Senior living housing sector in India: Challenges that need to be addressed

India’s senior living housing sector is rapidly gaining attention as the country’s elderly population continues to grow.
India is home to 156.7 million senior citizens, making it the second-largest elderly population in the world, and over the next 25 years, this number is projected to nearly double, reaching 346 million. Organisations like Association of Senior Living India (ASLI) are aiming to improve the senior living standard in the country. An ageing fest is being organised by ASLI in partnership with JLL on December 6 with main focus on India’s senior living housing sector.
These housing developments offer not just a place to live but also a community that provides services, healthcare, and support for senior citizens. However, despite the growing market, the sector faces a number of challenges and is often plagued by misconceptions that need to be addressed.

Challenges in the senior living housing sector

One of the most significant challenges is the lack of awareness and acceptance of senior living communities. In India, the traditional joint family system has long been the norm, where older adults are cared for by their children. Even though nuclear families are becoming more common, the societal expectation that children should take care of aging parents still prevails. This cultural mindset makes many seniors hesitant to consider senior living communities as a viable option. As a result, the sector faces a significant challenge in educating the public on the benefits of these communities, such as better healthcare facilities, specialized care, and social engagement.

Cost remains a major barrier for many seniors looking to move into

senior living facilities

. While there is a growing number of premium facilities offering luxury amenities, they can be quite expensive and out of reach for many. On the other hand, more affordable options often lack the required quality of services and facilities. This financial challenge is compounded by the fact that many seniors in India have limited retirement savings or are dependent on their children for financial support. The lack of a robust pension system and other social security measures further exacerbates this issue, limiting the ability of many seniors to afford senior living communities.

The infrastructure in many senior living communities in India is still in its nascent stages. Many of the existing facilities, especially those in smaller towns and cities, are not fully equipped to cater to the needs of seniors. From wheelchair-accessible designs to specialized healthcare services, there is a significant gap in the infrastructure needed to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for elderly people. The issue is compounded by the fact that many seniors also face challenges in terms of mobility, making it difficult for them to access healthcare, shopping, and recreational facilities that are essential to their quality of life.

Another challenge faced by the sector is the lack of clear regulations and policies for senior living communities. The absence of specific laws for the senior housing sector means that facilities are often left to operate without sufficient oversight. There are no standardized guidelines for the level of healthcare services, security, or recreational facilities that should be provided. This lack of regulation sometimes results in a wide variation in the quality of services across different communities. Furthermore, legal issues surrounding property ownership, inheritance, and the rights of elderly individuals often complicate matters.
Healthcare is one of the key services that seniors seek in these communities, yet many senior living facilities do not have adequate on-site medical care. While some luxury communities may offer round-the-clock healthcare professionals, smaller or more budget-friendly facilities often lack the necessary medical staff or infrastructure to handle emergencies. Seniors who have specific medical needs or chronic conditions require consistent, specialized care, which is not always available in every facility. This gap in healthcare services can lead to concerns about the safety and well-being of seniors living in these communities.