Senior living evolves to meet the needs of an ageing world
The past five years laid a strong foundation for SHHA. The next five will be about pushing boundaries, and SHHA will remain at the forefront. Sylwia Ziemacka reports.
The senior housing and healthcare market is gaining increasing significance due to profound demographic changes. By 2030, the number of people over 60 will reach 1.4 billion, and by 2050, it will hit 2.1 billion.
Not only are populations ageing rapidly, but people are also living longer, requiring new solutions to ensure quality of life, independence and access to appropriate care. The demand for innovative and sustainable senior housing models has never been greater, making this sector critical for both economic stability and social wellbeing.
“Five years ago, the Senior Housing and Healthcare Association (SHHA) began with a vision: to bring together industry leaders and create a collaborative platform that would shape the future of senior living and healthcare real estate,” says Ron van Bloois, chair of SHHA.
‘Technology will play a crucial role in bridging gaps in workforce shortages while enhancing the quality of care.’
Valérie Jonkers, Care Property Invest
From a small group of nine founding members, SHHA has grown into a thriving network spanning Europe and the US, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring that ageing is met with dignity, innovation and sustainable solutions.
The past five years have been transformative for the sector. The pandemic forced a rapid rethink of care models.
“The pandemic accelerated the need for more flexible and future-proof care solutions,” recalls Valérie Jonkers, chief operating officer of Care Property Invest. “Collaboration between investors, providers, and policymakers became more critical than ever.”
The industry also had to navigate rising construction costs, workforce shortages and evolving regulatory requirements, making resilience and adaptability key to success.
Asset class matures
This period also marked the maturation of senior housing as an investment class. “What was once considered a niche market is now fully institutionalised,” says Andrew Smith, a partner at Northern Horizon. Investors have recognised the stability of the sector, particularly in the Nordics, where demand for senior housing solutions continues to rise.
Sébastien Berden, chief operating officer of Cofinimmo, highlights the complexities of operating within different legal frameworks across Europe. “Understanding regulatory environments has been crucial in identifying the right investment opportunities and ensuring long-term success,” he says.
Regulations and cost pressures continue to affect the sector, particularly in Germany. “Each project must be assessed individually, due to varying legislation across federal states, making implementation complex,” explains Alexander Fröse, managing partner of Periskop Living.
‘Inpatient care will always be necessary, but we must rethink how it integrates with the community. Digitalisation, telemedicine and flexible staffing models will be key.’
Heinz Beekmann, Specht Group
The financial landscape is another concern, as highlighted by Nikolai Schmidt, head of transaction healthcare at Swiss Life Asset Managers Germany. “Sharp increases in financing interest rates have caused a slowdown in new healthcare property developments, but demand remains immense,” he says.
As SHHA celebrates its achievements, it also looks to the future. The coming years will bring new challenges and opportunities, shaped by demographic trends and technological advances. The ageing population continues to expand, putting pressure on existing healthcare infrastructure.
“Technology will play a crucial role in bridging gaps in workforce shortages while enhancing the quality of care,” says Jonkers. AI-driven solutions and digital health innovations are already transforming how senior-living communities operate, making them smarter and more responsive to residents’ needs.
However, economic pressures remain a concern. Rising operational costs pose a challenge to affordability, requiring a careful balance between sustainability and financial feasibility.
“Maintaining affordability without sacrificing quality will demand innovative partnerships,” says Berden. The focus will not only be on providing care but also on redefining what it means to age in place.
Traditional models of ageing at home are evolving into community-based and intergenerational-living solutions, designed to support older adults while fostering social connections.
Forward-thinking strategies
Investment in senior housing is expected to grow, especially in regions like the Nordics, where new care models are emerging.
“We anticipate a continued rise in demand for care beds, which will reinforce the sector’s resilience and attractiveness to investors,” adds Smith.
At the same time, regulatory changes, such as those expected in Germany following the 2025 federal elections, could significantly impact development strategies and public-private cooperation.
‘Maintaining affordability without sacrificing quality will demand innovative partnerships .’
Sébastien Berden, Cofinimmo
Heinz Beekmann, head of project development at the Specht Group, emphasises the need for forward-thinking strategies. “Inpatient care will always be necessary, but we must rethink how it integrates with the wider community. Digitalisation, telemedicine and flexible staffing models will be key to sustainable care.”
Geert Wellens, founder of Triginta, sees financial restructuring as essential. “We need new care models and creative financing solutions to ensure healthcare infrastructure remains accessible and
high quality.”
The past five years have laid a strong foundation for SHHA and the industry it represents. The next five will be about pushing boundaries – embracing technology, fostering collaboration and ensuring that senior living evolves to meet the needs of an ageing world. As the sector continues to transform, SHHA will remain at the forefront, driving change and shaping the future of ageing in Europe and beyond.
