Are We Truly Prepared for the Aging Boom?
By 2050, the global population of people aged 60 and older is expected to double, reaching over 2 billion. As societies evolve, so do the needs of seniors—yet the senior living industry has remained largely unchanged for decades. Many existing models force elderly individuals to transition through multiple care levels, often prioritizing profits over personalized, dignified aging experiences. Families are left with overwhelming options, frequently unsure if their loved ones will receive the care and respect they deserve. “Seniors are living longer – but are they living better?”
But what if there were a way to redefine senior living—one where independence, quality of life, and dignified care are not just ideals but every day realities?
This is precisely the mission of Corene Breedt-Rammutla, the Founder and visionary force behind COReImpact. Drawing from 25 years of personal experiences, a sense of purpose, and a deep understanding of the aging journey, Corene is leading a paradigm shift in senior care. She is working to innovate new models and products in the senior care industry that eliminate the need for disruptive, stressful relocations and craft communities that empower, support, and enrich lives.
But how did Corene’s journey lead her to transform an industry deeply rooted in tradition? What challenges did she overcome, and how is her work setting a new gold standard for senior care and care of other vulnerable communities? Let’s explore the inspiring story of a leader who refuses to accept the status quo and is forging a future where aging is celebrated, not feared.
A Mission Born from a Personal Journey
The journey to revolutionizing an industry often begins with a deeply personal experience. For Corene, the inspiration stemmed from a profound moment in her life—one that reshaped her vision for senior care in South Africa.
“My grandmother was a strong, independent woman who lived a healthy life right until the end,” Corene shares. “She wanted to pass away in the comfort of her home, with dignity. But we thought we knew better. She was rushed to the ICU, where she spent her final days in an environment that stripped her of the autonomy she had cherished.”
That experience left a mark on Corene. It fueled a mission—to transform the way seniors experience aging, to create spaces where they could live with dignity, choice, and community. With that relentless purpose, she set out to build an organization that wasn’t just another senior living facility but a movement toward reimagining elder care.
The Birth of A new Senior Living Brand
Understanding the gaps in the senior care industry, Corene Breedt-Rammutla co-founded Circle Senior Living in 2021, a boutique senior living brand committed to pioneering a new approach to aging. The company’s philosophy centers around personalized care, community engagement, and cutting-edge longevity research.
“In South Africa, the senior living model hasn’t evolved much in the last 50 years,” Corene points out. “We are still operating under outdated methodologies that often prioritize investor returns over quality care. We wanted to change that.”
Unlike traditional facilities, which require seniors to transition multiple times—from independent living to assisted care and, eventually, full-time medical supervision—it is Corene’s mission to develop product offerings that allows seniors to move less and age in place. A model where care services come to the resident, not the other way around.
“This approach reduces the stress and trauma of relocation, allowing seniors to maintain their routines, independence, and dignity,” she says proudly.
Within just a year of operation, Circle Senior Living has been recognized as one of the leading retirement homes in the country—proof that its approach is not just revolutionary but also deeply needed. Every journey takes turns and Circle Senior Living was a springboard to COReImpact – with a vision of really ensuring that seniors and vulnerable communities GLOBALLY are impacted by products that allow seniors and vulnerable communities to have a voice and a choice.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Every visionary journey encounters roadblocks. For Corene Breedt-Rammutla, the road to launching the first senior living community was anything but easy. The process took five years, two months, and 28 days—a testament to the perseverance required to create real change.
“The biggest challenge? Fundraising,” Corene admits. “We weren’t just pitching a business idea; we were selling a paradigm shift in senior care. Investors needed to believe not only in our long-term vision but also in an entirely new model of care.”
Then, there was the challenge of perception. Senior living communities often carry a stigma, seen as a last resort rather than a desirable lifestyle choice. “Redefining this is something we battle daily,” Corene adds. “We want to show people that aging doesn’t mean giving up your independence—it means living in a community that supports your evolving needs.”
Navigating complex regulatory requirements was another hurdle. Unlike traditional businesses, senior living facilities fall under multiple regulatory bodies, from healthcare and housing to elderly care policies. Ensuring compliance while maintaining a high standard of service, even if it means longer development timelines.
And then, there’s affordability. “We want our model to be accessible to as many people as possible, but South Africa’s economic landscape presents challenges—security, energy, sustainability, and affordability all play a role,” Corene explains. Their solution? Leveraging technology to create operational efficiencies, ensuring top-tier services remain within reach for a broader demographic.
Scaling the Lessons Learned from this New Model
After successfully launching this new model to the market, Corene Breedt-Rammutla realized that these ideas needed to be applied at a much greater scale beyond one senior living facility. And so she moved on to form COReImpact – a brand that would not only create products and solutions, but also consult, advise, and advocate for the sorts of changes that she wanted to see throughout the industry.
“In most senior living facilities, care is often separated from the business side. It becomes secondary to financial goals,” Corene notes. “This needs to change. We need to ensure that residents and clients receive the dignity and quality of life they deserve, even if it means sacrificing some of the bottom line.”
This commitment has not gone unnoticed. With a growing reputation for excellence, COReImpact’s philosophy will fast advocate what needs to be the gold standard in South Africa’s senior and vulnerable living communities, inspiring other operators to rethink their models and hopefully follow suit.
Innovations and Future Expansions
Corene Breedt-Rammutla and her team have a vision to integrate cutting-edge technology, personalized care services, and innovative community models into the facilities that they work with. Plans include:
| Innovations & Future Expansions | |
| Assistive Technologies: | AI-driven health monitoring, telehealth solutions, and smart home integrations to enhance safety and independence. |
| Memory Care & Longevity Research: | Specialized programs for cognitive wellness and proactive health interventions. |
| Community Integration: | Designing senior living communities that foster intergenerational connections, reducing isolation and promoting mental well-being. |
“We’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible,” Corene says. “We want to make aging not just something people accept, but something they embrace.”
The Role of Leadership & Team Culture
Running an innovative company requires more than just vision—it demands strong leadership and an exceptional team.
“I believe in leading with authenticity,” Corene shares. “I try to understand my team’s individual strengths and needs, ensuring they feel supported. At the end of the day, we’re not just colleagues; we’re humans first.”
The COReImpact team operates with a shared mission, balancing professionalism with compassion. “Senior living is an industry filled with both joy and heartache,” Corene Breedt-Rammutla says. “To navigate that, we have to be honest with each other, support one another, and celebrate small victories.”
Balancing Business, Family & Self-Care
As a wife and mother, Corene wears multiple hats. She prioritizes family above all else, structuring her work around being a present parent. “I’m part of the 3 a.m. club,” she laughs. “Those early hours, when the world is quiet, are when I get ahead of my day.”
Despite the demands of entrepreneurship, she believes self-care is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a good book, unplugging from technology, or simply sitting still for a moment, she makes time to recharge.
Defining Success & Inspiring the Next Generation
Success, for Corene Breedt-Rammutla, has evolved. “In my early career, success meant titles, financial milestones, and recognition,” she says. “Now, it’s about balance—being present for my family, staying healthy, and making a real impact.”
She hopes to inspire future entrepreneurs, especially those entering the senior living industry. “This work has to be a calling,” she advises. “If you’re passionate about improving lives, the challenges become secondary to the impact you’re making.”
With COReImpact continuing to push boundaries, Corene Breedt-Rammutla isn’t just revolutionizing senior living—she’s redefining what it means to age with dignity, purpose, and choice.
And that’s a legacy worth building.
Key Takeaways from Corene Breedt-Rammutla’s Journey to Transform Aging with Dignity and Innovation
- Revolutionizing Senior Living – Corene Breedt-Rammutla is transforming the traditional senior care model by introducing an age-in-place approach, allowing seniors to receive care without disruptive relocations.
- A Personal Mission Turned Movement – Inspired by her grandmother’s experience, Corene founded COReImpact to prioritize dignity, independence, and personalized care over profit-driven models.
- Overcoming Industry Challenges – From securing funding to changing public perceptions of senior living, Corene faced numerous obstacles but remained committed to creating a gold standard in elder care.
- Innovation in Aging – COReImpact integrates AI-driven health monitoring, longevity research, and intergenerational community models to enhance the quality of life for seniors.
- Redefining Success and Leadership – Balancing business, family, and self-care, Corene leads with authenticity, proving that purpose-driven entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change in the senior living industry.
