The Mayor of London has published his action plan for an age friendly London

Based on the eight age-friendly domains identified by the WHO (opens new window), which include housing, outdoor spaces and buildings, communication and transportation, for housing, the report makes key points around access to housing and decision making, the funding for specialist housing and community-led approaches as well as inclusive and age-friendly design and communities.

Understanding that inaccessible housing can increase social isolation and poor-quality housing can exacerbate health conditions in later life, the report recognises that for older Londoners, living conditions can be a particularly significant determinant of quality of life. As part of a stated aim 'to increase older Londoners’ access to housing that is affordable and meets their needs', initiatives including the Care and Support Specialised Housing Programme will fund new affordable homes for older Londoners. The London Plan policy requires that 90 per cent of new-build homes are built to be accessible and adaptable and 10 per cent of new housing must be designed to be wheelchair-accessible, or easily adaptable for residents who are wheelchair users.

Aiming to ensure older Londoners’ views are heard in decision-making around housing, the report also states resident involvement will be a key component of community-led housing developments. In a section on health, steps are outlined as part of an ambition to make London the world’s first dementia-friendly capital city.