Hyderabad, Mar 31: Axis Max Life Insurance Limited formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited, has unveiled the South Zone findings of the fifth edition of its flagship India Retirement Index Study (IRIS 5.0), conducted in partnership with Kantar, the world’s leading marketing data and analytics company. The findings indicate steady improvement in health preparedness and emotional resilience in Southern India, even as overall retirement readiness and financial action remained stable.
As per the IRIS 5.0, the Retirement Index for Southern India stands at 45 in 2025, up from 43 in 2022. While this marks progress, the pace of increase is slower compared to the national growth over the same period (44 to 48 points). This year, like previous years, the Financial Preparedness Index has remained stable at 47, while the Emotional Preparedness Index has increased from 58 to 59. In contrast, the Health Preparedness Index has recorded a stronger rise, improving from 39 to 43, a four-point increase.
Rahul Talwar, Director & Chief Marketing Officer, Axis Max Life Insurance, said
“The IRIS 5.0 findings for Southern India highlights an encouraging rise in health awareness, while the emotional resilience index remains stable. The study also showcases a strong belief in early retirement planning. However, the gap between intent and action remains evident, particularly on the financial front. Bridging this gap will require consistent engagement with our customers to help them convert their knowledge into structured, long-term retirement planning.”
Key Insights –
- Health Preparedness Gains Momentum across Southern India
Health preparedness has emerged as the most improved dimension in Southern India between 2022 and 2025. The Health Preparedness Index has risen from 39 to 43, reflecting growing engagement with fitness and personal wellbeing.
The percentage of the general population involved in daily physical activities had increased from 37% in 2022 to 44% in 2025, outpacing the national growth rate (38% to 43%). The proportion of respondents who believe they will remain fit during retirement has climbed from 74% to 80%. The share of residents who have not undergone any health check-up in the past three years has declined from 50% to 47%, indicating gradual improvement in preventive health behaviour.
Southern India also demonstrates higher digital engagement in health management, with 18% using health and wellness apps, compared to 15% nationally. However, health insurance adoption has remained stable at around 44%, even as national coverage has expanded from 43% to 50%, indicating scope to further strengthen formal financial protection alongside personal health management.
- Financial Preparedness shows strong intent, but limited follow-through
Financial preparedness in Southern India has remained steady over the past three years, with the Financial Preparedness Index holding at 47 in both 2022 and 2025.More than half (54%) believe retirement planning should be the first financial priority once one starts working. However, 61% report actively investing for retirement, compared to the national average of 67%.
Among those delaying action, 39% believe family wealth or other income sources will support them in retirement, while 33% cite competing life priorities as a reason for postponing retirement planning.
Investment behaviour continues to lean conservative. Adoption of fixed and recurring deposits has increased from 50% to 58%, while participation in risk-based investments such as mutual funds and the stock market has grown directionally, from 29% to 33%, compared to stronger national growth (32% to 43%)
While 67% say they know how much they will need to maintain their current lifestyle in retirement, only 27% believe their savings will last beyond ten years post-retirement, indicating room to strengthen long-term financial confidence.
- Emotional preparedness shows signs of stability
The Emotional Preparedness Index has remained stable from 58 in 2022 to 59 in 2025, reflecting overall stability in retirement outlook. Concerns around financial dependence on children (72%) and environmental changes (77%) remain prevalent but broadly steady.
Encouragingly, the proportion of respondents who feel ‘totally secure’ about receiving familial support has increased from 49% to 57%, outpacing the national rise (51% to 55%). Fear of loneliness has declined from 75% to 68%, while the national average remains unchanged at 71%.
