By Jennifer Hill, Personal Finance Correspondent

LONDON (Reuters) - Most people in the world would rather leave their heirs their perspective on life and sense of humour than money or property, according to a survey.

Less than 10 percent of 21,000 people in 21 countries surveyed said they want to pass on money while 60 percent want their legacy to be their outlook on life.

The preference for passing on human values rather than material goods held good in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

However, the survey for HSBC bank also highlights the possible reason why few people among the world's older generations plan to leave a cash legacy: only a small proportion of people -- mainly in Northern America and Europe -- are prepared financially for later life.

In most transitional economies, 50-80 percent fear a lack of money in retirement.

Globally, around 70 percent fear illness and disability in old age, and 60 percent being dependent on others.

Almost two-thirds of those surveyed believe governments should play a significant role in supporting them in their latter years, but three-quarters do not think that will happen.

The poll comes at a time when many consumers, especially those in the affluent west, face a pensions time-bomb due to living longer, a lack of personal pension savings and a reduction in state benefits.