This new study shows that seniors' demand for housing is structured around four major expectations: a need for autonomy, a concern for health and well-being, an environment on a human scale as well as the importance social bond. And if suitable housing solutions exist for seniors, few worry about them in time.
Stéphane Martin, Real Estate Consulting Partner, Deloitte France: “It is striking to note that the expectations of two populations that a generation separates converge when it comes to housing. Like 20-30 year olds, 50-70 year olds seek a human dimension, in medium-sized cities, and favor intergenerational and social diversity. Just like young people, seniors still too often have to give up some of their wishes for lack of an offer; a challenge for real estate professionals. "
Endured, late and ill-informed choices
The study reveals that the choice of senior housing is often rushed and poorly informed. On average, only four months separate the decision-making from the arrival in senior residences. This figure can be explained by the sudden nature of the events leading to decision-making (loss of autonomy, death of a spouse or illness) and by ignorance of the offer.
- 42% of respondents believe that they do not have a good knowledge of the different housing solutions for seniors and the financial assistance to which they can have access.
- The dream of staying at home is confronted with the realities of aging (health, dependency): only 12% plan for a senior residence and 23% plan to move to more suitable accommodation when 62% wish to stay at home by making arrangements.
A demand for senior housing that is evolving around four major expectations
The seniors interviewed for the study place the question of maintaining autonomy as a major issue. They massively wish to stay in ordinary accommodation without services, whether it is their own (62%) or other more suitable accommodation (23%).
They also believe that the housing solution must respond to health issues and the vulnerabilities associated with aging. Proximity to health services is thus a major criterion in the choice of accommodation alongside that of proximity to downtown shops and that of proximity to the family. The availability of medical services is considered a relevant criterion in the choice of senior residences.
The seniors surveyed also favor human-sized environments. They prefer small or medium-sized towns but do not want to live in a village, for fear of being isolated and far from shops and medical services. In addition, those who wish to turn to collective housing structures choose small capacity residences.
Finally, the importance of social ties is a major issue for seniors. The majority of respondents wish to live in a community. They are even more numerous to favor the condominium apartment rather than the isolated house. This criterion was reinforced by the Covid-19 crisis which worsened the fragility of the social bond.
New housing solutions adapted to the specific needs of seniors
To meet the challenges of aging society, property developers are planning a new offer adapted to the needs and aspirations of seniors. In order to meet the need for autonomy, new housing must be upgradeable to be able to adapt to all ages of life (modification of the distribution of spaces made easier, design of storage accessible to all, installation of equipment useful for seniors ).
In addition, to ensure that social ties are maintained, it is essential that senior housing is located in the city and accessible (lifts, access without steps or jumps, etc.). Maintaining social ties also involves providing a common space in order to organize the social life of the residence or co-ownership. The structures offering diversity and exchanges between the generations are also considered as a lever to maintain the social link, and to guarantee a viable economic model. As such, 55% of the seniors questioned are in favor of an intergenerational housing formula.
Pascal Boulanger, President of the FPI: “Real estate developers are seizing the issue linked to the aging of the French population. They think about the production of senior housing through the prism of age-related fragility. From this perspective, the offer of service residences for seniors is a relevant lever that allows a good compromise between intimacy and sharing and between autonomy and support. "