Designing for inclusion: Reflections on a recent Housing LIN roundtable

Last month I was invited to a Housing LIN roundtable discussion in Manchester about designing for inclusion, in partnership with Invisible Creations/ProCare Limited. This was an opportunity for me to gain a greater insight into inclusive designs, which best support older people (OP). This is particularly relevant in an increasingly ageing population impacting our homes and communities.

The discussion was interactive and I have more understanding about Invisible Creations adaptations, which provide aesthetics with the same functionality. It is about thinking differently, whilst maintaining health and wellbeing and reducing stigma.

At the roundtable we also heard from University of Stirling’s Professor Vikki McCall about the ISPA and DesHCA research projects. Her presentation was very inspiring. She spoke about the impact of OP living in sub-standard housing which has a knock on effect costing the NHS £1 billion. Accessible invisible adaptations provide a solution for safe spaces, prolonging independence and helping to maintain health and wellbeing.

With a prevailing ageing society, and an increasing ageing population with the likelihood of a growing number living alone, this calls for there to be more thought in the building of future homes, with preventative thinking to support ageing in place.

It also stated the importance for OP voices to be heard which leads to a better understanding, and the benefit of having peer researchers. I take this to heart in my role as Steering Group chair of the Greater Manchester Older People’s Network (opens new window).

And lastly, the Housing LIN shared the Housing & Ageing Alliance’s manifesto, a 15 point plan for action. Coproduced with Older People’s champions, this document is to influence central government that homes should be planned and built in a way that enables inclusivity and independence with inclusive adaptations adding to this progressive outlook. I personally very much support their call for action and look forward to highlighting the need for more inclusive approaches in the way we involve OP in the way we build new age-friendly housing and adapt our existing homes.

Follow on X:

• Greater Manchester Older People's Network: @gmopn1 (opens new window) 
• Age Friendly Manchester: @MCC_AFMTeam (opens new window)
• Greater Manchester Ageing Hub: @GMAgeingHub (opens new window)

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For further information on inclusive design, visit our dedicated Design Hub with resources and tools for building inclusive homes and communities.