Senior living in dense cities: building dignity and choice

By 2039, one in three Hong Kongers will be 65+. Today’s senior housing is stuck between two extremes: minimal care at home or institutional living. We believe real life happens in the space between. Download the report.

In partnership with global real estate management firm Colliers, our latest research offers a new local vision for senior living in Hong Kong, integrating housing, care and community into design-led environments that put independence and wellness first.

Senior Living in Dense Cities: Building Dignity and Choice report is based on market analysis, industry-leading global projects, and first-hand interviews with local communities to ensure design priorities are shaped by Hong Kong’s senior citizens.

“We propose a new direction for senior living: a model of vertical urbanism tailored for Hong Kong. 

- Darren Cartlidge, Principal, Hassell 

“We’re moving away from isolated towers toward ​‘lifestyle hubs’ that interweave aged care, family life and essential services within a single, adaptable high-rise,” says Darren. 

Key findings include:

• By 2039, one in three Hong Kong citizens will be 65 or above*, emphasising urgent demand for new senior-living solutions. 
• Seniors increasingly prefer independence, which can be supported through integrated urban living, close to services, family and transport. 
• A vertical, modular model is well-suited to Hong Kong - stacked residential units paired with shared amenities, outdoor areas and social spaces to reduce isolation and support ageing in place.
• Future senior living should shift from isolated towers to flexible, mixed-use high-rises, combining adaptable 45sqm units with floor plates that allow care level to scale over time.
• Policy updates are needed to enable mixed-use floors that combine residential and non-residential functions, paving the way for modern hybrid housing and healthcare models.

The report outlines how ​‘layered living’ can be brought to life through vertical urbanism, with apartments stacked above shared amenities, outdoor spaces and social hubs. Global examples from Tokyo, New York, London and Singapore demonstrate how seniors can receive flexible, at-home care without disruptive moves, while staying connected to daily city life.

For a copy of the full report, Senior Living in Dense Cities: Building Dignity and Choice, register below to access now.

*Source: Health Bureau: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China