72% of Filipinos intend to work beyond 65–survey
A growing retirement divide is emerging among Filipinos, with seven in 10 expecting to work beyond age 65 amid persistent financial pressures, a new survey found.
In Sun Life’s “Retirement Reimagined” survey, the insurer reported that 72 percent of Filipino respondents expect to continue working past the standard retirement age.
Of these, 71 percent cite financial obligations as their primary reason, as they need more income to support their daily living and long-term financial security.
However, over half of respondents also said they plan to work beyond retirement for purpose and personal fulfillment.
According to Sun Life, the contrasting reasons show the growing gap between those who work past retirement by choice and those compelled to do so out of financial necessity.
“This divide underscores the growing stakes of financial readiness: with adequate planning, later-life work is empowerment; without it, it becomes an obligation,” the survey noted.
Financial insecurity
Retirement readiness remains a concern, as 47 percent of nonretirees cited financial insecurity and 44 percent expressed fears about being unable to support their families.
The pressure is compounded for those in the “sandwich generation,” with 77 percent supporting both elder relatives and young dependents, making it even harder to step away from the workforce.
“The Philippines’ retirement landscape is being reshaped by longer lifespans, shifting attitudes and growing financial pressures. People aspire to stay active, support their families and lead fulfilling later lives—yet financial shortfalls risk constraining those goals,” Sun Life said.
Sun Life conducted a total of 3,006 interviews across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines in November 2025.
From a broader perspective, the Philippine experience mirrors the wider Asian trend: 69 percent of all respondents across the region expect to continue working beyond age 65, with 62 percent citing financial necessity as their primary reason.
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