MILAN/ROME: A new model of senior living is quietly reshaping how Italy cares for its aging population, as longer lifespans and changing family structures push more elderly people to seek independence outside traditional homes.

Known as "silver housing," these residential communities are emerging across the country as an alternative to both living alone and entering nursing homes, offering older adults a mix of autonomy, social interaction, and support services.

The concept, already widespread in the United States and parts of northern Europe, is only beginning to take hold in Italy but is attracting growing interest from both residents and investors.

"I used to live with my son's family, but they were out for work and school most of the day, and I was home alone with their dog," said Umberto Giuggiarini, 85, who lives at Aris Senior Living, a Rome residence managed by a group called 'Over'. "At the end of the day, my voice was weak because I hadn't spoken for so long," he said.

Facilities like the Aris complex are designed for seniors who are largely independent but want to avoid isolation. They aim to fill a gap between aging at home and traditional care homes, which are typically geared towards those who need constant medical attention.

Maria Arena, 87, said it took her two years to decide to move to Aris after a negative experience in a nursing home. "There were so many people in wheelchairs, it was depressing," she said.

Italy's demographic trends are fuelling demand for such alternatives.

With one of the world's highest life expectancies, around 82 years for men and 86 for women, the country is rapidly aging. More than 24 percent of Italians were aged 65 or older last year, according to statistics bureau ISTAT, a proportion expected to rise to 30 percent by 2035.

At the same time, traditional family structures are evolving. Smaller households, later childbirth, and dual-income families are making it harder to sustain Italy's long-standing model of intergenerational care.

Women are having children later, and many families struggle to balance caring for both elderly parents and younger dependents.

The financial implications are also significant. Italy spent 31 billion euros (US$35.70 billion) on elder care in healthcare facilities in 2021, according to a study by Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo, with costs expected to rise further.

"Stimulating the autonomy of older adults while improving their quality of life is essential to ensure the sustainability of the national welfare system," the report said.

For residents, the appeal lies in both independence and community. "Miss home? Why would I? I came here to live better. There is always someone around, and I am always in company," said 79-year-old Bruna Bruni, another resident at Aris Senior Living.

However, affordability remains a barrier. Monthly fees for such residences range from 1,500 euros to 4,000 euros, placing them out of reach for many Italians, whose average pensions do not exceed 1,500 euros. By contrast, some traditional nursing homes are provided free of charge by the state.

As a result, most developments are concentrated in wealthier central and northern regions.

While many residents move in permanently, others adopt more flexible arrangements. Marisa Bruni, 102, splits her time between a residence and her home. "I holiday in Rome three months a year but still keep my home in Milan. It's the best way to spend old age," she said.

Operators say demand is strong, though cultural resistance persists. "We have waiting lists, confirming a growing demand that is still not fully met by the market," said Mariuccia Rossini, founder and CEO of Over, which operates five facilities across Italy.

The sector is also attracting investor interest. People over 60 generate an estimated 20 to 30 percent of Italy's gross domestic product. At the same time, those over 50 hold the majority of the country's financial and real estate wealth, according to PwC analysis based on ISTAT data.

Public and private investors are moving to expand capacity. State lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti is partnering with pension agency INPS, Rome's Gemelli Hospital, and Investire SGR on a 130-million-euro project to convert nine buildings in the capital.

In Milan, real estate manager Hines and partners are redeveloping a former racecourse into 300 senior apartments, while property group Dils is marketing another 87 flats in a separate project.

For some residents, the decision ultimately comes down to cost and lifestyle. Silvana Vitacolonne, 90, rents out her Rome apartment to help pay for her stay. Giuliana Gorini said moving into a residence proved more economical than maintaining her home.

"In the end, living at home was more expensive for me than coming here. I ran the numbers and said 'that's it, I'm staying' (at Aris)," she said.