Poll: 72% of Pinoys expect to work past retirement

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March 5, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — A majority of Filipinos anticipate working beyond the retirement age, with many driven by the need to generate income for daily expenses, according to a new study by Sun Life.

The survey found that 72 percent of respondents expect to continue working beyond age 65.

Sun Life said the motivations from respondents were mixed, but 71 percent cited the requirement of an income to support their daily living and long-term financial security.

This was followed by purpose and fulfillment at 53 percent, mental stimulation at 41 percent and valuing social connections at 36 percent.

Sun Life’s Retirement Reimagined: Asia’s Retirement Divide survey came as the country faces a growing retirement divide.

The Asian Development Bank earlier estimated that people age 60 and above will account for one-fifth of the Philippine population by 2066.

“What we’re seeing is not a single retirement experience, but two very different realities,” Sun Life Philippines CEO and country head Benedict Sison said.

“For those who are prepared, working longer can be a choice that offers flexibility and freedom. For others, it reflects financial pressure,” Sison added, noting that planning early and holistically determines a person’s path.

In addition, the firm saw two groups: the “Gold Star Planners” who are financially prepared and able to retire on their own terms, and “Stalled Starters,” who delay retirement due to financial constraints.

Among the Gold Star Planners, 73 percent of respondents expect to work beyond retirement by choice and are motivated by staying active (38 percent) and social engagement (25 percent).

Meanwhile, 20 percent of the Stalled Starters remain uncertain about whether they will keep working, with half saying they need to save more as their primary reason for delaying retirement.

In the same survey, Sun Life said financial security is the top predictor of retirement optimism.

Among those still in the workforce but anticipating retirement, 67 percent cited financial security as the main draw. Others point to the stability (36 percent) it offers and the sense of control over their future (26 percent).

Meanwhile, 47 percent of respondents who are not looking forward to retirement said financial insecurity continues to weigh on their outlook, while 44 percent expressed concern over their ability to support their families.

Sun Life also reported that 25 percent of non-retirees make no pre?retirement plans at all, while 37 percent only begin planning within two years of retirement.

Despite this, 26 percent feel very confident about their retirement preparedness.

Meanwhile, the report said a lot of Filipinos support both elderly relatives and young dependents, resulting 34 percent to downsize lifestyle expectations and 14 percent to put retirement on hold.

About 86 percent of respondents view that retirement must be a personal choice rather than mandatory at a fixed age. This sentiment is strongest among Gen Z (69 percent agree strongly), compared to Baby Boomers (46 percent).

In total, 82 percent support allowing people to continue working beyond the country’s retirement age.

This study with 3,006 respondents was conducted online across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam in November 2025.