Argentina Long Term Care Market Overview, 2031

Key Insights

• Argentina's long-term care market is emerging as a critical component of the national healthcare system, driven by rapid and accelerating population aging. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC), the population aged 60 years and older represented more than 15.7% of the total population in October 2025, with projections indicating this proportion will reach approximately 25% by 2050. The population aged 65 and older is projected to increase from 12% to 16.4% by 2040.
• Argentina's long-term care infrastructure comprises approximately 3,800 registered geriatric facilities and nursing homes nationwide, with the vast majority being privately operated. In the City of Buenos Aires alone, there are nearly 600 facilities. The National Institute of Social Services for Retirees and Pensioners (PAMI) operates a Programa de Atención Integral en Residencias de Larga Estadía, with only 563 private residences under agreement and five publicly owned long-stay residences, serving approximately 22,000 affiliated residents nationally.
• The caregiving workforce in Argentina faces significant challenges of informality and precarious working conditions. According to INDEC data from the third quarter of 2024, 78.4% of home caregivers in the private sector work in informal conditions. As of August 2024, only 10,497 caregivers were registered in the National Registry of Home Caregivers. The International Labour Organization estimates that Argentina's care economy could create approximately 1.8 million jobs by 2030, with over 780,000 in the long-term care sector for older persons.
• Argentina faces a critical shortage of geriatric specialists. The country has only approximately 700 registered geriatricians nationwide, equating to fewer than 10 geriatricians per 100,000 older adults less than half of the recommended ratio. The population aged 65 and over has doubled in some provinces over the past three decades, creating a significant gap between care needs and specialized medical workforce availability.
• The Government of Argentina has secured a US$500 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to strengthen PAMI's services, including expanded coverage of formal care for people over 75 with functional dependency. The loan, formalized through Decree 764/2025, aims to improve the quality of life of PAMI affiliates through management reforms, digitalisation of information systems, and expansion of medical and care services.

Market Outlook

• According to the research report, "Argentina Long Term Care Market Overview, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the Argentina Long Term Care Market was valued at more than USD 1.21 Billion in 2025. This market is supported by accelerating demographic aging, the growing prevalence of chronic conditions and functional dependency, and the ongoing expansion of formal care services through public programs.
• Argentina's demographic trajectory is a primary driver of long-term care demand. INDEC projections indicate that the proportion of people aged 65 and older will increase from 12% to 16.4% by 2040. The population aged 80 and over is projected to double over the next 20 years. By 2040, there will be nearly 45% more older adults requiring care. Life expectancy in the City of Buenos Aires now exceeds 80 years, reaching 80 years and 8 months for women and 73 years and 9 months for men. However, there is a gap of approximately 12 years between total life expectancy and healthy life expectancy, meaning older Argentines live many years with chronic conditions or functional limitations requiring care.
• The demand for formal care services is expected to significantly outpace supply. Currently, 70% of care for older adults is provided by families, predominantly women. Only 30% of households rely on external care providers (other family members, the State, the market, or the community), and fewer than 10% of households can afford to contract paid care services. As family structures change with fewer children and increased female workforce participation, the informal care model is becoming unsustainable, creating substantial opportunities for formal care market expansion.
• The IDB loan to strengthen PAMI represents a significant policy commitment to expanding formal care coverage. The program includes specific targets for "greater coverage of formal care for people over 75 years of age with functional dependency". The loan has a 25-year repayment term, a 5.5-year grace period, and an interest rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate. The financing will be disbursed in four stages with defined milestones.
• The private senior living and assisted living sector is experiencing growth, driven by demographic pressure and changing consumer preferences. New models of residences for older adults are emerging, focusing not only on services but also on building quality and technology. The senior living market is attracting investors, with luxury residences gaining market share. The "silver economy" and "agetech" sectors are being recognised as significant growth opportunities.

Market Dynamics

Driver: Accelerated Demographic Aging and Rising Care Dependency Argentina is undergoing a profound demographic transformation that is fundamentally reshaping the long-term care landscape. According to INDEC's Dossier Estadístico de Personas Mayores 2025, the country's population is ageing rapidly, with the proportion of older adults increasing significantly. The population aged 60 years and older now represents more than 15.7% of the total population, with projections indicating this proportion will reach approximately 25% by 2050. The population aged 65 and older is projected to increase from 12% to 16.4% by 2040. The population aged 80 and over is projected to double over the next 20 years. By 2040, there will be nearly 45% more older adults requiring care. The feminisation of ageing is a significant phenomenon, with women aged 75 and older representing almost 6% of the total female population compared to 4% of men, representing 55% more female presence in the oldest age group. This demographic shift is driven by declining fertility rates the INDEC projects the proportion of children under 14 will fall from 23% to approximately 16% and increasing life expectancy. In the City of Buenos Aires, life expectancy now exceeds 80 years. However, there is a gap of approximately 12 years between total life expectancy and healthy life expectancy, meaning older Argentines live many years with chronic conditions, cognitive decline, and functional limitations requiring care. Chronic diseases, cognitive impairment, and situations of dependency on third parties are increasing. This demographic shift creates sustained demand for long-term care services across home healthcare, community care, nursing facilities, and assisted living settings.

Challenge: Severe Workforce Shortages, Informality, and Infrastructure Deficit Argentina's long-term care market faces a critical workforce shortage and infrastructure deficit that threaten the quality and accessibility of care services. The country has only approximately 700 registered geriatricians nationwide, equating to fewer than 10 geriatricians per 100,000 older adults less than half of the recommended ratio. This shortage is particularly acute given that the population aged 65 and over has doubled in some provinces over the past three decades. The caregiving workforce faces significant challenges of informality and precarious working conditions. According to INDEC data from the third quarter of 2024, 78.4% of home caregivers in the private sector work in informal conditions. As of August 2024, only 10,497 caregivers were registered in the National Registry of Home Caregivers. The long-term care infrastructure is severely limited relative to the scale of the elderly population. Argentina has approximately 3,800 registered geriatric facilities and nursing homes nationwide, with the vast majority being privately operated. Only 563 private residences have agreements with PAMI, and the public sector operates only five publicly owned long-stay residences, serving approximately 22,000 affiliated residents nationally. The lack of comprehensive national regulation and enforcement creates significant quality and safety concerns. The healthcare system operates in a fragmented manner, with specialists treating individual organs without an integrated approach to the whole person, leading to polypharmacy and lack of continuity in care. Without significant investment in workforce recruitment, training, compensation, professionalisation, and infrastructure development, Argentina's long-term care system will face increasing difficulty in meeting growing demand for care, potentially leading to access constraints and service disruptions.

Trend: Development of Formal Care Markets, Policy Reform, and Expansion of Home-Based Care Argentina is witnessing the emergence of formal long-term care markets driven by demographic pressure, changing family structures, and policy reforms. New models of residences for older adults are emerging, focusing not only on services but also on building quality and technology. The senior living market is attracting investors, with luxury residences gaining market share. The "silver economy" and "agetech" sectors are being recognised as significant growth opportunities. The International Labour Organization estimates that Argentina's care economy could create approximately 1.8 million jobs by 2030, with over 780,000 in the long-term care sector for older persons. The Observatory on Long-Term Care for Older Persons was established by the Ministry of Health in June 2025 to promote the improvement of the long-term care system, adapting to the current demographic and epidemiological context of increasing population aging. The IDB loan of US$500 million to strengthen PAMI includes specific targets for "greater coverage of formal care for people over 75 years of age with functional dependency". The financing aims to improve the quality of life of PAMI affiliates through management reforms, digitalisation of information systems, and expansion of medical and care services. Home-based care is emerging as a growing segment, with caregivers providing services including personal care, nursing care, medication management, and support services delivered in the patient's home. The convergence of demographic pressure, government policy support, and private sector investment is creating the foundation for a more comprehensive long-term care ecosystem in Argentina.

Policies

• The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC) published the Dossier Estadístico de Personas Mayores 2025, providing a comprehensive overview of population aging in Argentina with demographic, economic, health, and technological information. The report confirms the persistence of gender gaps that cross old age and highlights the feminisation of aging, with women aged 75+ representing almost 6% of the total female population compared to 4% of men.
• The Observatory on Long-Term Care for Older Persons was established by the Ministry of Health in June 2025. The Observatory aims to promote the improvement of the long-term care system for older persons, adapting to the current demographic and epidemiological context of increasing population aging. The Observatory provides a detailed description of health and social care services available to the elderly population.
• The National Institute of Social Services for Retirees and Pensioners (PAMI) operates a Programa de Atención Integral en Residencias de Larga Estadía para Personas Mayores. The program provides accommodation, food, care services, nursing, psychosocial care, occupational therapy, recreation, and low-complexity health services. The service is oriented to persons over 60 years of age affiliated with PAMI who require support and care for the development of activities of daily living. Only 563 private residences have agreements with PAMI, and the public sector operates five publicly owned long-stay residences, serving approximately 22,000 affiliated residents nationally.
• The Government of Argentina approved a US$500 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) through Decree 764/2025 to finance the Program for Strengthening the National Institute of Social Services for Retirees and Pensioners (PAMI). The loan has a 25-year repayment term, a 5.5-year grace period, and an interest rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate. Specific targets include "greater coverage of formal care for people over 75 years of age with functional dependency". The financing aims to improve the quality of life of PAMI affiliates through management reforms, digitalisation of information systems, and expansion of medical and care services.
• The National Congress is considering legislation to establish a comprehensive long-term care system. Bill (S-1871/2025) declares of interest the initiative of the EMAUS Foundation for the construction and operation of a Long-Stay Residence for older persons in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche with capacity for twenty places. The Chamber of Deputies has discussed the creation of a National Long-Term Care System.
• The Government of Argentina, through the Ministry of Health, is working to professionalise and regulate the caregiving workforce. The National Registry of Home Caregivers exists but has only 10,497 registered caregivers as of August 2024. The City of Buenos Aires has established Law 6571 establishing a semi-annual blended course for caregiver training. Provincial governments are expanding residential care capacity, with Formosa now operating eight residences serving 150 older adults and Neuquén expanding from 13 to 33 private residences.

Segment Analysis

Argentina Long-Term Care Market By Service Type • Home Healthcare: Home healthcare represents a growing segment in Argentina's long-term care market, driven by the preference for aging in place and the significant gap between care needs and institutional capacity. Home caregivers provide services including personal care, nursing care, medication management, and support services delivered in the patient's home. However, the sector faces significant challenges of informality and precarious working conditions. According to INDEC data from the third quarter of 2024, 78.4% of home caregivers in the private sector work in informal conditions. As of August 2024, only 10,497 caregivers were registered in the National Registry of Home Caregivers. The demand for home caregivers is growing as the population ages, driven by the preference for aging in place and the limited capacity of institutional care. The International Labour Organization estimates that Argentina's care economy could create approximately 1.8 million jobs by 2030, with over 780,000 in the long-term care sector for older persons.
• Nursing Care / Skilled Nursing Facilities: The nursing facility sector in Argentina comprises approximately 3,800 registered geriatric facilities and nursing homes nationwide, with the vast majority being privately operated. In the City of Buenos Aires alone, there are nearly 600 facilities. The sector includes Long-Stay Residences for Older Persons (Residencias de Larga Estadía) providing 24-hour care, nursing supervision, and personal assistance for elderly individuals with high care needs. Only 563 private residences have agreements with PAMI, and the public sector operates only five publicly owned long-stay residences, serving approximately 22,000 affiliated residents nationally. The sector faces significant capacity constraints, with demand for institutional care significantly outstripping supply. Provincial governments are expanding residential care capacity, with Formosa now operating eight residences serving 150 older adults and Neuquén expanding from 13 to 33 private residences.
• Assisted Living Facilities: Assisted living is an emerging segment in Argentina's long-term care market. New models of residences for older adults are emerging, focusing not only on services but also on building quality and technology. The senior living market is attracting investors, with luxury residences gaining market share. The segment includes independent living communities, assisted living facilities, and continuing care retirement communities. The "silver economy" and "agetech" sectors are being recognised as significant growth opportunities. The retirement home service market is segmented by payment model, including government-funded, private insurance, and out-of-pocket.
• Hospice and Palliative Care: Hospice and palliative care services in Argentina are delivered across multiple settings, including homes, nursing homes, hospitals, and dedicated palliative care units. The growing prevalence of chronic conditions and the aging population are driving demand for end-of-life care services. The Ministry of Health's Observatory on Long-Term Care provides guidance on palliative care services for older persons. The National Registry of Home Caregivers includes a category for Palliative Care Home Caregivers for Older Persons.
• Other Services: This segment includes adult day care, long-term rehabilitation services, and community-based support services. Day care centers provide social engagement and support for older adults, supporting the preference for home-based care. The City of Buenos Aires has established a Day Center "Mis Margaritas" providing day care and residential services. The need for these services is growing as families seek alternatives to full-time institutional care while maintaining caregiving responsibilities.

Argentina Long-Term Care Market By Payer Type • Public: Public sources are a significant payer for long-term care services in Argentina, primarily through PAMI (the National Institute of Social Services for Retirees and Pensioners). PAMI operates a Programa de Atención Integral en Residencias de Larga Estadía para Personas Mayores, providing accommodation, food, care services, nursing, psychosocial care, occupational therapy, recreation, and low-complexity health services. The IDB loan of US$500 million aims to strengthen PAMI's services, including expanded coverage of formal care for people over 75 with functional dependency. Provincial governments also provide public residential care, with Formosa operating eight residences serving 150 older adults. Public payers represent both a significant payer segment and a growing component of the LTC financing landscape as the government expands elderly care coverage through new programs.
• Private: Private sources account for a substantial portion of long-term care spending in Argentina. The vast majority of the approximately 3,800 geriatric facilities and nursing homes are privately operated. Only 563 private residences have agreements with PAMI. The senior living market is attracting investors, with luxury residences gaining market share. Private health insurance provides supplementary coverage for some elderly care services. Private assisted living facilities operate predominantly on a private-pay model. The private sector is expected to grow as the population ages and demand for premium services increases.
• Out-of-Pocket: Out-of-pocket payments represent a significant component of long-term care spending in Argentina. Fewer than 10% of households can afford to contract paid care services. The average monthly cost of living for a retiree exceeded 1,200,523 pesos in December 2025. Private geriatric facilities require substantial out-of-pocket expenditure. The economic burden on families is expected to increase as care costs rise and the population continues to age. Families bear a significant financial burden for elderly care services not covered by public insurance.

Argentina Long-Term Care Market By Gender • Female residents account for a larger share of Argentina's long-term care spending, driven by higher life expectancy and higher rates of disability in advanced age. Women's life expectancy in Argentina reached 80 years and 8 months in 2025, compared to 73 years and 9 months for men. The feminisation of ageing is a significant phenomenon, with women aged 75 and older representing almost 6% of the total female population compared to 4% of men, representing 55% more female presence in the oldest age group. Women are more likely to live alone in old age, increasing their reliance on formal paid care services. The caregiving workforce is predominantly female, with 70% of care for older adults provided by families, predominantly women. The gender gap in pension income is significant: on average, for every 100 pesos received by a retired man, a woman receives 73.
• Male residents account for a smaller but growing share of Argentina's long-term care spending. The need for long-term care affects persons of all ages and is generally measured by limitations in an individual's ability to perform daily personal care activities. Men are more likely to need long-term care at younger ages due to disabilities and chronic conditions. As male life expectancy increases, the representation of men in the older adult cohort is slowly growing.

Argentina Long-Term Care Market Economics

• The cost of long-term care services varies significantly by service type, geographic location, and facility type. The average monthly cost of living for a retiree exceeded 1,200,523 pesos in December 2025. Private geriatric facilities require substantial out-of-pocket expenditure, with costs varying widely depending on location, services provided, and facility quality. Fewer than 10% of households can afford to contract paid care services.
• Public financing of long-term care is growing but remains limited. PAMI operates a Programa de Atención Integral en Residencias de Larga Estadía para Personas Mayores, with only 563 private residences under agreement and five publicly owned long-stay residences, serving approximately 22,000 affiliated residents nationally. The IDB loan of US$500 million aims to strengthen PAMI's services, including expanded coverage of formal care for people over 75 with functional dependency.
• Staffing costs represent a significant operating expense for all long-term care providers. The sector faces a severe workforce shortage and informality crisis. According to INDEC data from the third quarter of 2024, 78.4% of home caregivers in the private sector work in informal conditions. As of August 2024, only 10,497 caregivers were registered in the National Registry of Home Caregivers. The country has only approximately 700 registered geriatricians nationwide. The International Labour Organization estimates that Argentina's care economy could create approximately 1.8 million jobs by 2030, with over 780,000 in the long-term care sector for older persons.
• The economic value of the silver economy is significant and growing. The senior living market is attracting investors, with luxury residences gaining market share. The "silver economy" and "agetech" sectors are being recognised as significant growth opportunities. The care economy creates employment opportunities across multiple sectors.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Long-term care Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Service Type
• Home Healthcare
• Nursing Care / Skilled Nursing Facilities: 
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Hospice & Palliative Care:
• Other Services

By Payer Type
• Public
• Private
• Out-of-Pocket

By Gender
• Male
• Female