Real talk: Filipinos scored only 47 out of 100 in retirement readiness.
That number may seem like just a statistic, but it reflects a deeper challenge — retirement is not simply about money. It is a holistic state that involves six interrelated factors: life stage, personal finances, health, pension program participation, retirement sentiment, and social support.
This was the key insight from the first-ever Retirement Index developed by InLife, the country’s largest Filipino life insurer, which set out to measure just how ready Filipinos are for retirement — financially, emotionally, and socially.
Built on a robust, multi-method research framework, the InLife Retirement Index combined extensive research and expert interviews with economists and psychologists, alongside an online survey of 1,000 respondents aged 18 to 59. The findings were converted to a simple 0–100 scoring scale for clarity and impact.
According to InLife Chief Marketing Officer Gae L. Martinez, “The Retirement Index shows us that Filipinos need to see retirement in a new light. It’s not just a financial milestone. It’s an emotional, social, and even cultural journey. If we only focus on money, we miss out on the other pillars that make retirement truly secure and meaningful.”
Key findings of the InLife Retirement Index:
• Generation X leads the way. Scoring 54, Gen Xers—typically in their 40s and 50s—showed stronger retirement readiness because they are in stable earning years, often supporting families and managing long-term financial goals. Meanwhile, Gen Z recorded the lowest score at 36, though many already have future-oriented mindsets that have yet to translate into concrete plans.
• Insurance and investments make a difference. InLife policyholders scored an impressive 62 compared to 42 for non-policyholders, proving that having insurance and investments significantly improves retirement readiness. Millennials and married individuals who actively build passive income streams are notably more prepared than single earners who shoulder family responsibilities.
• Health preparedness matters. Filipinos who are retirement-ready also tend to have funds set aside for medical emergencies — a crucial factor as chronic illnesses become more common with age.
• Pension gaps remain. Married individuals and parents tend to have higher participation in pension programs like SSS and GSIS, while singles and informal workers remain underserved. Many freelancers and independent contractors lack access to pension benefits, leaving them exposed to future financial and health risks.
• Social connections count. Those with strong social support systems — family, community, or peers — tend to score higher on retirement readiness, emphasizing the emotional and social dimensions of retirement planning.
• The gender gap persists. Women averaged 45 versus men’s 49, reflecting the reality that more men occupy full-time formal roles and hold investments, while women still face barriers in income and financial independence.
Martinez stressed that the Index is more than a report card — it’s a call to action. “These data clearly indicate that retirement readiness requires conversation. Families, communities, and institutions must normalize talking about retirement. At InLife, that’s exactly what we’re doing. We want Filipinos to be aware, more confident, and prepared so they can retire without worries.”
A breakthrough in financial security: InLife Retire Assure
To help Filipinos take concrete steps toward financial freedom, InLife has introduced Retire Assure, the country’s first true retirement insurance product.
Retire Assure offers guaranteed monthly income starting at age 60 or 65 and lasting until age 100. Policyholders can choose their payment schedule — five years, ten years, or up to ages 59 or 64, depending on their comfort. On top of that, it includes cash dividends with the potential to grow over time, helping retirees keep up with inflation and rising living expenses.
For those who want faster and stronger coverage, Retire Assure 2 offers a two-pay variant — ideal for professionals advancing into senior positions who value lasting security over volatile, market-driven investments. Available for individuals aged 48 to 73, it requires only two annual payments before the insured begins receiving monthly income until age 100.
In the event of the insured’s passing, beneficiaries are assured of the higher of either 110% of premiums paid (minus previous payouts) or the guaranteed cash value — whichever is greater. It’s a plan built for long-term peace of mind, both for retirees and their families.
Retirement planning as a lifelong mission
Earlier this year, InLife released Retire Without Worries: Your Roadmap to Living Life to the Fullest, a comprehensive white paper that underscored the urgency of retirement planning amid higher healthcare costs, longer lifespans, and shifting family dynamics that leave many older Filipinos more financially vulnerable. The report called for proactive financial and emotional preparation to avoid the risk of outliving one’s savings.
“At 115 years old, InLife continues to find solutions to Filipinos’ most pressing concerns,” said Martinez. “We are committed to empowering our fellowmen across generations so they can enjoy A Lifetime for Good.”
To see how ready you are for retirement, try the InLife Retirement Index Calculator at https://www.inlife.com.ph/retire-assure/retirement-readiness-index.
Learn more about InLife Retire Assure at https://www.inlife.com.ph/retire-assure, or read the full white paper Retire Without Worries at https://bit.ly/RetireWithoutWorries.