RH Gains Popularity Across the World

Retirement housing has become an important part of the housing system in many developed countries as people are living longer and the number of elderly people is increasing. Countries such as the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia and Singapore have developed different housing models to help senior citizens live independently, safely and comfortably.

The United States has one of the world's most developed senior housing industries. Retirement communities there include independent living, assisted living and other forms of senior housing. According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), senior housing occupancy across 31 major US markets reached 89.5 percent in the first quarter of 2026, with around 637,000 units occupied.

Independent living communities are particularly popular among elderly people who do not need full-time care but want security, social activities and necessary services nearby. Such communities may offer apartments along with dining, transportation, recreational activities and access to healthcare.

Japan is another major example. With a rapidly ageing population, the country has developed different types of senior housing. One important model is Serviced Housing for the Elderly, designed to provide older people with suitable accommodation and necessary services.

According to Japan's official serviced senior housing system, there were 8,323 registered facilities containing 289,013 housing units as of December 2024. Japan's 2023 Housing and Land Survey also showed that 42.7 percent of principal households had at least one person aged 65 or above.

Singapore has taken a different approach by combining age-friendly housing with community-based services. The country had 214 Active Ageing Centres as of October 2024, helping senior citizens remain socially active and connected to their communities.

The need for such facilities is growing. Around 76,000 Singapore citizens aged 65 and above were living alone in 2023, and the number is projected to increase to around 122,000 by 2030.

The United Kingdom has also developed different forms of retirement housing, ranging from age-specific apartments to retirement communities where residents can receive additional care when necessary. Australia similarly has an established retirement village sector, providing independent accommodation and shared facilities for older residents.

These international experiences show that retirement housing is different from the traditional idea of an old home. Elderly people can have their own apartments or houses and continue to live independently. At the same time, healthcare, emergency support, security, recreation, walking areas, transportation and social activities can be available nearby.

The experience of these countries offers an important lesson for Bangladesh. Longer life expectancy, smaller families and migration of younger generations are changing traditional family structures. More elderly people may need suitable housing in the coming decades.

Bangladesh, therefore, needs to start thinking about retirement housing before demand becomes a serious challenge. Government support, private investment and public-private partnerships could help develop affordable retirement communities.

Retirement housing should not be viewed simply as another real estate business. International experience shows that it can become an important part of ensuring independence, security, companionship and dignity for people in their later years.