Age Scotland: National Housing Survey Report

This new report by Age Scotland and Scot Inform, funded by the Scottish Government, reveals that fewer than half of people over the age of 55 polled in a recent survey think their home will be suitable in later life.

With the number of over-65s in Scotland set to soar by 59% by 2037 (from 930,000 to 1,470,000), the report demonstrates that there is an urgent need to take the views of people in later life into account and “future-proof” housing stock.

It also points to an increasing demand for homes for single older people, and more adaptable properties for those living with health conditions, disabilities, or dementia.

Of particular interest, the survey of 1,500 people found:

• One in eight people say their current property is unsuitable (12%) while 46% either think it will be unsuitable in the future or are not sure
• This rises to one in five older people with disabilities (20%) who say their home is not suitable for their needs, and 15% of those with long term health conditions, and
• Fuel costs are a big concern for most older people, with the vast majority (90%) concerned about the rising cost of energy. Six in 10 (61%) of all respondents have taken steps to save energy, such as turning their heating down.

The main reasons for these findings include accessibility, size of home, issues with cold, damp or heating, need for repair or their location. Despite this, most respondents stated that did not intend to move home. It note that this is particularly concerning as there is serious risk to health if older people are not heating their homes sufficiently.

Lastly, the research also highlighted concerns with loneliness as people grow older, with 58% of those who live alone saying they always or sometimes felt lonely. Furthermore, almost half (46%) said they would prefer to adapt an unsuitable home rather than move (36%). Around one in four (23%) said they were reluctant to leave their home, while one in nine (11%) said there was nowhere suitable to move to.