MILAN/ROME – As Italians live longer and traditional family care weakens, growing numbers of sprightly seniors are tempted by new residential developments — known as “silver housing” — that promise independence with community life and services.
These residences, common in the United States and northern Europe, are only now gaining a foothold in Italy, offering a business opportunity for property developers and a welcome option for a swelling cohort of relatively well-off pensioners.
“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 named Over.
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