The world is ageing at an unprecedented pace, the European populations definitely much faster than most other countries in the world. This generational turnover poses significant challenges to policymakers but also triggers opportunities for private initiatives to supply sufficient qualitative and suited housing for the growing elderly population.

The reality of this growing demographic group does not necessarily fit with the narrative. In their golden age, seniors are the happiest in today’s society. They want to have fun and make the most of their post-retirement age. Being up-to-date and feeling useful comes first and foremost by keeping abreast of innovations and embracing new technology.

The profile and the affluence level of the ageing baby boomers generation are progressively changing their living arrangements towards more privacy and independence, even in Mediterranean countries with traditionally tight-knit families.

As an asset class, senior housing is an increasingly strategic investment opportunity. As prime opportunities in traditional property sectors are becoming rare and competitively priced, investors are shifting their focus towards operational-type assets with potential for secured long-term income growth such as senior housing.

No European country will escape from an ageing society but at a different pace and to a different degree. So where is it best to invest? To identify the senior housing hot spots, we formed a Senior housing opportunity index based on demographic change potential, the maturity of housing markets, private wealth of the elderly population, and government old-age pension levels. Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Poland top the index, each country backed by different prevailing drivers.

_{Read the articles within European Senior Housing below.}