Compromise to choice
Rajit Mehta, MD & CEO, Antara Senior Care
India is now ageing with its senior population poised to more than double from about 150 million in 2024 to about 350 million by 2050. Add to this the focus of the ageing generation on independence, self-expression, and proactive ageing, and the concept of senior living becomes more structured and aspirational leading to a whole new category of real estate buyers. Antara group had launched its first senior living community in Dehradun in 2013 with a vision to create a thoughtfully curated ecosystem blending life-care and lifestyle. In an interaction Rajit Mehta, MD & CEO, Antara Senior Care, talks about this growing segment and what options are available to those looking for senior housing. Excerpts:
Q.What are the benefits of living in a senior/assisted living community?
At its core, senior living is about enhancing the quality of life in one’s later years. The key benefits include round-the-clock medical support, curated wellness programmes, social engagement, and an environment designed to support independence without compromising care.
Q. What change have you seen in the senior living segment in India over the past 12 years?
Over the years, the narrative around senior living in India has begun to shift from one of compromise to one of choice, independence, and dignity. The ecosystem of senior care comprises senior living, care homes for assisted living and memory care, care-at-home services, and products and solutions to manage chronic conditions.
Q. What are some of the key challenges faced by senior/assisted living projects in India?
Senior living in India is still an emerging category. The challenges range from the absence of a defined regulatory framework, which lays down minimum quality standards for all projects, to a lack of awareness about what modern senior living truly entails and a shortage of trained geriatric care professionals. If India is to provide standard health-care for its growing older population, it needs about 28,000 geriatricians for its existing population.
Critical supportive infrastructure remains underdeveloped: tertiary care networks are often lacking in smaller cities and towns where many seniors prefer to retire.
According to the NITI Aayog’s Senior Care Reforms in India report (2024), only 37% of India’s districts have access to facilities equipped for geriatric tertiary care, leaving large portions of the ageing population underserved. Bridging these gaps—through expanded healthcare infrastructure, telemedicine integration, and geriatric-specialised services — is essential to meeting the evolving aspirations of India’s seniors.
At Antara, we have chosen to view these challenges as opportunities to set the benchmark for what senior care in India can look like. From building senior-friendly residences with integrated medical services, to foster an ethos of quality care with compassion, our goal has been to reimagine ageing as a phase of life that is fulfilling, secure, and full of possibilities.
Q. Which locations in India currently have senior/assisted living projects?
As of 2023, nearly 70% of India’s senior living and assisted care projects are concentrated in the West and South — primarily in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala — due to better healthcare ecosystems and higher awareness. However, North India has seen rising interest, presenting an opportunity.
Q. What is the general price range and living expenditure in such communities?
Senior living is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its value lies not just in the infrastructure offered but in the quality of services offered. The cost of senior living in India varies widely based on factors such as location, level of care, amenities, and ownership models. According to JLL-ASLI report, ‘Elevating the Golden Years’, pricing typically ranges from Rs 50-70 lakh
for a 1 BHK to Rs 70 lakh– 1 crore for a 2 BHK, with luxury projects reaching Rs 1-2 crore and beyond for larger units. Currently, 81% of launched units are priced between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore.
At Antara, we understand that decisions around senior living are deeply personal and often guided by more than just financial considerations. For many families, peace of mind, consistent medical support, and a sense of belonging become equally, if not more, important.
Q. How feasible are senior/assisted living options for middle-class buyers in India?
Projected market expansion suggests potential for more inclusive options in the future. According to the recent reports, the current market penetration is just 1%, highlighting a substantial demand-supply gap and therefore scope for diversification.
At Antara, we cater to varied audiences. While our offering in Dehradun is driven by lifestyle, legacy, and a sense of emotional belonging to the region, our community in Noida reflects the aspirations of a more urban, cosmopolitan demographic; professionals who have lived and worked in global cities and seek a blend of familiarity, access, and trusted care.
As told to Geetu Vaid
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