Manulife's Asia Care 2026 survey, conducted with 1,000 adults in Vietnam, reveals that individuals aged 35-44 are simultaneously supporting their school-aged children and providing financial assistance to their parents. This dual responsibility has led to them being commonly referred to as the "sandwich generation".

The survey found that 72% of the "sandwich generation" currently provide financial support to their families. Of this group, 74% reported that their present responsibilities impact their ability to achieve long-term financial independence, while 70% expressed concern over future elder care costs.

These pressures are reshaping their perspectives on financial futures. A significant 89% of respondents view financial independence and autonomy as a meaningful "legacy" they wish to leave their families, and 57% hope to avoid becoming a burden to relatives in old age.

This viewpoint is evident in how Vietnamese individuals plan their financial resources for retirement. Approximately 81% intend to rely on personal savings, 48% choose insurance, and 43% explore investment solutions. Conversely, only 21% expect financial support from their children. These figures indicate a strong shift towards proactive financial planning and reduced reliance on the next generation.

Many individuals aged 35-44 simultaneously care for school-aged children and support their parents. Photo: Hang Ha

In this context, financial solutions that combine protection and investment are gaining traction due to their ability to meet both financial protection needs and long-term wealth accumulation goals. Manulife's unit-linked insurance product, Xanh phu quy, is one such solution developed with this approach.

Beyond financial protection benefits, the product enables customers to invest through professionally managed unit-linked funds. Designed with an expected premium payment period of 5 years, this insurance helps clients build accumulated value and offers the opportunity to receive loyalty bonuses upon meeting product-specific conditions.

A consultant advises customers on products. Photo: Manulife

After 10 years, customers can flexibly utilize a portion of their account value when needed while maintaining contract benefits. The accumulated value has the potential to grow further based on the investment performance of the chosen unit-linked funds, coupled with long-term protection benefits and the ability to transfer assets to the next generation.

According to Manulife, for many in the "sandwich generation," preparing for the future extends beyond mere wealth accumulation; it involves planning for an autonomous life and avoiding becoming a family burden. As financial independence increasingly becomes a "legacy" for future generations, solutions combining protection and long-term savings are becoming a preferred choice.

Hoang Dan

Learn more about the Manulife Asia Care 2026 survey here.