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1.52 million Austrians are between 65 and 84 years old. As far as housing is concerned, seniors live mostly generously: 45 percent of pensioners own their own home, ten percent live in condominiums, and 17 percent are renters. The remainder is distributed among senior housing projects and homes.
These figures come from the recently published study “Senior Living Austria 2023+” by the consulting firm RegioPlan Consulting on behalf of the Viennese real estate platform Ephic Real Estate.
According to this, people of the 65+ generation have an average of 86 square meters and three rooms per residential unit in Austria. The average housing costs are 328 euros per month. “The move to a senior living project with available areas of between 40 and 50 square meters often represents a turning point for seniors,” says Klaus Weichselbaum, project manager at Ephic Real Estate.
According to Weichselbaum, it is therefore up to the operating companies to guarantee modernity, networking, design orientation and individuality of the residential units. Because the credo of today’s 65+ generation is self-determination in old age. As a result, an increasing need for assisted living can be expected – as a counter-model to the classic retirement home.
“Bielefeld model” as a model
The “Bielefeld Model” is mentioned in the study as a trend-setting and forward-looking concept. Barrier-free apartments are rented to senior citizens in all parts of the city, and a social service provider is available around the clock at bases. Residents only have to pay for the help and care offered if they need it. The use of technology is also becoming more important, for example in fall alarm systems, call for help systems and various reporting systems. This should promote the autonomy of seniors and relieve nursing staff.
Ephic Real Estate also sees potential in the cooperation between hotel owners and real estate companies. “Smart connections can be created between the hotel and senior living market, since both classes can be operated in a similar way,” says Weichselbaum. However, the prerequisite is to know the needs of the elderly.
Source: Nachrichten
