India’s senior living industry is at a turning point. As lifespans increase and family structures change, retirement is no longer about dependence — it’s about independence, community, and quality of life.
In a conversation with Sobia Khan of ET, Adarsh Narhari, Founder & Managing Director of Primus Senior Living, explains how the sector is evolving, the opportunities ahead, and Primus’s vision for the future. Excerpts…
Senior living is still a niche segment in India. What will help it become mainstream?
The change is already underway. India’s senior population is growing rapidly, while nuclear families dominate more than half of all households. Today’s retirees are financially secure, health-conscious, and value independence. They see senior living not as a last resort but as a lifestyle choice. As awareness improves and credible developers enter, it will naturally become part of mainstream housing within the decade.
Demand is projected to cross 70,000 units by 2029. How can supply keep pace?
We need both speed and scale. Asset-light models like management contracts, lease-based operations, and repurposing hotels can accelerate supply. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities — Coimbatore, Kochi, Vrindavan — will be important because they offer affordability and quality of life. Integrating senior living into township projects also reduces costs and approvals. With investor interest rising, bridging the demand gap before 2030 looks achievable.
What role will technology and global models play in shaping the sector?
Technology is central. From smart safety systems and wearable health devices to AI-based monitoring, it empowers seniors to stay independent while easing the caregiver’s role. Globally, Singapore’s integrated community model and Australia’s consumer-choice approach are strong references, but they must be adapted to India. Here, tech should blend with traditions — yoga, Ayurveda, festivals — to create environments that are both familiar and future-ready.
How can senior living integrate better with society and the economy?
We need to break silos. Projects should be located in well-connected areas, giving seniors easy access to healthcare, retail, and cultural hubs. Intergenerational initiatives — mentoring, school engagement — can keep seniors active in society. At a macro level, the “silver economy” will add trillions in consumption and services, making senior living a vital contributor to India’s economic growth.
What policy and investment reforms can accelerate sector maturity?
Policy support is critical. Granting infrastructure status can lower financing costs, while GST rationalization and zoning clarity can speed up projects. Tax breaks for residents and incentives for developers would encourage participation. Public-private partnerships, where government land is paired with private expertise, could open supply at multiple price points. With such reforms, India can triple its senior living penetration by 2035.
What is Primus Senior Living’s growth roadmap?
Primus is expanding beyond Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, and Mumbai into Kolkata and Hyderabad, adding around 2,000 units in the next three years. Our model is built on a continuum of care — residents can move from independent living to assisted care without leaving the community. Preventive healthcare, cultural inclusivity, and caregiver training are central to our approach. We also use hybrid ownership and rental models, making senior living attractive for both residents and investors.
In a conversation with Sobia Khan of ET, Adarsh Narhari, Founder & Managing Director of Primus Senior Living, explains how the sector is evolving, the opportunities ahead, and Primus’s vision for the future. Excerpts…
Senior living is still a niche segment in India. What will help it become mainstream?
The change is already underway. India’s senior population is growing rapidly, while nuclear families dominate more than half of all households. Today’s retirees are financially secure, health-conscious, and value independence. They see senior living not as a last resort but as a lifestyle choice. As awareness improves and credible developers enter, it will naturally become part of mainstream housing within the decade.
Demand is projected to cross 70,000 units by 2029. How can supply keep pace?
We need both speed and scale. Asset-light models like management contracts, lease-based operations, and repurposing hotels can accelerate supply. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities — Coimbatore, Kochi, Vrindavan — will be important because they offer affordability and quality of life. Integrating senior living into township projects also reduces costs and approvals. With investor interest rising, bridging the demand gap before 2030 looks achievable.
What role will technology and global models play in shaping the sector?
Technology is central. From smart safety systems and wearable health devices to AI-based monitoring, it empowers seniors to stay independent while easing the caregiver’s role. Globally, Singapore’s integrated community model and Australia’s consumer-choice approach are strong references, but they must be adapted to India. Here, tech should blend with traditions — yoga, Ayurveda, festivals — to create environments that are both familiar and future-ready.
How can senior living integrate better with society and the economy?
We need to break silos. Projects should be located in well-connected areas, giving seniors easy access to healthcare, retail, and cultural hubs. Intergenerational initiatives — mentoring, school engagement — can keep seniors active in society. At a macro level, the “silver economy” will add trillions in consumption and services, making senior living a vital contributor to India’s economic growth.
What policy and investment reforms can accelerate sector maturity?
Policy support is critical. Granting infrastructure status can lower financing costs, while GST rationalization and zoning clarity can speed up projects. Tax breaks for residents and incentives for developers would encourage participation. Public-private partnerships, where government land is paired with private expertise, could open supply at multiple price points. With such reforms, India can triple its senior living penetration by 2035.
What is Primus Senior Living’s growth roadmap?
Primus is expanding beyond Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, and Mumbai into Kolkata and Hyderabad, adding around 2,000 units in the next three years. Our model is built on a continuum of care — residents can move from independent living to assisted care without leaving the community. Preventive healthcare, cultural inclusivity, and caregiver training are central to our approach. We also use hybrid ownership and rental models, making senior living attractive for both residents and investors.
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