As Taiwan continues its demographic trajectory towards becoming an ultra-aged society, Taiwan Sugar Corporation (Taisugar), mindful of the growing needs for elderly care, has taken the pioneering initiative to construct senior-friendly residences in downtown Tainan City. Expected to be completed by the end of this year, the residences are slated for official lease operations starting next year. This proactive step aims to meet societal expectations by providing housing solutions for the elderly and assisting the government in bolstering the rental housing market, while ensuring that the elderly have suitable dwellings, fostering a sense of security and well-being.
According to Taisugar, the latest estimations indicate the proportion of Taiwan's elderly population will surpass 20% within the next two years. This translates to roughly one in every five individuals being over 65. However, existing housing in Taiwan predominantly consists of older-style apartments and houses without elevators. Therefore, the issue of inadequate suitable residences for the elderly is becoming increasingly dire. Recognizing this challenge, Taisugar embarked on planning and constructing senior-friendly residences since 2018. The company has adopted a leasing model to alleviate the financial burden on residents, while ensuring the continued sustainability of assets for Taisugar, ultimately benefiting a larger segment of the population.
Taisugar's first Senior-Friendly Residence will be situated in Tainan City's East District, adjacent to the Tainan Cultural Center, green parks, and the Chongde Road shopping district, and within easy walking distance to hospitals. Once the underground railway is completed, a railway station will be conveniently located nearby, offering a convenient lifestyle and comprehensive medical resources for residents. The complex is envisaged to include a 7-story above-ground structure with one basement level, comprising a total of 103 residential units and 7 retail spaces. The units are designed as studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts, each featuring a living room and kitchen, as well as spacious balconies. Public spaces include a communal courtyard, fitness area, health center, and rooftop gardens, fostering diverse shared public facilities to encourage interaction among residents and promote the physical and mental well-being of the elderly.
Taisugar stressed that, taking into account the physiological characteristics and needs of the elderly, the design of this residential complex shall prioritize universal design guiding principles from its inception. Measures such as eliminating elevation differences between corridors and indoor spaces, as well as incorporating handrails in corridors and bathrooms, have been implemented to ensure that elderly residents have a friendly and accommodating living space and living environment.
Furthermore, to offer diversified and thoughtful services, Taisugar will carefully select a professional property management company, integrating private sector resources to operate and manage the entire building complex through a comprehensive leasing model. The rental conditions and pricing will be determined based on the current market rates, ensuring a fair and reasonable pricing. Taisugar has indicated that the construction and relevant bidding processes for the project are expected to be completed by the end of this year. In 2024, the project is expected to be officially launched into the rental market through public announcements to meet societal demands.
Chang Mu-jung
Public Relations, Department of Secretariat, TSC
Contact Number: 886-6-337-8819 / 886-920-636-951
Email:a63449@taisugar.com.tw