Senior Housing Properties Trust (NYSE: SNH) today announced it has declared a regular quarterly common share dividend of $0.38 per common share ($1.52 per share per year). The next quarterly dividend will be paid to common shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 17, 2012 and distributed on or about February 10, 2012.

Senior Housing Properties Trust is a real estate investment trust, or REIT, which owns independent and assisted living communities, nursing homes, rehabilitation hospitals, wellness centers and medical office buildings throughout the United States. SNH is headquartered in Newton, MA.

Senior Housing Properties Trust
Timothy A. Bonang, 617-796-8234
Vice President, Investor Relations
or
Elisabeth A. Heiss, 617-796-8234
Manager, Investor Relations
www.snhreit.com