KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 – Monash University Malaysia and Asian Integrated Medical Sdn Bhd (AIM Healthcare) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver innovative and adaptive solutions for Malaysians to age in place.
The MoU is a cohesive effort by both organisations to develop sustainable and equitable solutions to enable older adults to live quality lives.
As part of its collaborative initiative, the Gerontechnology Laboratory Platform from the School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, will work closely with iElder.Asia (a subsidiary of AIM Healthcare) to explore opportunities in living environments to provide inclusive ageing solutions that are technology-enabled and data-driven.
The Redesign at iHome (RAI) project is a pilot programme initiative designed to provide home modifications for those who require assistance in adopting an environment to meet their lifestyle changes.
RAI will look at basic and functional installations within a household to allow older adults and multi-generations to live together.
Through coordinated deployment, research and activities with multiple stakeholders, the collaboration aims towards building a sustainable and functional ageing community.
“Home is where the heart is. This proverb guides our thinking about the importance of living arrangements for older adults. Regardless of age and income, our personal living goal is to be able to live in one’s own home (or community) safely, independently and comfortably,” shared Prof Teh Pei Lee, Director of Gerontechnology Laboratory, Monash University Malaysia.
Malaysia is rapidly ageing, and there is a need to address the challenges of age-friendly infrastructure that is conducive for older adults to remain in their homes and community.
“Housing and living environments are linked to health and well-being. As most older adults prefer to age in place, this will certainly elevate the necessity for home modifications,” said Dr Kong Why Hong, Founder and Managing Director of AIM Healthcare.
The collaboration will benefit the public through shared knowledge and advocacy utilising combined expertise to provide solutions for the ageing population.
“The MoU between Asian Integrated Medical Sdn Bhd and Monash University Malaysia is both significant and symbolic, demonstrating that the challenges and issues of an aging population is a concern shared by many. This collaborative initiative will substantially benefit a significant number of senior citizens in Malaysia,” shared Prof Nafis Alam, Head of School of Business, Monash University Malaysia.
Home modifications will be one of the key enablers for Malaysians as we head towards an aged nation that facilitates older people to live in a place of their choice as long as possible while maintaining their functional capabilities with an acceptable quality of life, safely and independently.
