India’s aging population is poised to transform the country’s residential landscape. Currently, about 157 million Indians (11% of the population in 2024) are aged 60 and above—a figure projected to soar to nearly 346 million (over 20%) by 2050, according to KPMG’s and CREDAI’s jointly published March 2025 report, The Rise of Silver Generation: Transforming the Senior Living Landscape. This demographic surge demands innovative and adaptable senior living arrangements that cater to varied lifestyles, needs, and preferences.
Traditional home care models are increasingly challenged by the rise of nuclear families and dispersed households. In rural areas, where cultural norms still favour family-based eldercare, only a small percentage of seniors opt for organized living; however, in urban centres, demand is steadily growing. Data from the report shows that senior living penetration in major cities remains strikingly low—Coimbatore leads at 0.7%, followed by Chennai at 0.5% and Bengaluru at 0.4%, with cities like Pune and Hyderabad registering as low as 0.2% (KPMG, 2025). This underpenetration implies an immense untapped potential and the need for community-centric solutions.
Globally, several successful senior living models offer blueprints for India. Independent living communities, designed for active seniors who require minimal daily support, have gained popularity in countries like the United States, where nearly 6-7% of the senior population resides in such environments. These communities emphasize autonomy, social interaction, and recreational facilities. In contrast, assisted living facilities, which cater to seniors requiring help with daily activities, have shown steady growth in markets such as Australia and the United Kingdom, where integrated care models and “housing with care” concepts are rapidly becoming the norm.
For instance, Brigade Orchards’ Parkside Homes exemplify an intergenerational living model that seamlessly integrates residential and senior housing. This model fosters community bonds while providing access to shared amenities and support services. Similarly, luxury senior living projects like Antara Senior Living by Max India offer upscale, wellness-focused environments with personalized care—a concept well-received in urban settings. Resort-style facilities such as The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights in New York have demonstrated how combining health programs with recreational spaces can lead to active aging. Additionally, sustainable approaches like The Green House Project in the USA and large-scale active aging communities such as The Villages in Florida emphasize eco-friendly practices and dynamic lifestyles.
These global examples highlight a spectrum of options—independent, assisted, and skilled nursing care—each addressing distinct needs while ensuring safety, quality, and social connectivity. Adapting these models to the Indian context involves integrating advanced healthcare, safety protocols, and culturally sensitive services. As India’s urbanization accelerates and family structures evolve, developers must innovate and collaborate with policymakers and healthcare providers to create bespoke communities that reflect local preferences and economic realities.
By harnessing proven international practices and tailoring them to India’s unique demographic landscape, the senior living sector can evolve into a robust, inclusive ecosystem that not only enhances the quality of life for millions of seniors but also catalyzes sustainable economic growth.
Source: “The Rise of Silver Generation: Transforming the Senior Living Landscape,” March 2025, KPMG and CREDAI
