BENGALURU: The perception of senior living in India is evolving from that of mere old-age homes to a recognized housing segment that promotes independence, community, healthcare, and lifestyle services, according to industry leaders on Tuesday.
The insights emerged during a panel discussion at the RealtyDailyNews Realty & Beyond Summit in Bengaluru, focusing on creating active-ageing communities.
The panel featured Shreya Anand, Director of Vedaanta Senior Living; Adarsh Narahari, Founder & MD of Primus Senior Living; Viswa Prathap Desu, COO – Residential at Brigade Group; and Sumathy Anantharam, Co-founder of Manasum Senior Living, moderated by Mahaveer Shankarlal, Director and Head of Real Estate Ratings at India Ratings & Research.
Panelists highlighted that the demand for senior living is fueled by nuclear families, changing aspirations among the elderly, and a preference for professionally managed services. Today’s seniors prioritize independence, social interaction, security, and trustworthy care over relying on their children.
“The structure is the least significant aspect of our work. What truly matters is the lifestyle after moving in,” explained Adarsh Narahari.
He noted that demand is particularly strong among educated urban elders who appreciate the distinction between traditional real estate and managed senior living communities, saying, “The more educated the elder, the quicker the transition.” Bengaluru, Chennai, and Maharashtra are key markets for this segment.
Shreya Anand emphasized that senior living opportunities exist across tier-I, tier-II, and select tier-III cities, as long as they provide healthcare access and social connectivity.
“Any city in India with good access to a tier-I city and solid medical facilities presents significant potential,” she stated. Tier-I cities like Bengaluru benefit from airport connectivity, while tier-II locations, such as Coimbatore, thrive due to their robust hospital infrastructure.
According to Viswa Prathap Desu, the purchase model may be more effective than rental options in India, as elderly buyers and their families often value ownership.
“Owning a property alongside paying for services tends to resonate more,” he noted, emphasizing that senior living should focus on freedom and active lifestyles instead of dependency.
“It’s all about freedom, activities, and building their own communities. It feels like going back to their college days,” he added.
Sumathy Anantharam pointed out that senior living demands a deep commitment to service, as the relationships with customers are fundamentally more personal and emotional than typical real estate transactions. “Each customer comes with their own story,” she remarked, as operators assure a better quality of life for seniors.
Panelists acknowledged that senior living formats are advancing from independent living to include assisted living, memory care, and palliative care. They suggested viewing the sector as a fusion of real estate, hospitality, healthcare, and community management.
Nevertheless, they identified challenges such as the need for trained personnel, societal perceptions, and a lack of sector-specific capital as barriers to growth.
“This sector operates at the intersection of hospitality, healthcare, and facility management,” Narahari remarked, calling for specialized training and service standards.
The panel also suggested that senior living could be integrated into multi-generational communities, allowing seniors to live independently while still being near their families.
“The future lies in multi-generational housing, where senior living and traditional housing coexist,” Narahari concluded.
The consensus was clear: senior living is no longer a niche market. As India’s elderly population expands and urban families become increasingly nuclear, professionally managed senior living communities are set to become integral to the residential real estate landscape.
