International Day of Older Persons celebration highlights active ageing, community and the evolving role of senior living as Malaysia prepares for a growing care economy
SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, 6 October 2026 – As Malaysia moves towards becoming an ageing society, the conversation around senior care is evolving beyond healthcare and basic support to consider how older Malaysians can continue to live actively, independently and with purpose.
The shift comes as Malaysia’s older population continues to grow. The latest Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) estimates show that Malaysians aged 65 and above accounted for 8.4% of the population in 2026, up from 8.0% in 2025. The Government has also placed the ageing agenda and care economy on the national agenda, with its Pre-Budget Statement 2027 highlighting the need to strengthen long-term care capacity, community-based care, care-worker skills and service standards as Malaysia prepares for an ageing society.
Against this backdrop, Sunway Sanctuary is championing a more holistic approach to senior living – one that recognises that ageing well encompasses not only physical health, but also mental and emotional wellbeing, social connection, recreation, learning and a continued sense of purpose.
At Sunway Sanctuary, this philosophy is reflected in an environment designed around the whole experience of later life. Located in the heart of Sunway City, adjacent to Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway Sanctuary does not only provides the added reassurance of having a comprehensive healthcare facility within close proximity, but the high access to lifestyle amenities, such groceries, restaurants, entertainment, the newly opened Sunway Square mall and a Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre (JCPAC), all within walking distance, supporting a vibrant lifestyle.
Beyond wellness and healthcare, Sunway Sanctuary offers a refined, hotel-concept environment curated for active retirement. Residents can enjoy a range of facilities including a mini theatre, karaoke lounge and games room, alongside outings to nearby parks and activities that encourage connection with the wider community. An active lifestyle is further supported through daily curated recreational programmes, featuring dynamic movement and physical exercise, as well as a variety of hands-on workshops ranging from arts and crafts to cooking classes, creating opportunities to explore new interests and stay engaged throughout retirement.
“For us, holistic senior living is about supporting the different dimensions of wellbeing — from physical fitness and social connections to mental stimulation, recreation and continued learning. As Malaysia prepares for an ageing nation, we believe the private sector can play a meaningful role by integrating healthcare, wellness, hospitality and community to help elderly live actively, independently and with purpose,” said Doris Chin, General Manager of Sunway Sanctuary.
This philosophy comes to life at “The Golden Shanghai Era”, Sunway Sanctuary’s celebration in conjunction with the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) on 4 October. Inspired by the culture, food, creativity and social spirit of the golden Shanghai era, the event celebrates the richness of later life through experiences that encourage older adults to connect, create, learn and enjoy.
The programme features a series of Shanghai-inspired hands-oncreative workshops, from Chinese fan-making, bracelet and necklace making to mung bean cake making workshop, complemented by tea tasting, a movie screening and a Shanghai-inspired dinner buffet with festive entertainment to bring the celebration to a close. More than a celebration of older persons, the event reflects Sunway Sanctuary’s belief that later life can be a time of continued discovery, creativity and connection, where seniors can pursue interests, build relationships and share their knowledge and experiences.
The experience of Sunway Sanctuary also points to the broader ecosystem needed to support older Malaysians. Senior care extends beyond medical services to include senior-friendly living, wellness, social engagement, recreation, community support and professional caregiving. This is increasingly relevant as the Government looks to develop the care economy as a new growth sector, with Budget 2027 expected to further address Malaysia’s preparedness for an ageing society.
“Preparing for an ageing Malaysia requires us to look beyond traditional models of care. We need to think about how we can support people to remain active, connected and independent, while ensuring that appropriate healthcare and professional support are available when needed. There is a role for the private sector to complement the broader care ecosystem by creating different models of senior living that support quality of life in its fullest sense,” added Doris Chin.
Through its integrated approach to senior living, wellness, recreation, community and healthcare support, Sunway Sanctuary aims to create an environment where seniors can stay active, pursue their interests, connect with others and enjoy a fulfilling everyday life.
Discover more about Sunway Sanctuary at www.sunwaysanctuary.com.my For images, please click here
