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.