The majority of Asians foresee working beyond the retirement age mainly because of income needs, according to a survey by insurer Sun Life.
More than two-thirds of Asians (69 percent) expect to continue or have continued to work beyond retirement age, according to a survey by Sun Life.
62 percent cited income needs to support their daily living and long-term financial security as the reason to remain in work. This extends beyond individual needs as many face the additional financial strain of supporting elder relatives as well as young dependents — the so-called “sandwich generation”. 36 percent and 26 percent are downsizing lifestyle expectations or postponing retirement, respectively, due to such pressures.
What’s more, 22 percent are not making any plans before retirement and only 28 percent are drawing up plans within two years of leaving full-time work. Just 22 percent feel very confident in their retirement plans.
Personal Choice
For others, retirement is driven by more of a personal choice rather than urgency. The survey noted reasons including purpose and fulfilment (49 percent), maintaining social connections (47 percent) and mental stimulation (41 percent).
“What we’re seeing is not a single retirement experience, but two very different realities. For those who are prepared, working longer can be a choice that offers flexibility and freedom. For others, it reflects financial pressure. Planning early, and planning holistically, is what determines which path people are on,” said David Broom, chief client and distribution officer at Sun Life.
The survey, titled “Retirement Reimagined: Asia’s Retirement Divide”, was based on findings from more than 3,000 interviews conducted online across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam in November 2025.
