Rethinking Retirement: InLife Index Reveals Filipinos’ Readiness Beyond Finances

Retirement isn’t just about money—it’s about being ready for the next chapter of life in every sense. This is the key message behind the InLife Retirement Index, a groundbreaking study by Insular Life (InLife), the country’s largest Filipino life insurer. The research revealed that Filipinos scored an average of 47 out of 100 in overall retirement readiness, highlighting the urgent need to redefine how people prepare for their later years.

Developed through a multi-method framework combining expert interviews, nationwide surveys, and behavioral research, the InLife Retirement Index evaluates six key factors: life stage, personal finances, health, pension participation, retirement sentiment, and social support. “The Retirement Index shows us that Filipinos need to see retirement in a new light,” said Gae L. Martinez, InLife Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s not just a financial milestone—it’s an emotional, social, and even cultural journey.”

Among the findings, Generation X emerged as the most retirement-ready with a score of 54, thanks to stable income and financial awareness, while Gen Z ranked lowest at 36. InLife policyholders fared better overall, scoring 62 compared to non-policyholders’ 42—proof that insurance, investments, and emergency funds play crucial roles in preparedness. Those with pension coverage, health savings, and strong family support also demonstrated higher confidence about their future. However, gender disparity remains evident, with women scoring lower than men due to differences in formal employment and investment access.

Beyond financial readiness, the study revealed that social connections and emotional well-being significantly affect how Filipinos plan for retirement. Married individuals and those with community ties were more proactive in securing their future, while informal workers and singles faced higher risks due to limited pension coverage. Martinez emphasized that the findings should “spark conversations at home and in the workplace” about retirement as a shared responsibility, not a solitary concern.

To guide Filipinos toward a secure future, InLife introduced Retire Assure—the country’s first true retirement insurance plan—providing guaranteed monthly income from age 60 or 65 up to 100, with options for flexible payments and cash dividends that grow over time. Through tools like the Retirement Index Calculator and research such as Retire Without Worries: Your Roadmap to Living Life to the Fullest, InLife continues its mission to empower Filipinos with knowledge, confidence, and lasting financial security—proving that true retirement readiness goes beyond money.