They’ve barely entered the workforce and are far from retirement age but a groundbreaking property venture in Malaysia is redefining what it means to retire early – offering Gen Z and Millennials an escape from the daily grind.
In Gopeng, Malaysia, a quiet eight‑acre compound is being listed to under‑35s as a month‑long opt‑out – and demand is so strong it’s shut to the public until further notice.
Namshan Wellness, about 180 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, has been reborn as the country’s first “Youth Retirement Home”, a tongue‑in‑cheek pitch for Gen Z‑ers and Millennials who say they’re overworked, underpaid and out of bandwidth.
For around $722 (2000 Malaysian Ringgit), you get four weeks of accommodation, three home‑cooked meals a day and permission to do nothing – literally.
MORE NEWS
Viral photo exposes Australia’s housing crisis
Pope Leo’s unusual new home choice revealed
‘More power to me’: Mum on living in ex’s backyard
Namshan Wellness, Malaysia’s first ‘retirement home’ for burnt out young adults, allows Gen Z and Millennials to let go of life’s daily stresses.
The retreat was founded by a 26-year-old entrepreneur whose parents work in aged care.
For $722 (2000 Malaysian Ringgit), you get four weeks of accommodation, three home‑cooked meals a day and permission to do nothing – literally.
Much like a retirement home, the experience focuses on doing nothing, meaning guests can sleep in, garden, take walks in nature, feed fish, plant vegetables, eat home-cooked food, or simply daydream.
The initiative comes at a time when mental health concerns among younger demographics are increasingly prevalent.
According to the Black Dog Institute, workers aged 18 to 34 are increasingly reporting worse mental health symptoms, most of which are attributed to work-related stress.
The owner, a 26-year-old Gen Z, whose family runs a traditional nursing home, recently explained in a video interview with Zestie Malaysia what led him to the business idea.
The concept is already proving so popular, that the retreat had to stop taking bookings – for now.
Namshan Wellness is located in Gopeng, Malaysia.
According to the Black Dog Institute, workers aged 18 to 34 are increasingly reporting burnout as a result from work stress.
“There’s a lot of young adults nowadays who are burnt out from their work and studies, so I was thinking I could provide a place for them to regain their energy… to find their purpose of life,” he said.
“Older people say, “Young people? Retire? They’re not even earning enough money!” There’s a lot of backlash from Boomers – but young people are very excited to come here.”
The owner, who didn’t give his name, revealed that, since opening the retreat, he has been inundated with inquiries from young people – but admitted the space is somewhat of a social experiment.
He added: “By doing nothing, we’re actually doing something. When we go on vacation, we go with the idea of resting, but we end up doing a lot of things. This place should exist because we need somewhere you don’t need to think too much.”
The retreat is currently listed as ‘closed for public until further notice’, which suggests the initiative is fully booked due to the high demand.
English (US) · 