At Alexa Villa Senior Care Centre in Tiara Sendayan, visits from outside groups bring a change of pace for residents, creating opportunities for interaction, conversation, and shared activities.
That was the focus of a recent visit organised by the INTI International University Tan Sri Abdul Majid (TSAM) Library as part of a University Social Responsibility (USR) initiative.
INTI delegates contributed essential items to support the residents’ daily needs, including adult diapers and snacks, during their visit to Alexa Villa Senior Care Centre.
The visit brought together staff, lecturers, and students from the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, as well as volunteers from INTI’s mobility programme. The group spent time with the residents through simple activities and conversation.
“[The seniors] really look forward to these visits,” said Dr Shahir Nadzir, Co-Founder of the centre. “While we organise activities internally, they enjoy meeting new people and experiencing something more lively.”
The centre, established in 2022, provides continuous care for elderly residents, many of whom live apart from their families. According to Dr Shahir, the idea came from witnessing the challenges faced by elderly individuals, particularly in rural communities.
“Their health was not being properly monitored. We wanted to create an environment where these needs are taken care of holistically,” he said.
Residents receive daily support, including assistance with personal hygiene, meals, medication management, health monitoring, and medical appointments. Even with these in place, opportunities for interaction remain important.
Malaysia is projected to become an ageing nation by 2030. In 2026, there is roughly one senior citizen for every two to three young people in the country. As the gap continues to narrow, the need for consistent care, social interaction, and community support is becoming increasingly important.
During the visit, INTI volunteers organised light exercises, simple games, and spent time talking with the residents. Activities such as passing the ball and music-based interactions encouraged movement and conversation among the residents.
Students and volunteers engaged residents through simple activities, such as passing a ball, to encourage movement and interaction during the visit.
For students, the experience offered a closer look at the level of care and attention required when working with elderly residents.
Steve Wang Kexiang, a physiotherapy student, said the interaction helped him better understand the needs of elderly individuals.
“I enjoyed interacting with the seniors through activities like music and simple exercises. It helped me better understand how to care for them, especially those who are bedridden,” he said.
For Kayimova Sevara Dilshod Kizi, a mass communication student from Uzbekistan, the experience stood out despite initial language barriers.
“At first, I had difficulty communicating, but my teammates helped translate, and it became easier,” she said. “What left the biggest impression on me was how the elderly residents personally thanked us before we left. It meant a lot.”
As the country’s elderly population continues to grow, emotional well-being and social interaction are becoming increasingly important alongside physical care.
Residents at the centre welcomed the visit, taking part in activities and conversations with students and volunteers from INTI.
Through visits like this, INTI continues to provide students with opportunities to engage with the community and encourage meaningful interactions with residents.