India is undergoing a major demographic shift, with its senior population projected to exceed 347 million by 2050. This transformation is reshaping care needs, as seniors increasingly seek wellness-focused life care and lifestyle solutions. As the ageing population grows, the senior care sector is coming into focus as states realise the inevitability of addressing the evolving needs of this cohort. To facilitate dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among key stakeholders, the Association of Senior Living India (ASLI) recently organised the 6th ASLI Ageing Fest, with PwC as knowledge partner and JLL as research partner, providing a platform to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of senior care
The latest PwC-ASLI survey, released during the sixth ASLI Ageing Fest, highlights key growth drivers, emerging service models, and critical systemic challenges shaping the sector’s trajectory. The report advocates for a multifaceted approach, emphasising innovation, workforce development, financial solutions, regulatory reform, and enabling infrastructure to meet the nuanced needs of India’s ageing population at scale.
“The aspirations of seniors are evolving rapidly, and we need to empower them with choice, dignity and seamless care,” says Rajit Mehta, chairman, ASLI. “The market is scaling fast, embracing tech, specialised care, and integrated living. Technology in the Indian context is not an option but an imperative that will help scale up, ensure quality and efficiency”.
“The future of senior care in India is poised for a major transformation – thanks to new care models, technology, and a skilled workforce,” states Rana Mehta, partner & leader, health advisory, PwC India. “But for this to truly succeed, we need to solve for affordable insurance, clear regulations and greater investment in innovation, from home care to assisted living. Only then can we build a system with the trust, scale and sustainability our seniors deserve.” Insights from the recent PwC-ASLI survey underscore overwhelming optimism within the senior care ecosystem, with 83 per cent of stakeholders expressing high confidence over the next 15 years. Principal growth drivers signal a paradigm shift: increased service acceptability (83 per cent), rising awareness (62.5 per cent), and improved affordability (58 per cent).
Service diversification is a key trend. Many providers indicate plans to expand into assisted living (75 per cent), home care (50 per cent), nursing care (42 per cent), mental engagement services (42 per cent) and tele-health solutions (37.5 per cent). Mental health and rehabilitation services are gaining importance, supported by rising insurance coverage.
Tech-enabled care
Technology will amplify this growth trajectory. Tech-enabled care, including remote monitoring, fall detection and tele-rehabilitation, enable complex care delivery at home. Insurance coverage for seniors is critical for sustainable care expansion. As life expectancy increases and healthcare costs rise, elderly insurance products reduce financial risk and improve access to quality services.
The future of senior care in India is poised for a major transformation – thanks to new care models, technology, and a skilled workforce
Workforce capability and quality assurance are critical. Two-thirds of respondents emphasise the importance of ongoing staff development and the implementation of advanced care standards, while more than half plan to integrate state-of-the-art technologies and establish comprehensive patient feedback systems.
From a regulatory perspective, there is a palpable call for reform. Nearly 70 per cent of stakeholders advocate for enhanced funding and novel regulatory frameworks, with half favouring public-private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure scaling and service innovation. Current regulatory perceptions are mixed, with only 21 per cent rating it favourably, highlighting the need for clear governance and standardised accreditation mechanisms.
Supply-demand dynamics reveal capacity constraints. About 42 per cent of the providers foresee persistent or widening gaps, highlighting the sector’s nascence and the need for rapid capacity expansion.
Key priorities include scaling affordable, diverse senior care models, including dementia and palliative services; boosting workforce development in geriatrics and digital skills; standardising regulations and accreditation for quality and investment; encouraging public-private partnerships and infrastructure funding and accelerating digital integration for better care and efficiency.
The PwC-ASLI survey encapsulates a sector poised for transformational growth yet mindful of foundational challenges. With demographic pressures mounting and consumer awareness rising, coordinated efforts by policymakers, investors and providers can build an inclusive, scalable ecosystem that allows seniors to age with dignity and independence.
The sixth ASLI Ageing Fest was strengthened by the participation of leading organisations shaping the future of senior care and wellness in India.