Scaling solutions for a global challenge

The recent growth of the Senior Housing & Healthcare Association is a clear reflection of the increasing recognition of this asset class across Europe and beyond, writes Sylwia Ziemacka.

What was once a nationally focused market is now rapidly evolving into a global investment landscape, marked by the entry of international capital and operators.

This shift mirrors the scale of the challenge: ageing is not a local issue – it is a global one. Addressing it requires more than fragmented responses. It demands collaboration across borders and sectors, bringing public and private stakeholders to the same table. This is not just a question of opportunity, it is one of responsibility.

Too often, the assumption is that families will step in when older relatives require care. The truth is, love cannot replace professional care. At the same time, expanding the healthy lifespan of older adults is in society’s and the economy’s best interest. Infrastructure, housing and services tailored to support active ageing are key to achieving this goal.

We already know what works. Our members across Europe and the US are developing futureproof models rooted in quality, sustainability, and resident wellbeing. We now need to scale these best practices – without compromising affordability.

To do so, we must rethink the ecosystem: public and private actors must work hand in hand, not in parallel. This is the conversation we aim to have at our Senior Housing & Healthcare Summit, on 24 June in Brussels. It brings together operators, investors, policymakers and experts to exchange insights and drive the market forward.

Meeting the ageing challenge is not a question of if, but how fast and how well we respond.

Sylwia Ziemacka is head of membership/partners network at the Senior Housing Healthcare Association