Senior cohousing model on active ageing living from muslim perspective in Malaysia

Abstract

As Malaysia is becoming an ageing nation by the year 2030, preparations that cater for the needs of the ageing generation including the development of senior housing should be given serious consideration. Previously, policies and programmes have only catered for the needs of the ailing elderly people and how to care for them. However, the rapid economic growth has led to the improvement in the quality of life resulting in active ageing phenomenon. Current literature has established physical, social, health and economic attributes as active ageing determinants. However, the element of spiritual needs, which is significant in defining active ageing, particularly for Muslims, is missing. In addition, although various types of housing in Malaysia are dedicated for the elderly, very few are built and tailored specifically for Muslims. In response to this issue, the study proposes cohousing, an established and flexible concept that encourages independent living which could be adjusted to the beliefs of the Muslims and thus enhances the need in fulfilling the Syariah compliance requirements. However, whether this cohousing can cater to Muslim active ageing and enhance their living remains little known. Therefore, this study objectively proposes Muslim Cohousing Model by taking into account six elements of cohousing development (participatory process, neighbourhood design, common facilities, resident's management, non-hierarchical structure and no shared economy) while embedding the spiritual and religious elements as moderator for Muslim active living. This study used questionnaire as a method of data collection and 411 respondents in Johor aged 50 years old and above answered the questionnaire. The data were then analysed to identify the causal relationship between the variables in structural equation model (SEM) using SmartPLS in testing the model performance via measurement model and structure model. Findings revealed that active ageing has an important effect on cohousing and is significantly related to Muslims active ageing. The result also indicated the spiritual and religious elements are crucial in the extended cohousing model for Muslim. In addition, this study has also suggested the possible design and layout that are aligned with Islamic values such as privacy, family space, direction of qibla, safety and security features, and the use of mosque as community centre. These additional features highlight the differences between the proposed cohousing model and other senior cohousing development, including the existing senior housing in Malaysia. They also trigger the elements of Syariah in providing excellent care to Muslim elderly. With current Malaysian elderly people stands at 2.4 million and increasing, the need for Muslim active ageing profiling and cohousing model that supports Malaysian Muslims independent living that is Syariah compliance is crucial for the Malaysian property industry and property practitioners, the community as well as policymakers on housing environment.