Filipinos are far from fully prepared for retirement, according to the first-ever InLife Retirement Index, which gave the country a score of 47 out of 100. Developed by Insular Life (InLife), the Philippines’ largest life insurer, the index measures how ready Filipinos are for retirement across six areas: life stage, personal finances, health, pension participation, retirement sentiment, and social support.
The study combined expert interviews with economists and psychologists, as well as survey data from 1,000 Filipinos aged 18 to 59. InLife said the findings reveal that retirement readiness is not just about money, but also about emotional, social, and cultural factors. InLife chief marketing officer Gae L. Martinez explained that viewing retirement only as a financial goal misses the “other pillars that make retirement truly secure and meaningful.”
Generation X scored the highest at 54, reflecting more financial stability and experience, while Gen Z scored the lowest at 36, showing lower preparedness but clearer future goals. Those who own insurance or investments were found to be more retirement-ready, with InLife policyholders averaging a score of 62 compared to 42 for non-policyholders.Married individuals and parents also showed higher pension coverage, while singles and informal workers were more exposed to financial and health risks later in life.
The study also noted that retirees with strong social support tend to be more confident and proactive about planning. However, gender gaps persist—men averaged a score of 49, while women scored 45, due to differences in employment and investment opportunities.
Martinez said the index should encourage more open discussions about retirement planning among families and communities. She emphasized that “retirement readiness requires conversation” and called for collective action to help Filipinos prepare for their later years.
To support this goal, InLife introduced Retire Assure, a retirement insurance plan that guarantees a monthly income from age 60 or 65 up to 100 years old, with flexible payment terms and potential dividend growth. A second version, Retire Assure 2, targets professionals nearing senior career levels, offering income security with just two years of premium payments.
InLife’s earlier research, Retire Without Worries: Your Roadmap to Living Life to the Fullest, also highlighted the urgent need for retirement planning amid rising healthcare costs, longer lifespans, and smaller family support networks.
Now in its 115th year, InLife says it remains focused on helping Filipinos across generations “enjoy a lifetime for good.”
