As Malaysia transitions into an ageing society, with over 4 million citizens aged 60 and above comprising approximately 12 percent of the population, the challenges of ensuring safe, dignified, and age-friendly living environments for low-income older adults are becoming increasingly urgent. Recognising this, the Redesign at iHome (RAI) Project by Monash University Malaysia, led by the Gerontechnology Lab at the School of Business, pioneers a practical response to this societal shift.
Aligned with the World Health Organization’s Decade of Healthy Ageing and the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), the RAI Project pilots cost-effective home modifications to create environments that enhance safety, functionality, and wellbeing for older persons. The initiative aims to generate data-driven insights into how housing design can mitigate environmental risks, support daily living activities, and promote independence among Malaysia’s ageing population.
Funded by iElder, Monash University Malaysia, and Home Tiles (as tile sponsor), the project exemplifies an integrated partnership model that brings together academia, industry, and community stakeholders. It also benefits from pro bono expertise from Dr Naziaty Mohd Yaacob (ZUD & Xiron Engineering Services Sdn Bhd), SE Bulan Design, DK Renov Solutions, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, alongside contributions from sector representatives including REHDA Selangor, the Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine, Keepers Group, Penang Retirement Resort, and Lestari Advisory Sdn Bhd.
The project’s pilot case focuses on Mr Arbain bin Kario, an 80-year-old widower from Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru Batu. Following assessments conducted with the Pejabat Kebajikan Masyarakat Cawangan Subang Jaya, the team identified Mr Arbain’s home as the first site for transformation. Through interviews and participatory design sessions with Mr Arbain and his daughter, Ms Dahlia, the team developed a tailored plan that addressed his physical, cultural, and religious needs.
Implemented in October 2025, the renovation introduced a newly constructed, accessible bathroom equipped with safety and assistive features including anti-slip SPC flooring, glow-in-the-dark grab bars, an emergency call system, and a wearable panic button. The redesigned layout allows for safer movement, improved hygiene, and better accessibility, supporting Mr Arbain’s daily routines and enhancing his overall quality of life.
The initiative, championed by Professor Teh Pei Lee, Dr Keiko Ng Su-Ann, Dr Kimberly Soh, Dr Daniel Loy, and Associate Professor Andrei Kwok, represents a collaborative model of empathetic innovation and interdisciplinary learning. It provides a scalable framework for integrating gerontechnology and inclusive housing design into community development and policy.
More than a renovation, the RAI Project underscores a broader vision that ageing in place is not merely an aspiration but a right, one that can be achieved through design grounded in empathy, evidence, and collaboration. By transforming one home, the project contributes to a national dialogue on healthy ageing and inspires future efforts to reimagine how Malaysia supports its ageing citizens with dignity and care.