‘Far from ideal’
Developed by insurer InLife, the first-ever Retirement Index offers a holistic look at how prepared Filipinos are for retirement. The results revealed that the current level of readiness is “far from ideal,” highlighting that retirement involves more than simply having sufficient financial resources to sustain one’s later years.
Abigail Magtibay, head of business insights and community management at InLife, said during the press launch on Oct. 28, 2025, that the Retirement Index is not just a tool but a movement — one that aims to help Filipinos retire with confidence rather than fear. The index provides a holistic measure that goes beyond viewing retirement as merely a “financial finish line.”
InLife built the Index using a multi-method research framework that drew from combined research, expert interviews with economists and psychologists, and an online survey of 1,000 Filipinos aged 18 to 59. The scores were then standardized on a 0–100 scale for easier interpretation.
Influenced by interrelated factors
Another key insight is that retirement readiness among Filipinos is a complex issue influenced by six interrelated factors: life stage, personal finances, health, pension participation, retirement sentiment, and social support.
Other findings show that Generation X scored the highest on the Index, with a score of 54, largely due to their life stage. They tend to have more stable incomes and established roles as breadwinners and parents, which contribute to greater financial awareness and stronger planning habits.
Younger Filipinos, particularly Gen Z, showed lower preparedness, with the group scoring just 36. Still, many Gen Zs and younger millennials said they have a clear sense of what they want for the future, even if they haven’t yet turned those ideas into tangible retirement plans.
Retirement readiness
Having insurance, investments, and an emergency fund significantly boosts retirement readiness. Millennials, married individuals, and those with small families are known as the investment-oriented groups who exhibit higher-preparedness levels as they build passive income and plan for the long term.
On the other hand, younger and single Filipinos who also help support their families tend to feel more financial pressure, leaving them less prepared for retirement.
Filipinos who are financially ready for retirement also tend to be better prepared for health-related emergencies, the study says. As people age, chronic diseases become increasingly common. Setting aside a separate fund specifically for health-care needs ensures that medical expenses do not deplete savings intended for retirement.
The study also revealed that pension coverage largely benefits married Filipinos, while informal workers and singles lag behind. Low participation in SSS and GSIS heightens their financial vulnerability in retirement.
Two real risk factors
Emotional and social factors also influence retirement planning with the study saying that Filipinos with higher retirement index scores tended to have strong social support. Meanwhile, women scored lower than men, which reflects a gender gap driven by men’s greater access to full-time employment and investment opportunities.
“Insurance addresses two risks: The risk of dying too soon, and the risk of living too long. The second risk is very real, especially now with the technological advancements of us having longer lifespans,” says Gae Martinez, chief marketing officer and chief bancassurance officer of InLife.
She noted that InLife is the first and largest Filipino life insurance company in the country, and the only mutual company as well. As a mutual insurer, InLife is owned by its customers and policyholders rather than by outside shareholders. “Our priority has always been to look after the best interests of our policyholders,” Martinez added.
Real love
In addition, Martinez says InLife advocates for real love. “The kind of love that breaks intergenerational dependence. Many Filipinos say, ‘my family loves me; I can rely on my children when I retire.’ But true love means ensuring your children’s financial freedom by taking care of yourself first,” she adds.
To help Filipinos prepare for retirement, InLife offers Retire Assure, the country’s first true retirement insurance product. It guarantees a monthly income starting at age 60 or 65 until age 100 and can be paid over five or 10 years, or until age 59 or 64. The plan also provides cash dividends that can grow over time to help offset rising living costs.
Retire Assure 2, a two-pay variant, is ideal for professionals nearing senior roles who seek stability over market-driven risks. Available to individuals aged 48 to 73, it is payable in two annual installments. After the second payment, policyholders receive a monthly income until age 100, while beneficiaries are assured of the higher value between 110 percent of premiums paid (minus payouts) or the guaranteed cash value.
Diversified approach
Jose Eduardo Ang, chief product and innovation officer of InLife, points out that the premiums collected from policyholders to generate additional income are invested in bonds, select real estate investment trusts with steady payouts, and a mix of equities. “This diversified approach allows us to generate sustainable returns that support long-term financial goals,” he says.
“Since its founding—and even through World War II—InLife has remained focused on one thing: its policyholders.
As chronicled in the company’s history, management has always prioritized serving people over competing for the top spot. The goal has never been to be No. 1, but to reach more Filipinos, meet their needs, and make benefits accessible even in difficult times. That unwavering commitment has guided InLife’s leadership through the years and continues to define its purpose today,” he adds.
