New research in Ireland explores the serious costs to the health of older people of poor housing

New research, funded by the Meath Foundation and building on work by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) on the health impact on older people of poor housing in Ireland, investigates the link between common housing conditions and hazards that affect older people’s health in the South Dublin area, and their impact on healthcare delivery.

Noting an estimate that the total health impact to society of leaving housing hazards un-rectified is costing Ireland 1.25 billion Euros a year to the health and care services, the report aims to inform housing providers such as local authorities, policy makers, and healthcare providers about key aspects of healthy homes and the most common housing hazard types experienced by older people.

It highlights the urgent need for better data on housing in Ireland and the need to support and expand integrated approaches to housing and the care of older people in Ireland.