A new survey has found that seven in 10 Filipinos expect to work beyond the retirement age of 65, due to persistent financial pressures.
The “Retirement Reimagined” survey of insurer Sun Life reports that 72 percent of Filipino respondents expect to continue working past the standard retirement age, with 71 percent citing financial obligations as their primary reason, needing 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 the report, 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.
Retirement readiness remains a concern, as 47 percent of non-retirees 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,” the report 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 where 69 percent of respondents expect to continue working beyond age 65, with 62 percent citing financial necessity as the primary reason.
As life expectancies increase due to advances in modern medicine and healthier lifestyles, the age of retirement is becoming more flexible, as the elderly continue working for various reasons. With that in mind, governments have to provide the tools and safeguards that will allow that demographic to continue to be productive and seek purpose, while contributing to society and at the same time preparing for a brighter and more comfortable future when they do choose to retire.*
