‘Craving for a Vadivel style oothapam?’ says the Instagram reel. ‘Our chefs are ready to make it for you.’ You would think it was a reel for a new restaurant in town, but the cleverly crafted video is for a luxury senior living community in Chennai.
With the retirement communities market booming — India’s senior population is expected to double to 346 million by 2050, and Tamil Nadu ranks second nationally with the elderly comprising about 14% of its population — senior living developments promising the perfect blend of luxury (gourmet meals from a chef de cuisine), holistic care (Ayurvedic spas galore) and excitement (game of pickleball anyone?) are cropping up in tier I and tier II cities. Clearly things have changed in Tamil Nadu, where old age homes have shifted from being perceived as a “last resort” to a resort.
For R Charubala, who spent five decades in Germany researching cancer medicine, relocating to a gated senior living community in her hometown of Chennai was just what she was looking for. “I’m finally getting the time and space to dance. I’ve made new friends and started gymming four times a week. We celebrate all festivals together, which is something I haven’t done in years,” says the 82-year-old.
Similarly, N Sambamurthy Ramesh, a retired Reserve Bank of India employee and former cricketer, rediscovered a passion for badminton at his senior living community on GST Road. “I moved here in 2017. Being a former cricketer, I’ve always loved sports. And now I’ve got so many to choose from, swimming pools, a tennis court, shuttle courts, snooker tables and a mini-theatre,” says the.
S Sridharan, vice-president of Credai National, South, says, “Senior living is booming in Tamil Nadu, driven by children settled abroad who want their parents to live in quality facilities. Luxury senior living is not just gaining traction in Chennai but in Tier II cities such as Coimbatore, Madurai and Trichy as well.” A report by JLL and the Association of Senior Living in India (ASLI) says southern states account for 60% of India’s senior living market. Chennai, Coimbatore and Bengaluru contribute 45% of the nation’s stock. This dominance is attributed to the region’s de velopment and the higher concentration of NRIs with aging parents.
“Earlier, elders in old age homes were often confined to a single room. Now, these spaces have created active spaces, which improves mental well-being,” says geriatric physician Dr Lakshmipathy Ramesh.
The demand for luxury senior living stems from the desire for security, convenience, and quality. Developers have gone beyond basics to provide comprehensive services. “From housekeeping and maid services to fixed contracts with family doctors, these facilities ensure every need is met,” says P Suresh, managing director of Arun Excello.
Residents also benefit from streamlined financial services, including door-to-door banking assistance. “ECR and GST Road are the most sought-after locations in Chennai. Homes close to the beach offer serenity, scenic beauty, and connectivity to urban hubs,” says Arun Rajan, CEO of Arihant Foundations. Modern senior living communities are designed with wellness in mind, featuring eco-friendly layouts, lush green spaces and proximity to medical facilities. Major General (retd) H Dharmarajan, vice-president at Ashiana Housing, says, “We’ve launched facilities such as aqua walking, pickleball, croquet and walking football.”
But, says Dr R Sathianathan, former director of Institute of Mental Health, it’s important for seniors to understand where they feel happiest and choose their place of stay accordingly. “Those from an urban environment for example may not find it comfortable in a more rustic setting,”
Still, with 8,000 senior living units each in Chennai and Coimbatore, the sector is evolving rapidly, says P Srikumar, ASLI coordinator in Tamil Nadu.
