Neha Mehrotra
21-Apr-2026
Surrounded by fresh mountain air and the sound of a natural stream nearby, Better Life Homes offers elevated living for active seniors.
“The idea took shape during our travels to Switzerland, where we saw senior living done differently. We felt the need to bring that same sensibility back to India,” founders Rashmi and Bijit Sehgal tell me. Spending time at Better Life Homes, I could see how that experience has shaped the space; it feels intentional, luxurious and built around comfort in a way that doesn’t feel clinical or restrictive.
Set in the hills of Kasauli, the surroundings do a lot of the work. The air is cleaner, the pace is slower, and the weather remains easy to live with. The property houses 16 thoughtfully designed apartments—eight single and eight double. It also has a gym, a spa, curated dining and is situated in proximity to a hospital.
What stands out is the attention to detail. Soil testing, earthquake-resistant construction, reliable fire and electrical systems, and a control room that monitors shared spaces 24x7 – everything is built to make life easier for active senior residents. The entire property is also designed to be fully wheelchair accessible and as you arrive, there is a lift right in front to take you to your apartment.
Inside, the apartments have ample sunlight. Each unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen and a comfortable living area. The bathrooms are thoughtfully designed with gentle water pressure, anti-skid flooring, support bars, and no sharp corners, along with luxurious amenities. There’s also a phone that doubles as an emergency button and each floor is colour-coded so residents can easily identify their level, adding an extra layer of reassurance.
There are a lot of things to do at the residences, and I had a chance to experience what life looks like for active seniors here. My morning began with a wake-up call by the chirping of birds, followed by a walk down to the Giri river, and a yoga session in the studio. Right next door, a small café serves everything from fresh juices and tea to, occasionally, even a beer! Step out onto the terrace, and you’re met with sunlight and views that shift through the day. There are landscaped gardens to stroll through, a melody house for music and movie nights, a library, indoor games, and a spa where treatments are designed with senior needs in mind.
All meals are shared in the common dining room, and senior dietary needs are carefully considered, ensuring dishes remain light, easy to digest, and comforting without losing flavour or variety. And if you think dining is limited to the staples, the chef will surprise you with innovative, healthy and akin-to-five-star dining courses! Each of my meals was carefully curated, featuring some of the most interesting and delicious combinations. One such meal began with an unexpected pairing of crispy noodles and jelly, followed by herbed rice served with a vegetable steak and a house-made pomodoro sauce.
Life here extends well beyond the usual dining and wellness. Evenings can take on a more social rhythm, like the barbecue night we experienced, where conversations flowed as easily as the food. But what stands out just as much is the sense of community. “We want people like us to enjoy life, make new friends, and see this as a home away from home,” the founders share. On other days, there’s the option to step out and explore nearby markets and local neighbourhood spots, bringing in a sense of familiarity and connection to the outside world.
After spending my days at Better Life Homes, alongside the founders, two endearing resident dogs, and a team that felt genuinely warm and attentive, I found myself thinking—this is what ageing, when designed well, could feel like. A space where you can step away for a while, spend time with others, or simply enjoy life at a slower, more comfortable pace.
That, in essence, is what the founders are trying to build. Looking ahead, they plan to expand with an assisted care facility right across the current property, continuing to build on the idea of thoughtful, long-term living for seniors.
