Universal design and senior-living models crucial as population aged 60 and above reaches 15% by 2036: Experts

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s housing sector may need significant adjustments as the country moves toward becoming an aged nation by 2036, when 15% of the population will be aged 60 and above. This is according to projections cited by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry from the Department of Statistics.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia property economics and finance associate professor Dr Muhammad Najib Razali said age-friendly housing features remain limited across much of the country’s residential market.

“As Malaysia gradually transitions toward an ageing population, the incorporation of age-friendly features in housing developments remains limited and inconsistent.

“While some modern developments are beginning to include universal design elements such as step-free access, lift access, wider corridors and safer bathroom layouts, these features are not yet standard across most housing projects.”

According to the Housing Statistics 2020–2024 report published by the Housing and Local Government Ministry in December last year, 23,149 completed residential units remained unsold nationwide in 2024, raising questions about whether current housing supply aligns with emerging demographic needs.

Najib said some specialised developments have begun demonstrating how housing can better support elderly residents.

“Projects such as Sunway Sanctuary and GreenAcres Retirement Village demonstrate how barrier-free layouts, accessible bathrooms, emergency response systems and wider circulation spaces can support older residents.

“However, most mainstream housing developments, particularly terrace houses and affordable apartments, still prioritise affordability and density rather than universal accessibility.”

Najib said the cost of modifying homes to accommodate elderly residents can also be a major barrier for families.

“Basic accessibility features such as grab bars may cost around RM300 per unit and when applied across multiple units in a housing development the overall cost can increase significantly.

“More extensive home modifications such as installing wheelchair ramps can cost between RM5,000 and RM70,000, while stair lift systems for double-storey homes may reach around RM60,000.”

He added that this creates challenges for elderly individuals living with long-term health conditions.

“Standard residential designs often include narrow bathrooms, staircases without supportive railings and limited turning space for wheelchairs, which can create difficulties for elderly individuals with mobility limitations, stroke-related disabilities or chronic illnesses.

“Because of this, many families must retrofit their homes by installing ramps, grab bars or medical equipment to accommodate ageing relatives.”

Najib added that the demand for specialised senior housing is expected to grow as Malaysia approaches aged-nation status.

“As the population ages and family sizes become smaller, many households may find it difficult to provide full-time care for elderly family members, increasing the need for professionally managed senior living environments.

“This will likely drive greater demand for retirement villages, assisted-living facilities and integrated housing models that combine residential living with healthcare services.”

Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam College of Built Environment senior lecturer Dr Hafiszah Ismail said adapting existing urban environments will also be a key challenge.

“Many of our existing buildings and urban environments were developed decades ago without considering the needs of an ageing population.

“When we talk about preparing cities for older residents today, it is not only about building new infrastructure but also about adapting existing environments to make them more accessible.”

She said housing design must evolve to support multi-generational living arrangements common in households.

“Ageing in place means the elderly continue living within their communities and family homes. In many households today a single home may accommodate multiple generations – grandparents, parents and children. This means housing developments should incorporate elderly-friendly elements to support multi-generational living environments.”

Hafiszah added that several cities have already begun incorporating infrastructure designed to support ageing populations such as in Petaling Jaya, Penang and Shah Alam.

 The Sun Malaysia