As Europe's population ages, financiers are becoming increasingly attracted by the opportunities available for investment in services for the elderly.

The figures are stark. United Nations data suggest that the average age of a European citizen will increase from 37.7 to 47.7 over the next 50 years. In 1950, just 8.2% of the European population was aged 65 or more. By 2000, that had increased to 14.7% and by 2050 it is likely to reach 27.9%.