SHHA Partners with UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing
We are excited to announce a strategic partnership between the Senior Housing and Healthcare Association (SHHA) and the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA). NICA, supported by the UK Government and Newcastle University, is a world-leading organization dedicated to co-developing and bringing to market products and services that foster a world where we all live better, for longer.
“We are shifting from an aging society to a longevity society,” said Nic Palmarini, Director of NICA, during SHHA Senior Housing and Healthcare Summit in Brussels. “The kind of life that boomers and the following generations see ahead of them, with its chronological breadth and enormous social and technological possibilities, basically didn’t exist before. This is a greenfield, a new opportunity for society at scale and it needs a market able to understand and sustain all the innovations we envision in the landscape: from business models to planning, from design to novel materials to customer engagement to community gathering. It is about our life in the end, a call to action to be built today, together, by us, with us.”
Our partnership aims to tap into this emerging market, creating new businesses, jobs, and commercial opportunities that will improve millions of lives. As the real estate sector evolves, the focus on building communities for like-minded individuals and creating proper infrastructure will play a critical role in shaping a new era of healthy longevity.
“Perhaps most importantly, we are collaborating to move from an aging society to a longevity society that embraces the opportunities of each life stage,” said Sylwia Ziemacka of SHHA. “Through this partnership, we will showcase the vital role of the housing sector in supporting well-being, social connection, and purpose throughout life. To achieve this, we will host a series of webinars and events aimed at key players in the senior housing and healthcare sectors.”
The first of these events, an exclusive SHHA In-Depth webinar, will be co-hosted by SHHA and NICA on January 17, 2025. This session, titled “ Investing in Longevity: The Future of Senior Housing,” will explore the transformative potential of senior housing and healthcare infrastructure in promoting longevity and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.
This thought-provoking session will challenge outdated narratives around aging, focusing on how innovative real estate and community development can contribute to longer, healthier, and more connected lives. Key discussion points will include:
- The emerging “longevity society” and its significance for senior housing and healthcare.
- How thoughtfully designed housing and community infrastructure can positively impact physical, mental, and social well-being.
- Case studies demonstrating the direct link between senior housing design and improved quality of life.
- Future opportunities for the real estate and healthcare sectors to meet the growing demand for age-friendly, wellness-centered environments.
Together, SHHA and NICA will pioneer new approaches in the senior housing and healthcare sectors, ensuring that people not only add years to their lives but life to their years. “Our collaboration with NICA emphasizes the importance of not just living longer, but living longer in health,” added Ron van Bloois, Chair of the SHHA . “Our sector is dedicated to enhancing quality of life by developing communities that support well-being and connection. The impact of senior housing goes beyond just providing accommodation; it’s about building environments that foster social engagement, health, and a better quality of life.”