The era of 15 million active seniors
Tailored living spaces for seniors after retirement are one of the emerging real estate trends.
Korean society is rapidly aging, and the number of people aged 65 or older is expected to exceed 15 million by 2024.
Many of them are 'active seniors' who maintain active lives even after retirement, and tend to value quality of life while still continuing social and economic activities.
This has led to a rapid increase in demand for spaces tailored to active seniors in the housing market, which is becoming a new housing trend.
Now, rather than simply a space for rest, 'lifestyle living spaces' for the active senior generation are receiving attention.
Active seniors, unlike the older generation, tend to enjoy a variety of activities and want to be constantly connected to society. They value health, enjoy learning and leisure, and actively participate in community activities. To meet their needs, living spaces should also have the following elements:
Convenient accessibility
The senior generation prefers an environment where daily mobility is easy. Areas with easy access to public transportation, medical facilities, and cultural spaces are attractive. Therefore, residential spaces located close to the city center or areas with convenient transportation networks can be a great advantage for active seniors.
Designed with health and safety in mind
Senior-friendly housing should focus on safety as well as convenience. For example, careful consideration is needed, such as installing ramps instead of stairs, anti-slip flooring, and systems for responding to emergencies. It is also important to have facilities that provide fitness centers, walking paths, and various experiential health programs to help manage health.
Community Building
Community-centered living spaces with neighbors rather than isolated living spaces improve the quality of life for seniors. Community centers that encourage community activities, regular cultural programs, and spaces where people can share their hobbies and interests can provide emotional stability for seniors.
Smart living environment
With recent technological advancements, smart home systems are emerging as a new standard for housing. These technologies can be introduced to senior living spaces to maximize convenience. Voice-activated lighting, automatic temperature control, and remote medical consultation systems ensure the safety and convenience of seniors, and are especially well-received by active seniors who are familiar with technology.
The need for a new housing model
Senior-tailored housing should be established as a complex housing model that provides a new way of life beyond simple living spaces. To achieve this, various stakeholders must cooperate. Real estate developers, governments, medical institutions, and technology companies must work together to design and supply housing products that meet the needs of the senior generation. The government must strengthen policy support related to senior housing to solve the problems of an aging society, and companies must recognize changes in the market and actively develop innovative housing models. In addition, social enterprises and non-profit organizations can provide various support programs so that seniors can use housing without financial burden.
The 15 million retired active senior generation will emerge as an important consumer group in Korean society in the future, and customized space products that meet their housing needs are essential. Housing spaces that include health, safety, community, and technological convenience provide value beyond simple housing, and allow seniors to continue active social and personal activities even after retirement. Now is the time to lead housing innovation that meets these demands.
