The rise of senior living communities in India is reshaping the retirement landscape

Discover how senior living communities in India are reshaping aging with independence, care, activities, and companionship for retirees.

For generations, the idea of ageing in India has been tied to the family home, with adult children expected to care for their parents in their later years. The thought of senior citizens living in dedicated retirement communities has often been seen as a departure from familial responsibility and is still met with hesitation. But with lifestyle and perception changes about old age, child-rearing and autonomy, society has made space for these communities to co-exist and thrive.

V Jayanth, a 70-year-old retired journalist, moved into Ziva Retirement Homes in Mamallapuram 10 months ago, after living in Chennai all his life. “Both my children are married, and it took me almost a year to convince them to let me move here,” he says, adding that the property is set along the scenic East Coast Road. “I go for daily walks, exercise in the outdoor gym, get my newspapers and brew my own coffee,” he adds.

A recent report by JLL (a global real estate and investment management company Jones Lang LaSalle) and the Association of Senior Living India (ASLI) states that India’s senior living housing sector is projected to skyrocket over 300% by 2030, hitting the $7.7 billion (₹64,500 crore) mark. This upward trend is expected due to a demographic shift in the population.

The senior citizen population is predicted to almost double by 2050, and this will make India home to the world’s second-largest elderly population after China. The most pressing issue is to improve the quality of life and well-being for this growing segment of society, and South Indian cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bengaluru have emerged as the epicentre of the country’s senior living boom, commanding almost 60% of the market share.

Far from being the last resort, these spaces offer structured support, and a way for elders to lead fulfilling lives on their own terms. Along with providing around-the-clock maintenance care and emergency medical services, these communities host activities ranging from dance classes, game nights, movie nights, and the celebration of festivals, birthdays, and anniversaries.

“We have a poetry club, which was formed by those of us who have either taught English or has studied English literature, and we are 12-15 of us in this. Apart from this there are satsang and bhajan meetups, there’s a bridge club, and so much more happening in the community. You just have to make contact with what interests you,” says Jayanth.

Communities host activities ranging from movie and game nights, to trips to nearby tourist destinations, to even exhibitions and pop-ups set up within the premises. While residents are encouraged to take part in actives and keep busy, they are free to do as they please. “There is a carrom club, some regularly play cards, others go to the library or gym by themselves. This is their home, and they can do what they want to do,” says says Sabitha Muralikrishnan of The Chennai Homes, adding that all residents are required to inform the caretakers if they are stepping out or going out of station, just so everyone is aware of their whereabouts, but there is no restriction of movement.