India's Silver Economy: A $50 Billion Market Opportunity by 2030
India's senior care sector is projected to reach $50 billion by 2030, driven by rising retirement wealth, a 20% compound annual growth rate, and increasing demand for senior living and care facilities.
Real Estate News:India’s population aged 60 and above currently exceeds 150 million, representing 11% of the total population, according to UNFPA estimates. This figure is expected to more than double to 347 million by 2050, accounting for 21% of the Indian population. This demographic is characterized by greater technological proficiency, consumerism, financial security, and aspirations that extend beyond basic needs. Their expectations include a wellness-oriented lifestyle, active and engaging avenues, new experiences, spiritual support, and comprehensive financial and succession planning.
The growth in retirement-focused mutual funds is a clear indicator of the financial affordability of this demographic. These funds have seen a 226% increase over five years, from Rs 9,800 crore in June 2020 to Rs 31,973 crore in June 2025, as estimated by Bajaj Capital. Similarly, the private sector National Pension System (NPS) Assets Under Management (AUM) have shown a 26.8% increase over the past five years, rising from Rs 84,814 crore to Rs 2,78,102 crore. This trend is expected to continue, with the AUM projected to exceed Rs 9.12 lakh crore with 15 million subscribers in the next five years, according to Economic Times estimates.
The senior care industry is poised for continued evolution and diversification, with the sector projected to reach approximately $50 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of 20% (PwC – ASLI). The senior living industry alone is estimated to be $8 billion by 2030 (JLL – ASLI report). A recent survey by ASLI and PwC shows that 85-90% of industry leaders are highly optimistic about the sector’s growth in India over the next 15 years, with most planning active investment, diversification, and service expansion. Ankur Gupta, co-founder of ASLI and joint MD of Ashiana Housing, stated, “With the sector projected to grow 20% annually to nearly $50 billion by 2030, India must pair scale with compassion. We believe that with innovation, collaboration, and supportive regulation, senior care in India can set new benchmarks.”
The sector is witnessing robust investments, with nearly 20 deals in the last 18 months alone. Investment ticket sizes have crossed Rs 100 crore, and new investors have signed up, diversifying the target portfolio. In response to growing demand, supply is anticipated to increase substantially. The current organized supply infrastructure serves approximately 3-4 million seniors (2-3% of the total senior population), with projections indicating that capacity will more than triple in the next five years. The senior living capacity is likely to increase fivefold by 2030 (JLL – ASLI report). Premium senior living facilities are experiencing strong performance, with occupancy rates consistently maintaining 80-85%. However, the projected increase in supply is expected to remain insufficient to meet potential demand.
Karan Singh Sodi, senior managing director – Mumbai MMR & Gujarat and Head – Alternatives, India, JLL, said, “India’s senior living sector is at a critical inflection point, with the target market expanding to 2.3 million households by 2030 and market penetration nearly doubling to 2.5%. Currently, India operates at just 1.4% market penetration versus 6%+ in mature markets. This supply-demand gap presents a golden opportunity for strategic investors in one of India’s most vibrant emerging sectors. The sector’s transformation will be driven by innovative solutions and operational model changes, with Maharashtra’s Housing Policy 2025 serving as a progressive blueprint that could unlock national-scale investment.”
As the senior population grows, both domestic and international investors are fueling innovation and expanding service options. The sector will likely integrate best practices and innovations from real estate, BFSI, and healthcare industries. Expect more diverse providers, facilities in various locations, and innovative service and payment models. The portfolio of services is likely to further diversify to include more skilled nursing care centers, specialized geriatric centers, continuing care retirement communities, and other specialized care service providers.
A streamlined, progressive regulatory framework is crucial for the growth of senior care in India. This should include single-window clearances, clarity in registration, and incentives for global best practices in safety and service quality. Updated financial regulations, such as providing financial independence to the senior population through Reverse Mortgage Loans (RML) and enabling long-term loans by classifying senior living projects as ‘infrastructure status,’ can facilitate growth. Setting minimum standards for infrastructure, staffing, and healthcare integration will ensure quality care nationwide. Rationalizing GST considerations to 5% or lower on senior care services, along with more innovation in health insurance and retirement planning solutions for seniors, can help improve affordability further.
Rajit Mehta, chairman of ASLI and MD & CEO of Antara Senior Care, said, “India’s Silver Generation has more money than the previous one and they’re investing it in their golden years. While as many as 70% seniors remain financially dependent even today, this trend is changing. The right financial and insurance innovation can help unlock the economic opportunity presented by India’s demographic evolution. But investing in India’s senior care sector is more than a financial opportunity. It is a commitment to shaping a future where longevity meets dignity, innovation, and community. Those who invest now in the senior care sector will enable better lives and also unlock resilient, long-term value in a rapidly expanding market.”
Dr. Rana Mehta, PwC India partner & leader – Health Advisory, added, “A thriving senior care sector is not only vital for ensuring dignity and well-being for India’s aging population, but also represents one of the nation’s most promising, resilient business opportunities for forward-thinking investors and innovators. As the focus shifts from simply extending lifespan to actively enhancing health span—the years lived in good health—we must reimagine aging not as decline but as possibility. By investing in preventive care, active lifestyles, and age-inclusive innovation, India has the chance to move from a ‘silver economy’ narrative of dependency to an evergreen economy—one where longevity fuels growth, productivity, and intergenerational value creation.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the projected size of India's senior care market by 2030?
India's senior care market is projected to reach approximately $50 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of 20%.
How many seniors are currently served by the organized supply infrastructure in India?
The current organized supply infrastructure serves approximately 3-4 million seniors, which is about 2-3% of the total senior population.
What are some key factors driving the growth of the senior care sector in India?
Key factors driving the growth of the senior care sector in India include rising retirement wealth, a 20% compound annual growth rate, and increasing demand for senior living and care facilities.
What role do financial regulations play in the growth of the senior care sector?
Financial regulations, such as providing financial independence through Reverse Mortgage Loans (RML) and enabling long-term loans by classifying senior living projects as ‘infrastructure status,’ can facilitate the growth of the senior care sector.
What are some innovative solutions expected to emerge in the senior care sector?
Innovative solutions expected to emerge in the senior care sector include more diverse providers, facilities in various locations, and innovative service and payment models. The portfolio of services is likely to further diversify to include more skilled nursing care centers, specialized geriatric centers, and other specialized care service providers.