If we transform housing, we can also transform the quality of life for those immediately affected

By transforming housing, we can also transform the quality of life for those immediately affected. And more broadly, it can have the potential to reduce pressure significantly and permanently on our health and care services and grow our economy and improve our national environmental outcomes. 

With more than 40 years’ experience in the housing industry, I felt I had a good understanding of the housing crisis, and the terrible toll that a chronic shortage of affordable homes has on millions of people across the UK. 

However, my recent work with the Centre for Ageing Better, has highlighted the specific impact that inferior quality housing is having on our growing population of older people, regardless of tenure. 

More than 30% of all dangerous homes and nearly 60% of all ‘excessively cold’ homes, have at least one older occupant. 

This means that around 3 million older people live in properties that negatively affect their physical and mental health. Common problems like cold and damp caused by inadequate heating or insulation, along with poor physical access, lead to a range of health problems. These include respiratory and cardiovascular disease, chronic illnesses and an increased risk of falls. 

And social isolation is often made worse when homes are located away from family, friends, or essential services. 

All this radically reduces the independence of older people, requiring more support for day-to-day living, such as dressing, washing, eating – as well as increasing the use of formal health and care services.

Understanding how housing tenure relates to housing quality is crucial in finding effective strategies to combat these problems. Here’s how different tenures play a role: 

Owner-occupied housing: Many older people own their homes but struggle to maintain them due to an array of challenges, such as limited income and physical limitations. Older homeowners often live in properties that have deteriorated over time, making them unsafe and uncomfortable. 

Private rented housing: The number of older people living in the private rental sector has doubled over the last 20 years with more than a third living in relative poverty, nearly half experiencing poor health and about three quarters of a million living in homes that are not decent. 

Older private renters face challenges of affordability and insecurity, living in homes that do not meet their changing needs but with limited help to improve homes themselves.

Social housing: While the standard of social housing is generally higher, there are still thousands of older people living in non-decent homes. The sector faces problems with ageing stock and inadequate funding to meet the statutory safety and environmental requirements, quite aside from improving accessibility. Critically, demand for social housing in the UK far exceeds supply.

Poor- quality housing for older people across all tenures puts huge financial pressure on the health and care service – a cost that will only rise until the problems are solved – with an immeasurable amount of human misery. But improving these homes could improve quality of life and well-being for millions of older people.  

Addressing the problem requires a comprehensive approach that takes account of the interplay between different housing tenures and the specific needs of older adults. This is why I support the Centre for Ageing Better’s call for a unified strategy:

Health and social care integration. Poor housing quality is a major public health issue. By improving housing conditions, the strain on health and social care services can be reduced. Preventive measures in housing can lead to fewer hospital admissions, quicker recoveries, and a lower overall cost to the health system. 

Recent research from the Centre for Ageing Better shows that fixing dangerous homes lived in by older people would directly save the NHS and the social care sector more than £1.5 billion a year. 

Economic stability and growth. Investing in better housing for older people can stimulate the economy and result in growth. Construction and renovation projects create jobs and demand for materials. Helping older homeowners access financial support for home improvements can enhance their quality of life and contribute to economic stability. 

Environment sustainability. Tackling poor-quality housing for older people contributes to broader environmental sustainability goals: improved energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from homes. 

Energy efficiency measures and renewable energy use can reduce energy costs for older adults, improving their financial stability. And energy-efficient homes with consistent temperatures and good air quality can provide a more comfortable and healthier living environment for older people. 

Equity and social justice. Ensuring that all older adults, regardless of their housing tenure, live in safe and comfortable environments is a matter of social justice. It’s imperative to address disparities in housing quality to promote equality and dignity for our older generation. 

Community and independence. Quality housing supports older people in maintaining their independence and staying connected to their communities. Accessible homes enable them to engage with their surroundings, reducing isolation and enhancing their quality of life. 

Delivery of services should come from one-stop-shop model that supports on all aspects of home repairs and adaptations, with support and signposting on everything from finding trusted tradespeople and identifying what work needs to be done, to how to finance repairs and improve energy efficiency. Ageing Better calls this a Good Home Hub.

Improving the quality of housing for older people in the UK isn’t just a housing issue – it’s  integral to health, social justice, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. By addressing the unique challenges faced across different housing tenures, we can ensure that older adults live in environments that promote their well-being, dignity, and independence. This holistic approach will not only benefit our older population but also create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. 

David Done is a specialist advisor for the Centre for Ageing Better. Formerly founder and CEO of RHP, an award-winning housing association working in West London, he now works at board level as a non-executive director and advisor in the housing sector and for commercial companies.