Responding to Shifting Demographics and Aging Populations

Moderator:  
Rick Lynn (President, RML Capital LLC) 

Panelists:  
Jeff Algatt (Senior Vice President - Capital Markets, Colliers)
Andy Jubelt (CEO, Live Well Senior Cottages)
Zak Scimeca (Vice President of Underwriting, Locust Point Capital)
 

The “Specialized Strategies: Senior & Affordable Housing” panel brought together a diverse group of industry experts to explore how commercial real estate professionals can respond to one of the most significant demographic shifts of our time: the rapid growth of the aging population.  

Moderated by Rick Lynn, the discussion centered on how CCIMs are “uniquely positioned to translate a demographic shift into…real estate strategy” by identifying and executing opportunities in senior and attainable housing. The panelists each offered distinct perspectives—from development and brokerage to lending—on how to meet the growing demand for housing solutions tailored to older adults. 

Andy Jubelt emphasized the massive gap in the market, noting that while high-end and subsidized housing are being addressed, “there’s this 70% gap… loosely defined as the middle market” that remains underserved. He described innovative development strategies such as modular construction and “unbundling” services to reduce costs and improve efficiency, allowing developers to deliver more attainable housing options. Jubelt also highlighted the scale of the opportunity ahead, citing industry data that suggests the U.S. needs “between 400,000–500,000 units a year” to keep pace with demand—far more than what is currently being built. 

From a capital markets perspective, Zak Scimeca reinforced the importance of adaptability and repositioning. He shared examples of underperforming senior housing assets being acquired at deep discounts and transformed into successful communities, explaining that inefficiencies in older buildings can be turned into opportunity with the right approach. At the same time, he stressed that “the operator is the most important part,” highlighting the need for experienced, aligned operators who can effectively manage and lease these specialized properties. His insights underscored how financing decisions are closely tied to both operational expertise and market fundamentals. 

Jeff Algatt brought a brokerage and deal-making lens to the conversation, describing his role as an “intermediary between capital and buyers and sellers”. He outlined where opportunities are most likely to be found—particularly in suburban “ring” markets, transit-oriented locations, and repositioning underutilized assets such as older apartments, hotels, or schools. Algatt emphasized that success in this space requires not only identifying the right properties but also aligning them with the right operators and capital partners. 

Throughout the panel, Rick Lynn guided the discussion toward actionable takeaways, encouraging CCIM members to leverage their local market knowledge, relationships, and analytical tools to uncover opportunities. The consensus was clear: with aging demographics accelerating and supply lagging far behind demand, the specialized strategies discussed by Jubelt, Scimeca, and Algatt represent not just a niche—but a major growth frontier for commercial real estate professionals willing to adapt and innovate.