These homes boast plush suites, jacuzzis and even karaoke rooms for residents.
KUALA LUMPUR - When a 102-year-old Malaysian retiree was first sent to the ReU Living retirement and post-operative care facility in July 2022, it was meant only to be a short stay during a brief illness.The daughter of the centenarian told The Straits Times, as they had lunch at the centre in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur: “After two weeks, she didn’t want to go home. She said it’s too lonely at home.
“I wanted to build it for myself and my mum, to ensure the highest level of services was available to support quality of life for seniors,” added Ms Chew, who set up a similar outfit in Penang in 2021.In a country where many people still live with their adult children, looked after by foreign domestic workers as they age, luxury retirement living does not come cheap.Aside from Malaysian residents, ReU Living also targets expatriates, or those who are in the country for medical procedures.
Based on United Nations data, Malaysia is ageing at a fast rate, with more than 7 per cent of the population aged 65 and above as at 2020. Dr Ramnan Jeyasingam, CEO and director of health services at Pacific Senior Living, which opened Acacia, a residence housed in a former hotel in Klang, Selangor, said that an estimated 15 per cent of Malaysians will be over 60 years old by the year 2030, or about 4.5 million people out of some 30 million.
It has also received inquiries from potential clients overseas, including Singaporeans, and is planning to open up more residences in other states, including Penang and Johor.