Senior Living in Response to a Global Ageing Population

With UN reports anticipating a global senior (55+) population of 1.9 Bn by 2030, and an increase in global life expectancy, the need for housing that caters to the specific requirements of this segment of the population rises. While the traditional pattern of seniors ageing in their existing homes remains prevalent, there has been an increasing trend of seniors seeking purpose-built retirement communities which cater to both their social and healthcare needs. While this trend is particularly noticeable in countries such as Australia and the United States, the Middle East, as it positions itself as a top global destination, has a strong potential – particularly considering its large expat population. 

There is a wide spectrum of senior living concepts which vary according to the age of the occupier, the level of dependency, and the complexity and cost of management & operations. It is worth setting out the panorama of these elderly living concepts to understand their nuances. 

All existing global senior living concepts provide accommodation; however, the main differences rely on the type of services and care that is offered. Independent living targets the independent elderly population, who prefer to live in a retirement community with people of the same age to socialize, avoid loneliness and benefit from the varied hospitality and wellbeing services. On the other hand, dependent adults with different levels of dependency or disability have mainly two types of accommodation to fit their needs: Assisted Living or Nursing Homes, depending on the level of dependency and the health support required. Usually, the latter is targeting an older population with very high dependency levels, including (but not limited to) dementia.

Senior living is gaining further attention globally, regionally and specifically in the United Arab Emirates. 

With the launch of the retirement visa in the UAE, as per JLL’s experience in working with developers in the region, many are eager to enter the senior living landscape, leveraging the opportunity to capture growing demand. With the expanding expat population, it is becoming apparent that the UAE is being viewed as a long-term destination, particularly in light of the impact of strong leadership - improving the quality of life to the highest standards. 

Today, purpose-built senior living communities in the UAE are limited and under planning & design stages, implying a strong potential for developers to enter this segment. In light of the absence of this type of accommodation, seniors are relying on normal residential offerings coupled with in-house/on-demand healthcare services. With that, a fully integrated purpose-built independent senior living community is required to bridge in the gap in the market.

What does ‘Retire in Dubai’ offer?

Preference for prime locations – waterfront, urban locales and elite neighborhoods remain strong. Upscale amenities such as curated architecture, gourmet dining, and on-site salons are some examples of what seniors are looking for in today’s environment. Moreover, customized bespoke experiences – including physical trainers, around the clock staff, on site dietitians working with chefs, and mental health professional providing care are a must. Lastly, seniors want to be independent yet connected, as such the flexibility to create own schedules, attend events and visit places is what seniors are really look for.

The outlook for senior living in the UAE is one of optimism, combined with tangible opportunity. As the region acknowledges the changing needs of its ageing population, developers have a significant chance to pioneer in purpose-built senior living homes. These offerings would address a gap in the market, providing tailored amenities in line with cultural expectations and fostering a supportive community for the elderly. As the market matures, these developments will not only be essential for the well-being of the aging residents, but also for shaping the future real estate landscape catering to this valuable demographic. The journey towards establishing a solid senior living infrastructure will require careful planning and a strong understanding of the local market's intricacies alongside its potential.

JLL provides comprehensive advisory services in the senior living sector, leveraging its extensive real estate expertise and market insights. We offer strategic guidance to investors, developers, and operators in navigating the complex landscape of senior housing. Our services encompass market research, feasibility studies and market entry strategies to identify opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector. We also support with operator search mandates to bring in the leading operators to the region, leveraging the global JLL network in mature senior living markets. By combining deep industry knowledge with data-driven approaches, we help stakeholders create senior living communities that meet the diverse needs of an ageing population while maximizing value for investors.