Report highlights critical shortage of housing for older people, demands urgent solutions

There is an urgent need for housing solutions for England’s ageing population, according to a new report highlighting a critical shortage of options for senior citizens. 

The independent study from the Older People’s Housing Taskforce, which includes healthy ageing experts from the University of Stirling, says older people in England face challenges in accessing housing that supports their independence, wellbeing and community engagement. 

The report, published today by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government in collaboration with the Department for Health and Social Care, found that an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 new later living homes are needed per annum to meet older people population growth – but only around 7,000 a year are being built. 

‘Our Future Homes: Housing that promotes wellbeing and community for an ageing population’ also found that senior citizens are ‘burying their heads’ as to their future housing needs, and are unaware of the options available to them. 

With the number of people aged 65 to 79 predicted to increase by nearly a third in the next 40 years and those aged 80 and over set to more than double, the findings highlight the pressing need to rethink housing strategies and priorities. 

Judith Phillips, Professor in Social and Environmental Gerontology at the University of Stirling and a member of the Older People’s Housing Taskforce, said: “This report is not just a call to action for the UK Government, but a warning flag for all of us as our society ages. What is needed is a joined-up approach, from community leaders and house builders to politicians, policymakers and academics throughout the UK. That includes design and planning for a more diverse housing market, and a 10-year programme of research and innovation to ensure we are prepared for the rapidly changing needs of our society.” 

In a statement, Matthew Pennycook, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, said: "The Government recognises the importance of increased supply and improving the housing options for older people in later life, and we will give careful consideration to the many recommendations set out in the report. We are determined to create a more diverse housing market; one that delivers homes quickly and responds to the needs of a range of communities.” 

The report’s key findings include:  

• Our older population is growing and becoming more diverse. Over 65’s are 18.6% of our population (up 2% points in ten years) with 8% born outside UK. 
• Limited supply of older people’s housing. We need an estimated 30-50,000 new later living homes per annum to meet this growth – but only build around 7,000 per year. 
• Living in under-occupied housing. Nearly 9 in 10 people aged 65-79 live in under-occupied housing, with over 50% living in homes with two or more excess bedrooms. 
• Current offer is unaffordable for most senior citizens. New research by the Taskforce shows current private leasehold older people’s housing options are unaffordable for the majority of English households aged 75 years and over. 
• Internationally behind. Around 0.6% live in Housing with Care in the UK – a tenth of the proportion in more mature markets such as USA, Australia and New Zealand. 
• Benefits of later living homes. The vast majority of over 65s – more than nine out of ten – currently live in mainstream housing – risk individual health benefits of older people’s housing and potential to save costs due to avoidable hospital admissions. 
• Living in age-inappropriate housing. Only 12% of senior citizens had level access to the entrance of their building; less than half a bathroom on the entry level of their home. 

The full report is available here: Our Future Homes: Housing that promotes wellbeing and community for an ageing population - GOV.UK