Sector growth driven by longevity and technology
On Wednesday 4th November 2026, ACCIÓ, the business growth agency of the Department of Business and Labour, published a study showing that Catalonia's silver economy now comprises 1,030 companies. These firms generate a combined turnover of €13.312 billion and employ over 72,800 people. The findings were released during the WeMind Summit, an event focused on mental health and active ageing, held as part of the Smart City Expo World Congress. The study, conducted in collaboration with the WeMind Cluster, found that the number of companies in the sector has grown by 46.5% over the past four years, with turnover up 36.4% and employment rising by 42.3%. The silver economy is defined as a cross-sectoral field centred on longevity, well-being, and personal autonomy, covering products, services, and technologies tailored to an ageing population.
Four key segments identified
The sector's value chain is structured around four main segments. Health is the largest economically, with 293 companies generating nearly €6 billion in turnover, 44% of the total, and employing around 15,000 people. The pharmaceutical industry plays a major role, alongside growing areas such as medical technologies and specialised food. Active ageing and well-being has seen the fastest growth in company numbers, rising 63% since 2022. This segment includes senior tourism, leisure, financial services, and digital solutions aimed at promoting independent living. Autonomy and quality of life, representing 14% of the sector’s companies and turnover, includes hearing aids, assisted mobility, telecare, and home automation. Care services constitute 36% of companies and account for 62% of employment. Residential homes and day centres remain dominant, though home-based care is expanding, with increasing emphasis on personalised support.
Technology and international reach
Nearly 300 companies in the sector incorporate technological solutions, contributing over 35% of total turnover. Key technologies include digital health, artificial intelligence, medical devices, and the Internet of Things. The study notes that technology enhances, rather than replaces, human care, particularly in health and remote monitoring. Approximately 89% of silver economy companies in Catalonia are over 10 years old, while 25.4% export regularly. About 15.2% are subsidiaries of foreign firms. Between 2016 and 2025, Catalan startups in this field attracted nearly $120 million in venture capital. Barcelona ranked as the top EU city for investment in longevity-focused startups last year.
Catalonia is gaining international visibility as an innovation hub linked to longevity and ageing,
the study states, highlighting opportunities in digital health, medical devices, AI, and personalised medicine.
Ageing population as economic opportunity
People over 55 already make up more than a third of Catalonia’s population. Projections suggest that by 2070, nearly one-third of residents will be aged 65 or older. Regions with the highest proportions of older adults include Terres de l’Ebre, Alt Pirineu i Aran, and Comarques Centrals. The report concludes that population ageing, while a social challenge, is also a major economic opportunity. Rising life expectancy and declining birth rates are driving demand for services focused on well-being, autonomy, and quality of life, areas in which Catalonia is positioning itself as a global leader.
Sources: Govern de Catalunya, diaricatalunya.cat.
