As Italians live longer and traditional family care weakens, growing numbers of sprightly seniors are tempted by new residential developments ¡ª known as "silver housing" ¡ª 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.