This paper from the Chartered Institute of Housing, supported by the Housing LIN, looks at how we can develop better housing options for older people. In particular, it focuses on what a retirement housing offer (or offers) for the future might provide to support older people to:
- Live safely
- Remain active, independent and well into older age
- Remain connected to their social networks and continue their contribution to society
- Manage the costs of living into older age (which may include releasing housing wealth, where they have it, to fund lifestyle choices and potentially contribute to future care costs).
It points out that until we provide a range of really attractive housing options for older people that fit these ambitions, the growing expectations and arguments about 'downsizing' and making best use of stock (across tenures) is unrealistic. But with the changing demographics and the financial and other pressures we are facing, we have an opportunity to develop options that will allow for greater choice for older people, better outcomes, and more strategic and effective approaches to planning for housing and services at the local level. At the same time, it is an opportunity to develop/ remodel housing that will be fit for purpose as we age and require more help in terms of accessible design and supportive services.
