For years, Coimbatore held the reputation of being Tamil Nadu’s senior-living hub. But as India’s silver economy gathers pace, the landscape is rapidly expanding. More towns across the State are emerging as attractive destinations for senior-living real estate, with Chennai now taking a leading position. Real estate developers — from Tamil Nadu and other parts of India — are increasingly betting on the city.
Reflecting this growing trend, Communities — a Niranjan Hiranandani Group initiative — announced its strategic entry into the emerging asset class of premium senior living earlier this week. The launch of ‘Elements’ will take place at Hiranandani Parks, Oragadam, an integrated township in Chennai. This particular project is being developed in partnership with GTB Urban Developers.
When asked why the group chose Chennai for its first project in this segment, Niranjan Hiranandani, founder and chairman, Hiranandani Communities, said that the group has always done things differently. He pointed out that when the group first ventured into Oragadam, there were hardly any major developers in the area, but today, the region has witnessed a surge in real estate activity with several prominent players setting up projects there. “We have been able to set the precedence,” he said.
Spread across 4.5 acres with a development potential of one million sq. ft., the project will feature 400 residences to be developed in two phases. Each residence will be a thoughtfully designed 2-BHK unit of approximately 700 sq. ft., priced from ₹60 lakh onwards. The overall project value is estimated at ₹300 crore.
Other cities gaining traction
Arun Bharathi, managing director, GTB Urban Developers, who is also the founder and managing director of Bharathi Meraki, said: “Chennai and Coimbatore are well established as retirement markets. Trichy, Madurai, Hosur, Puducherry and Kanchipuram are also gaining traction for their serene environments, making them attractive for retirement living. Together, tranquil environments, affordability, and improving healthcare access highlight the growing demand for well-planned, service-led senior communities in the State.”
According to Bharathi, two senior-living projects have been made fully operational under the ‘Elements’ brand. The upcoming projects — Elements Madhuram and Elements Sattva — are scheduled to be handed over in January and March 2026, respectively. Full financial closure has been achieved for all developments, backed by a balanced mix of company equity, sales proceeds, and construction finance.
Another popular real estate player, Arihant, in partnership with Ashiana Housing, has developed one of Tamil Nadu’s largest senior living communities — Ashiana Shubham on GST Road near Maraimalai Nagar. The project, spread across over 1 million sq.ft. is fully operational and home to a vibrant senior community. “We are currently developing approx. 7 lakh sq.ft. of premium senior living along East Coast Road [ECR], Chennai. This new project, also in collaboration with Ashiana, will bring a resort-style senior living experience with integrated wellness, hospitality, and medical support,” said Arun Rajan, chief executive officer, Arihant Foundations. “The ECR project represents the next generation of senior housing — premium, well-connected, and thoughtfully designed for modern retirees who value independence with comfort,” he adds.
Rajan highlighted that in Chennai, GST Road and ECR have emerged as the most preferred corridors, driven by excellent healthcare access, robust social infrastructure, and tranquil surroundings. He said that the State’s senior living sector is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 25%–30% over the next five years.
Changing trends
Today’s senior citizens are increasingly viewing senior living through a modern lens — prioritising technology-driven convenience, smart infrastructure, and AI-enabled support systems. From automated safety features to health monitoring solutions, technology is redefining how retirement communities are designed and experienced.
“One of the key trends is the increasing acceptance of senior living as a way of life by the families. The associated stigma has faded. Also, there is growing demand for high-end, lifestyle-oriented senior living communities that offer modern amenities, including wellness programmes, recreational activities, cultural events, and dining options that cater to health-conscious seniors,” said Jerry Kingsley, head, value & risk advisory, India and head capital markets, Chennai, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). “The previous generation preferred isolation and seclusion from the hustle of the city. But the current generation of seniors is looking for a connection to the socio-infrastructure offered by the city. Also, the current working population prefers their parents to live in the city for better and quick connectivity to them,” Kingsley adds.
Use of technology
Meraki explained how senior living design has evolved from being purely care-based to lifestyle-driven. “Earlier, focus was limited to safety and medical needs. Today, it’s about creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that promote independence, comfort, and community,” he said. He elaborated that technology is playing a transformative role in senior living by enhancing safety, independence, and quality of life. Smart systems such as fall detectors and health monitors help residents live independently while ensuring a quick emergency response. Tele-health and digital wellness platforms make healthcare more accessible, and community apps foster social engagement and connectivity. He gave an example of how Elements Communities use AI for preventive care, such as a wellness tracker that monitors residents’ health even at night while they sleep. Rajan said that voice-assisted systems are enabling seniors to manage lighting, temperature, and entertainment effortlessly — fostering independence. “By integrating technology seamlessly into living spaces, senior communities today are enabling residents to lead independent, dignified, and connected lives — redefining what comfort means in the golden years,” he adds. Tamil Nadu’s senior-living sector is entering a new growth phase, driven by shifting mindsets, strong healthcare infrastructure, and tech-led innovation. Senior housing is no longer just about care — it’s about comfort, independence, and a connected way of life.
Published – November 14, 2025 06:54 pm IST
