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By CNBC-TV18 · 24 September 2026

Retirement planning: Colliers explains how senior living could evolve in India

India’s ageing population is expected to drive greater demand for senior living and care, potentially making such costs an additional consideration for people planning their retirement.

India had nearly 149 million people aged 60 and above in 2022, accounting for 10.5% of the population. This is projected to rise to 347 million, or 20.8%, by 2050, according to Colliers India and Primus Senior Living’s report, The Future of Ageing and Longevity Economy in India, 2026.

The report said the senior living opportunity is moving beyond age-specific housing towards an ecosystem that combines residential living with healthcare access, wellness, nutrition, recreation, community engagement and care services.

For consumers, that shift could mean senior living expenses extend beyond the cost of a home. Models emerging in the segment include deferred ownership or long-term leases, subscription-based services and exit or liquidity arrangements such as pre-agreed buybacks.

In one deferred-ownership model cited in the report, residents could pay an upfront amount of around 50-70% of the property’s sale value for a lifetime right to occupy the unit, with the treatment of the deposit at exit subject to agreed terms.

Another model combines a lower base rent or purchase price with tiered services such as maintenance, security, meals, housekeeping and nursing. This could allow residents to pay for additional services as their care requirements change.

The report also highlights the need to examine pricing, contracts, service standards, healthcare access and operator capability as the sector develops. Colliers has separately said senior living differs from conventional real estate because operators have to account for ongoing services and care, rather than only the physical property.

Ankur Gupta, JMD, Ashiana Housing, said senior living is moving beyond traditional notions of retirement towards environments focused on active and independent living, while providing support as needs evolve.

Aakash Ohri, MD and CBO, DLF, said seniors are seeking purpose, connection and independence alongside healthcare and other support. DLF has also said it plans to enter the senior-living segment in Gurugram.

Arudradev Rao, Founder, Amaya Senior Living, said the next generation of seniors may choose such communities for independence, friendships, wellness and convenience, rather than care alone.

Anantharam V Varyur, Co-Founder, Manasum Senior Living, said the sector is evolving from a real-estate offering into a broader longevity ecosystem built around wellness, healthcare access, community and engagement.

Rishabh Periwal, Senior Vice President, Pioneer Urban, said the segment is expanding across both premium Tier-1 markets such as Gurugram and Tier-2 cities such as Vrindavan, Coimbatore, Dehradun and Varanasi.

Kirthi Chilukuri, Founder and Managing Director, Stonecraft Group, said the ageing population is creating a need to look beyond conventional senior housing towards a more integrated longevity ecosystem combining residences with care, wellness, community and everyday services.

Adarsh Narahari, Founder and Managing Director, Primus Senior Living, said India’s senior living market is moving “from necessity to aspiration”, with seniors and their families looking for community, dignity and an active lifestyle alongside housing.

Shalin Raina, Managing Director, Residential Services, Cushman & Wakefield, said a growing number of developers are addressing senior living through dedicated projects or specialised portions of larger residential developments, with some adopting asset-light models by retrofitting existing residential buildings with age-appropriate designs and integrated services.

He said these communities are increasingly centred on health, wellness and holistic well-being, with features such as medical assistance, 24/7 ambulance services, accessible design and common spaces aimed at improving safety, social interaction and reducing isolation.

Colliers said the sector’s growth will depend not only on the number of homes created but also on healthcare access, workforce capability, transparent contracts, service standards and trust.

For retirement planning, the takeaway is that senior living may involve a combination of housing costs, recurring service charges and care-related expenses, depending on the model chosen and the level of support required.