(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Mumbai’s vibrant senior care scene kicked off its big moment today as the 6th ASLI Ageing Fest got underway at The LaLit hotel. Leaders, innovators, and policymakers gathered to tackle key challenges in India’s rapidly growing senior population, focusing on investments, technology, insurance, and community support. The theme? “347 Million Reasons to Rethink Capital Allocation,” spotlighting the urgent need for smart solutions as India eyes a booming elderly demographic.
Rajit Mehta, Chairman of the Association of Senior Living India (ASLI) and MD & CEO of Antara Senior Care, opened the event with a strong call to action. He pointed out that India faces bigger ageing challenges than any other country, with 19,500 people hitting 60 every single day. “We must build the right infrastructure, holistic care options, updated financial products, and better policies with tax incentives,” Mehta said. He also stressed the need for more trained caregivers to meet the demand.
Dr. Rana Mehta, Partner and Leader of Healthcare at PwC India, echoed the shift happening in senior care—from sideline issue to mainstream priority. “Investors can drive this by injecting long-term, innovative capital,” he noted. Collaboration among investors, regulators, and policymakers could unlock huge potential, he added.
The day’s energy built with a lively panel, “Fuelling the Future: Investments and Impact,” chaired by Dr. Rana Mehta. It dove into how India can pivot from a “silver” economy—think ageing focus—to an “evergreen” one full of longevity opportunities.
Vikash Rathi from Premji Invest pushed for business models that reach everyday Indians. “Make in India solutions will make senior care scalable and affordable here,” he said, urging companies to think big for investability.
Chintan Kothari of Eight Roads Ventures highlighted must-haves like regulatory tweaks for insurance and fiscal perks such as land subsidies and tax breaks. “These steps can push the Indian senior care sector to its tipping point,” he explained.
Karthik Narayanswamy, Partner and Head of India at Novo Holdings, bet on innovation. “It’ll make the numbers work for businesses, giving investors the confidence to jump in,” he remarked.
Ramanan Venkateswaran, Chief Investment Strategist at Singularity AMC, wrapped up by adapting global ideas to Indian realities. “Price points matter most for accessibility,” he said. Instead of just healthcare, the focus should build vibrant wellness spaces for seniors.
Another standout session, “Global Best Practices: Revolutionizing Senior Care,” moderated by Ankur Gupta, Co-Founder of ASLI and JMD at Ashiana Housing, brought fresh ideas from advanced ageing nations like Australia and Japan.
Barry Ashcroft, Co-Founder and COO of Apollo Care Australia, shared how their government covers about 75% of senior care costs, excluding housing. Profits from care are banned, so revenue flows from accommodations. “Regulations and public funding shape everything,” he noted.
Mitsuru Sakoda, General Manager of Sompo Care Inc. in Japan—the world’s most aged society with nearly 30% over 60—emphasized cultural fit. “Societal support keeps things sustainable,” he said. “India should craft models that match its own culture and needs, just like we did.”
These talks come at a pivotal time for India’s senior living industry. A new report from ASLI and JLL predicts the market will explode from $1.8-2 billion today to $8 billion by 2030. Drivers include the senior population swelling from 163 million in 2025 to 191.5 million in 2030, plus room for more penetration in a country where options remain limited.
ASLI, founded in 2011 by Mansoor Dalal of Oasis Senior Living and backed by Ankur Gupta of Ashiana Housing, stands as India’s first national group for senior living and care. It connects developers, healthcare pros, NGOs, caregivers, and more to promote quality, transparency, and ethical standards. The association educates on senior housing choices and champions initiatives that support seniors and providers alike.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
