Asia is ageing at a speed for which there is no ready-made model. By 2050, one in four people in the region will be over 60. The question is not only where they will live or who will care for them. It is what kind of life our systems will allow them to continue living.
I do not see senior living as real estate with care added, or healthcare transferred into a more attractive building. At its best, it is a way of preserving agency, purpose and human connection as needs change. To work, it must make sense to residents and families, fit the culture around it, support caregivers and remain economically durable.
Since 2013, I have been building and operating eldercare platforms across Asia. The reflections below come from that experience: how demographics, culture and policy shape family decisions; how care and longevity models evolve; and how we can add life to years rather than simply years to life.
From the archive
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Senior living
Preserving the happy moments that make a family
At Orpea China 欧葆庭中国, we do our best so that you can enjoy what’s worth enjoying in life: family, friends, art, culture, food,… and we just take care of the rest. Life goes on with us.
Read the English transcript
Dear Dad, for so many years you have been optimistic, strong and quietly devoted to us. You are the person I admire most. The tall, handsome young man has grown older. Whenever I saw you walking to the market with a cane to buy groceries, or bending down with difficulty to clean the house, I worried about you. The erhu you once loved to play had gathered dust, and you no longer wanted to touch it.
Since moving into your new home, your outlook has been transformed. You carefully choose your clothes each day and keep your hair neatly combed. Your room is bright and tidy, and your daily life is rich and varied. You enjoy tea after breakfast and keep up with national affairs. You exercise and bravely try new challenges. You take the right medication at the right time, and your meals are nutritious and balanced.
You have begun playing familiar music again and have recovered your former spirit. Dear Dad, four generations of our family are now together. Your health and happiness are our greatest blessing.
English transcript translated and lightly edited from the original Chinese audio for readability. The video is the definitive record.
First published on LinkedIn, April 4, 2019. View the original post.
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Senior living
Life at Orpea China, filmed by the people who live it
Watch this video shot by our residents, their families and our staff (and don't forget to turn the sound on)! Thanks to all of you who turn our philosophy into a reality: Lifes goes on with us, 时光守护家!
First published on LinkedIn, March 29, 2019. View the original post.
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Senior living
Spring returns to Orpea China
Spring is coming at Orpea China 欧葆庭中国 !
First published on LinkedIn, March 19, 2019. View the original post.
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Senior living
Residents turn calligraphy into gifts of good fortune
First week of the new year: our residents prepare beautiful hand-made good-fortune calligraphies for their friends and families. Happy New Year or the Pig 🐷
First published on LinkedIn, February 10, 2019. View the original post.
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Senior living
Culture keeps life continuous through Chinese New Year
Life goes on with us: Orpea China 欧葆庭中国 brings culture, fun and sparkle to its residents and their families on the occasion of the New Year of the Pig! Happy New Year! 🐷
First published on LinkedIn, February 5, 2019. View the original post.
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Senior living
Residents wish China health, happiness and longevity
May the year of the Pig 🐷 bring you health, happiness and prosperity ! Best wishes from Orpea China 欧葆庭中国! 🇨🇳🇪🇺 🧧法国同事们也是很努力了㊗️大家新年快乐，猪年大吉，好运连连🎊🐷🎉
Read the English transcript
[Several residents offer New Year greetings.]
Happy New Year. May everything go well. May good fortune enter your window, and may happiness come quietly to your side. Happy New Year 2019. We wish older people everywhere health and longevity. Happy New Year, good health, and may good things come in pairs.
English transcript translated and lightly edited from the original Chinese greetings for readability. The video is the definitive record.
First published on LinkedIn, February 4, 2019. View the original post.
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Senior living
A Qipao fashion show at Orpea China
Traditional Chinese Qipao dress fashion show at Orpea China 欧葆庭中国! Our residents loved it!
First published on LinkedIn, January 16, 2019. View the original post.
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Senior living
Classical music warms Nanjing’s first snow
First snow in Nanjing: nothing better than a classical Chinese music concert to warm our residents up!
First published on LinkedIn, December 30, 2018. View the original post.
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Senior living
Christmas belongs in China too
Sure they do, especially in an Orpea nursing home! Merry Christmas everybody, 圣诞快乐!
First published on LinkedIn, December 25, 2018. View the original post.
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Senior living
Residents turn Nanjing into an art gallery
Which one do you prefer ? Kudos to the ORPEA Xianlin International Care Center!
First published on LinkedIn, September 5, 2018. View the original post.