readiness is also a chief concern, especially as family obligations are heavy – many intend to “work as long as they can”.
What “Financial Freedom” Means to Singaporeans?
The CIMB Financial Independence Study 2025 puts hard numbers to the dream.
“Financial freedom” locally centres on clearing debt and amassing ≥ S$1 million liquid wealth between ages 40-60, as 52% of residents believe this is the ticket to worry-free living.
| Goalpost | Survey data | Take-away |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom age | 63% aim for 40-60 yrs | Early planning is mainstream |
| “Freedom number” | 52% say > S$1 m | Inflation lifts the bar |
| Top anxieties | Cost of living, family care, low income | Earning power alone is insufficient |
AIA’s Live Better Study 2025 shows 83% of residents intend to “actively manage” money this year despite economic headwinds.
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Problems?
Heavy cash/CPF bias (57%), parental support drains (65% fund parents) and low critical-illness cover (35%) threaten the dignity-focused retirement Singaporeans say they want.
Cost of living is on everyone’s minds.
Singapore has topped The Economist Intelligence Unit’s cost-of-living index 9 times in the past 11 years.
A healthy-life expectancy of ~74 for the average Singaporeans, means many expect a long tail of expense-heavy years if they don’t stay fit and solvent.
The Four Pillars of Freedom for Singaporeans
Debt-free roof over your head
Whether HDB or private property, clearing the mortgage before 55 seems to be a top priority for most Singaporeans.
Robust CPF
The Special/Retirement Account still earns a floor 4% p.a. — risk-free alpha in today’s markets.
The new Full Retirement Sum (FRS) for 2025 is S$213,000, locking in ~S$1.6-1.7 k monthly CPF LIFE payouts at 65.
Diversified passive income
Dividend REITs, global ETF exposure and a side hustle are key strategies employed by savvy Singaporeans.
Emergency buffer
3-to-6-month cash reserve is the rule of thumb, and should be kept in high yield savings accounts or SSBs/Tbills.
Are We on Track?
The average 55-year-old’s CPF balance now hovers around the FRS, but withdrawals above S$5 k at 55 mean many still hit retirement with thinner buffers.
Real household income growth averaged <1 % CAGR (2019-24) — barely outrunning core inflation.
How to Optimize for Living Well
| Objective | Concrete action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Preserve “health capital” | Annual screenings (MediSave-claimable) | The cheapest chronic-disease hedge |
| Lock in 4% | Top-up SA/RA early; CPF interest is tax-efficient and beats inflation | Compounded floor ≥ market cash |
| Build growth engines | 60% global equity ETFs, 20% SGD REITs, 20% T-Bills/SSBs | Balances growth, yield, liquidity |
| Protect downside | Hospitalisation/critical-illness term cover | Prevents asset fire-sale after health shock |
| Automate behaviour | DCA via robo or regular-savings plan | Removes market-timing bias |
Policy Tailwinds to Watch
CPF contribution hike
From 1 Jan 2026, rates for workers aged 55-65 rise another ~1.5 ppts, pushing an extra ~S$1.2 k/year into retirement pots for median earners.
Extended 4% floor on SA/RA interest now guaranteed through 31 Dec 2025. Renewal beyond that remains policy-dependent.
Concluding Thoughts
Most studies on life-satisfaction suggest that people value the quality of their years more than the sheer number of them.
A long life that lacks autonomy, purpose, and vitality is no longer considered a win.
What matters is how healthy and fulfilling those years feel.
The sensible goal therefore is to maximise healthy, meaningful years by making sure you are financially secure and stay healthy and active.