Keppel officially opened its first senior living facility in Asia, Sindora Living Nanjing Qixia in Nanjing, China, today. The opening ceremony was officiated by the Consul-General of Singapore in Shanghai, Mr Chua Teng Hoe, Vice Mayor of Nanjing, Mr Ji Tiejun, Head of Nanjing Qixia District, Mr Wang Chengjiang, together with CEO, Real Estate of Keppel Ltd., Mr Louis Lim, Regional Director (China-East) of Enterprise Singapore, Ms Yang Yanyi, as well as other senior Chinese officials.

Mr Louis Lim, said, “Fast expanding ageing populations are igniting demand for quality senior care services in many parts of the world, especially in Asia. Today, we are pleased to present the flagship project for Sindora Living – Keppel’s senior living brand and operating platform for Asia – with the official inauguration of Sindora Living Nanjing Qixia. Enabled by technology and innovation, the Nanjing facility will serve as a launchpad for our expansion into other senior living markets in China and beyond, and we look forward to creating more communities where seniors can lead active, fulfilling and purposeful lives, while enjoying best-in-class services and care.”

The senior living sector fundamentals are buoyant in China, underpinned by a significant ageing population, rising affluence, increasing market acceptance of elder care solutions and a tight supply of quality senior living facilities to address the needs of this growing market. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, there were around 297 million people aged 60 and above, accounting for 21.1% of the country’s total population in 2023. In contrast, there were a total of 41,000 registered senior living institutions, providing around 8.2 million beds in China in the same year. Further afield, the number of seniors in China is expected to reach about 400 million in 2035, driving the need for even more quality elder care facilities.

With a total floor area of 19,846 sm, the purpose-built senior living facility in Nanjing was acquired by Keppel in December 2022 and fitted out as a premier assisted-living community with care capabilities and around 400 beds. In addition to providing comprehensive assisted living services, the facility also benefits residents in the nearby communities through the provision of day-care and home-care services. It is surrounded by mature residential projects, schools, parks and hospitals, and offers a wide range of activities including preventative, therapeutic and intergenerational activities, such as singing, cooking, fitness exercises, as well as trips to local attractions. These activities encourage the seniors to live on their own terms, providing a lifestyle that goes beyond the traditional, and empowering each senior both mentally and physically.

Sindora Living Nanjing Qixia leverages Keppel’s capabilities to integrate technologies such as an intelligent integrated platform for chronic disease management, and harnesses data to provide personalised life plans and holistic care for the residents.

In the lead up to its official opening, Sindora Living Nanjing Qixia has garnered various industry accolades. For example, it was awarded the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 earlier this year for its holistic transition programme to help elders assimilate to their new environment. In line with Keppel’s commitment to sustainability, the facility also features low-carbon, energy-saving and environmentally friendly solutions. It has been certified Gold under the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system.

Beyond Asia, Keppel owns a 50% stake in one of the largest senior living operators in the United States, Watermark Retirement Communities, which manages around 70 communities. Watermark Retirement Communities offers a variety of services including independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Refer to the annex for more information on Sindora Living Nanjing Qixia.