Senior Housing Societies in India: Growth, future prospects

India, a country known for its multigenerational households, is undergoing a significant demographic change in recent years. India had 104 million people aged 60 and above as per the Census 2011, contributing to 8.6% of the total population. When the population of senior citizens continues to increase, there is a need for senior housing societies that have gained popularity, to cater to their needs and preferences. These housing societies offer a combination of financial security and wellness-focussed living for them.

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Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has taught everyone to have his/her own house, especially the senior citizens who need extra care and assistance so that they can fully enjoy their retirement years. This is how new models of senior housing societies have emerged in the country and senior citizens and their families are looking for such societies to have a better lifestyle.

Further, senior housing societies have become increasingly popular due to their ability to cater to people aged 55 and above with special facilities and dedicated staff so that senior and retired people can have a peaceful life ahead.

Here are some key elements that senior living societies focus to enhance the overall wellness of their residents.

Mental Agility

Senior living societies often have well-stocked libraries to encourage residents to engage in books and knowledge. Such atmosphere fosters social interaction with like-minded people. Such societies also organise various classes and workshops on subjects like cooking, dancing, music, fine arts, etc., so that they can learn new skills.

Physical Wellness

Physical activity is crucial for senior citizens to maintain their health and mobility. Senior living communities usually offer yoga sessions, lush gardens with strolling paths, and a variety of fitness activities tailored to the needs and preferences of their residents. Various amenities are designed to promote an active lifestyle and ensure that they easily engage in outdoor activities.

Social Engagement

Loneliness can be a significant challenge for seniors. Senior living communities encourage social engagement by providing space for activities, social gatherings, and events. These interactions help seniors build meaningful relationships and combat feeling of loneliness.

Healthcare Access

One of the main problems for seniors is access to healthcare. Senior living societies provide round-the-clock emergency medical facility and have an in-house ambulance service. Moreover, residents can benefit from on-call doctors and nurses. Apart from immediate medical assistance, these societies often install Emergency Response Systems (ERS) in each unit to ensure residents can seek help quickly in case of emergencies.

Holistic Approach

The meaning of wellness in senior housing societies is not just related physical and mental aspects. Many societies organize wellness workshops and seminars to educate residents about healthy living practices, nutrition, and stress management. A holistic approach to wellness considers the overall well-being of seniors, addressing their emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

Regular Health Assessments

To ensure the ongoing well-being of their residents, senior living societies often conduct regular health assessments. These assessments help identify any health issues early and allow for timely interventions, ensuring that seniors receive the necessary care and treatment.

Celebration of Life

Senior housing communities celebrate the milestones and achievements of their residents. Whether it is their birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions, these communities create a sense of belongingness and happiness by acknowledging and celebrating the important occasions in residents’ lives.

While amenities and services offered by senior living societies help to improve the quality of life, they often come at a price. The cost of senior housing can vary significantly depending on factors, such as location, amenities, and the level of care offered. Families considering senior housing societies should carefully assess their financial position and plan for the long-term affordability in such arrangements.

Conclusion

Senior housing societies in India have evolved to meet the diverse needs of the senior citizens. The increasing demand for senior living communities highlights the importance of addressing both financial and wellness needs. These communities offer a safe and comfortable living environment while also emphasizing on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their residents. As India’s senior citizen population continues to grow, senior housing societies are likely to play an important role in ensuring that seniors can enjoy their retirement years to the fullest while maintaining their overall well-being and quality of life.

(The author is JMD, Ashiana Housing, and co-founder of ASLI.)

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Ankur Gupta

Ankur Gupta is the Joint Managing Director at Ashiana Housing Limited, and a dynamic entrepreneur with a solid professional background. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University (USA), he has a proven track record in the construction industry. He is passionate about delivering a high-quality lifestyle at Ashiana through top-tier construction, facilities, and post-handover management. His distinct understanding of customer preferences, especially when promoting healthy and active senior living, has established him as one of the leading voices in the market for senior living communities. He is also the co-founder of the Association of Senior Living India (ASLI), a non-profit organization that aims to safeguard the interests of seniors, and is working on outlining guidelines, frameworks, policies, etc., for assisted living in India.