Redefining senior living for Malaysia’s ageing population

By 2030, Malaysia is projected to become an ageing society, with those 60 and older making up 15% of the population. Furthermore, with the career-focused lifestyle of the younger generations, the elderly in Malaysia are often faced with challenges due to perceptions of incapability and 24-hour dependence. To address the needs of an ageing population and promote a more conducive living environment for seniors, Pacific Senior Living (PSL) hopes to address the growing need by offering full-board residences.

An emerging senior living brand under Columbia Pacific Management Group, Pacific Senior Living (PSL) unveiled its first senior living residence, Acacia, in the Royal City of Klang in Malaysia on November 9, 2023. The event was officiated by the Sultan of Selangor, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Ibni Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah.

Located within a short driving distance from Kuala Lumpur’s city centre in Klang, Acacia offers retiring age customers a holistic accommodation solution with proven expertise in care and quality of service, featuring a resort-like ambience, state-of-the-art medical facilities and premium services meticulously designed for individuals aged 60 and above. Beyond its idyllic setting, this prime location provides residents with a serene and historically rich environment while ensuring doorstep access to essential amenities and services.

Malaysia is on course to surpass 20% of its population aged 65 years old and above by 2056, earning the status of a “super-aged nation,” according to projections from the World Bank (1).

In response to this demographic shift, Carl Nicholas Isaac, Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Senior Living Sdn. Bhd., expressed his commitment, stating that, “We are thrilled to introduce Acacia, our inaugural purpose-built assisted and independent living residence in the vibrant Klang Valley. As Klang moves closer to being recognised as the fourth city in Selangor and 20th in the country, we are confident that Klang will be able to provide families with the necessary services that are efficient, of good quality and of
international standards that will supplement the growing demand for innovative senior living solutions within the Klang Valley,”.

Acacia was given a new lease on life from the former 4-star Merrida Hotel, which ceased operations during the Movement Control Order (MCO). The multi-story building boasts a total of 136 meticulously crafted rooms, featuring three distinct layouts spanning from 312 sq. ft. to 592 sq. ft., which include Superior, Executive, and Premier Room options. The design has incorporated thoughtful elements like anti-fall furnishings and ergonomic layouts and the property offers a comprehensive array of amenities, including a swimming pool, heated Jacuzzi, BBQ area, an entertainment room (karaoke and movie room), billiard and mahjong tables. It also hosts specialised facilities such as in-house physiotherapy services and hobby workshops, catering to diverse resident interests and needs.

Pacific Senior Living also proudly introduces Silver Club, an innovative day care service guided by
dedicated activities coordinators. It is open every day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, ensuring that seniors have access to comprehensive care and engaging activities throughout the week. This unique offering
creates a welcoming and engaging environment for seniors, providing a comprehensive experience of
activities, socialisation, and professional care all conveniently housed in one location. The experienced
team managing Silver Club is unwavering in their commitment to ensuring each participant receives the necessary support and attention throughout the day. With programs and services overseen by Activities Coordinators, Silver Club is designed to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being, all with the flexibility of a daycare option. This added feature enhances the convenience and peace of mind for those seeking a comprehensive and flexible senior care solution. It stands as a testament to Pacific Senior Living’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for seniors.

“We have placed paramount emphasis on delivering holistic support for both independent and assisted living, especially for individuals grappling with issues like hearing impairments, significant limitations in their daily routines, and mobility issues. These are evident signals for the necessity of specialised care. In collaboration with Columbia Asia, our strategic healthcare provider, we are committed to ensuring that every resident at Acacia has access to exceptional healthcare and wellness resources right at their doorstep,” Carl added.

Photo supplied.

Acacia offers a diverse range of services that embody Pacific Senior Living’s dedication to delivering top-tier senior healthcare and holistic well-being. The services include:

  • Pre-medical assessments upon check-in
  • Scheduled visits from healthcare professionals
  • 24/7 access to experienced and internationally trained Wellness Associates (caregivers) on-site who are fully equipped and dedicated to providing exceptional, personalised care to meet each resident’s needs
  • Supervised medication and supplement administration
  • Gourmet meals customised to individual nutritional plans administered by expert nutritionists

“Our Chairman, Mr. Dan Baty founded Columbia Asia hospitals in Kuala Lumpur nearly 30 years ago. We were drawn to Malaysia by the favourable investment environment, wonderful people and the opportunity to meet the growing demand for high-quality affordable healthcare services. We are proud of the success of Columbia Asia hospitals and the millions of patients served over these past decades. And, we are pleased to have Columbia Asia serve as a medical partner to Pacific Senior Living today. With the opening of our first senior living community in Malaysia, we recognise that many of the same dynamics are at play – a strong investment climate, increasing demand for high-quality, international standard senior living services, and, of course, the warmth, hospitality, and dedication of the Malaysian people,” shared Nate McLemore, Global Managing Director, Columbia Pacific Management.

“Successful senior living has a lot of similarities whether you are in New York, Seattle, Shanghai or Bangalore. No matter the culture, seniors want to live a vibrant and full life in their golden years. They want to be treated with respect, honour and integrity. It is important to not only meet medical needs and provide assistance with daily living – but it is also critical to nourish seniors’ desire for connection with fellow residents, the staff, and with visiting family and friends. A robust activities program also helps keep the mind and body active. And, perhaps the most important thing – food – if you get the food wrong, you might as well pack up and go home,” he added.

Acacia PSL invites the public to learn more about the lifestyle and exceptional environment of the property with a tour. Visitors can explore the early bird promotions and experience purpose-built assisted and independent living community. For more information about Pacific Senior Living and Acacia, visit www.pacificseniorliving.com.my.

2. Sultan of Selangor, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah ibni Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah
3. Mr. Nate McLemore, Global Managing Director, Columbia Pacific Management
4. Guests at the official launch of Pacific Senior Living on November 9, 2023
  1. A Silver Lining: Productive and Inclusive Aging for Malaysia, World Bank, 2020,
    https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/malaysia/publication/a-silver-lining-productive-and-inclusive-aging-for-malaysia
  2. Text and photos supplied by Pacific Senior Living
  3. AFT Editor: We have edited the press release for verity and clarity.

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