A new government-backed report titled Our Future Homes: Housing that Promotes Wellbeing and Community for an Ageing Population has highlighted the urgent need for housing that is not only age-appropriate but also culturally sensitive, dementia-inclusive, and tailored to the diverse needs of older people.
The report delves into the challenges faced by the UK’s ageing population, offering key recommendations for creating homes and communities that support the wellbeing, independence, and social engagement of older people.
With the UK’s ageing population becoming both larger and more diverse, the report stresses the importance of housing solutions that are inclusive and adaptable to the cultural and faith needs of older people. By 2040, the number of people aged 65-79 will increase by nearly a third, while those aged 80 and over will more than double. This demographic shift makes it increasingly urgent to rethink housing strategies for older citizens.
Key findings in the report reveal a range of challenges. There is a critical shortage of suitable housing, with only 7,000 new homes being built each year despite the demand for 30,000–50,000 homes annually. Additionally, many older people live in homes that are not designed for their needs, with only 12% having level access to their homes and less than half having a bathroom on the entry level. Private leasehold housing options are also unaffordable for many over the age of 75, underscoring the need for more affordable later-living homes.
A central theme of the report is the call for age-friendly housing that also addresses the cultural, spiritual, and social needs of older people. The Taskforce stresses that housing solutions should not only enable older people to age in place but also create communities where they can remain connected to their cultural heritage and identity. Recommendations for achieving this include designing homes and neighbourhoods that cater to diverse cultural and faith needs. These homes would feature facilities to support religious practices, provide space for cultural gatherings, and offer culturally appropriate care and services.
In addition, the Taskforce advocates for housing that fosters multigenerational living, offering communal spaces where families of all ages can live together in harmony. This model aims to combat social isolation, which can be a significant concern for older people, by fostering a sense of community. The report also calls for staff training in cultural competency to ensure that older people receive care that respects their cultural and lifestyle preferences. Language support and culturally tailored health and social care services are also highlighted as essential for maintaining independence and wellbeing.
The Taskforce encourages developers to consult with local communities, particularly those from diverse cultural backgrounds, to ensure that housing solutions reflect the real needs of older people. Community-led housing models or co-housing arrangements, where older people have a direct say in the design of their homes and communities, are presented as potential solutions.
Paavan Popat, a member of the Taskforce and CEO of TLC Care & Founder of Trulocom, emphasised the report’s findings, saying, “This report makes clear that if we are to meet the needs of an ageing population, we must go beyond traditional housing solutions. We must create homes that are not only safe and accessible but culturally sensitive and inclusive. Older people deserve communities where they can live with dignity, celebrate their cultural identities, and enjoy the support they need in later life.”
The report concludes with a call for strong national leadership to drive change and make age-friendly, culturally inclusive housing a key focus for policymakers, developers, and communities. The Taskforce urges the government, developers, and local authorities to prioritize these recommendations and create a housing strategy that addresses the needs of an ageing population.
Professor Julienne Meyer CBE, Chair of the Older People’s Taskforce, echoed this sentiment, urging action to address the crisis in older people’s housing. “We need to be brave and give it our urgent attention,” she said. “This is why we are calling for the establishment of the ‘Office for an Ageing Population’ to help tackle the housing crisis for older people and encourage a long-term strategy for our rapidly changing society.”
The report serves as a call to action for all stakeholders, urging them to think holistically about housing, ageing, wellbeing, and the creation of inclusive communities that allow older people to thrive.
