The issue of demographic change is a major concern in general, not least for the German housing market. The fact that the proportion of households with persons over 65 is expected to rise from its current level of almost 30 % to over 40 % by 2035 is clear evidence of this. This trend is, all too often, regarded – erroneously – as a threat. It cannot be denied that population figures, especially in the rural areas of Germany, will wane substantially. But this will not necessarily be true of the urban agglomerations. It is, furthermore, a mistake that the issue of an ageing population should frequently be associated with infirmity and senility. On the contrary, today’s generation of “new oldies” is healthier, in a better material position and more active than any generation before.
