Scottish Housing Day report calls for national conversation on 'homes for life'

Housing in Scotland must support the country’s population to age well, according to a report released today.

The report, which marks Scottish Housing Day, calls for a national conversation on ‘homes for life’. It was launched by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland and partners at a special event at the University of Stirling.

Informed by feedback from both the housing sector and members of the public, the report focuses on the importance of housing to support people to live well through all stages of their lives, as their needs and priorities change.

The report includes recommendations for both the Scottish Government and the housing sector to help ensure there is a range of housing options available to meet different needs within mainstream housing, and that specialist housing is available for people who need additional support.

Scotland’s population is ageing faster than the rest of the UK, with the number of people aged 65 and over projected to increase by a third by 2045. 

The importance of accessible housing and supporting people to live well in their homes throughout their lives is the focus for this year’s Scottish Housing Day, which takes place today, Wednesday 18 September 2024.

Delegates at the launch event will also hear from Minister for Housing Paul McLennan MSP.

Commenting on the report, CIH Scotland’s policy and practice manager and chair of the Scottish Housing Day working group, Ashley Campbell, said: “This Scottish Housing Day we have decided to shine a light on a part of the housing sector that can often be overlooked. The theme of ‘homes for life’ was chosen by the Scottish Housing Day partners to encourage discussion on how the housing sector can better support people to live well as their housing needs change, and particularly in later life.

“While the housing sector is dealing with record levels of homelessness in a national housing emergency, which of course requires urgent action, we must also be aware of the range of housing needs that people are experiencing throughout their lives, ensuring that the housing system has the capacity to support people with aids, adaptations and technology, support to stay at home, or to move somewhere more suitable. 

“Today’s report calls for renewed focus on accessible housing and a national conversation on housing in later life.”

Vikki McCall, Professor of Social Policy at the University of Stirling and Chair of the Scottish Housing Day 2024 event, said: “Housing and healthy ageing are core areas of research and study for us at the University of Stirling and we are delighted to be hosting this year’s event. 

“As people’s needs change, it’s important that Scotland’s homes and neighbourhoods are designed to accommodate every stage of their lives, and that these are integrated into communities. Scottish Housing Day is a chance to open up some much-needed dialogue on the concept of homes for life.”

Partners and participants in the Scottish Housing Day event at the University of Stirling. From left to right: Jill Pritchard, occupational therapist and change manager; Rohini Sharma Joshi OBE, equality consultant; Professor Malcolm McLeod, Senior Deputy Principal at the University of Stirling; Gordon Saunders, chair of Scottish Borders Tenants Organisation; Paul McLennan MSP: Professor Vikki McCall of the University of Stirling; Ashley Campbell, CIH Scotland; Angela Currie, Hanover Housing Association.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan MSP said: “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting people to live safely and independently in their own homes. The homes for life report is a helpful and timely reminder on the importance of delivering accessible homes as well as our response to the housing emergency.

“We are supporting older and disabled people to access homes that are built or adapted to their needs. This includes ensuring that new build homes delivered through our Affordable Housing Supply Programme are sufficiently flexible to meet the needs of people as they change over time, so that people can remain in their homes and communities for as long as they choose to. I look forward to continuing to work with the Chartered Institute of Housing and stakeholders to achieve our shared ambition of delivering homes that can support people for life.”

Scottish Housing Day is an annual event which aims to raise awareness of the challenges and successes in Scotland’s housing sector, as well as encouraging the sector and members of the public to get involved by organising events, Q&A sessions, and sharing stories and blogs via social media.

The report Scottish Housing Day 2024: Homes for life: A report and recommendations from the Scottish Housing Day partners is available on the CIH website at www.cih.org/publications/scottish-housing-day-2024-homes-for-life/.

Watch University of Stirling experts explain the concept of 'homes for life' here: