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Health & Wellbeing

Well-designed housing and related support services can enhance many aspects of life beyond physical health and mobility. As people age they are at greater risk of social exclusion, loneliness and isolation, and mental health problems such as depression. The resources listed below deal with the impact that housing and support services can have on responding to these types of need in older people.

Healthy Ageing in a Changing Climate: Creating Inclusive, Age-Friendly, and Climate Resilient Cities and Communities in the UK

This report by the Urban Institute at Heriot-Watt University, together with the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York identifies key areas that require action to address the threat posed by climate change to the healthy ageing of older adults in the UK.

Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report 2023: Health in an Ageing Society

Professor Chris Whitty's annual report recommends actions to improve quality of life for older adults and prioritise areas with the fastest growth in older people.

Lost opportunities: A decade of declining national investment in repairing our homes

This report, published by Centre for Ageing Better, outlines the decline in national investment in home improvement, the consequences and what we need to do next.

Isolation & Loneliness: How are people aged 55 and over coping in the ongoing pandemic?

At the start of 2021, Central & Cecil (C&C) published findings of research by over 200 C&C residents to seek their attitudes towards isolation and loneliness. A year on, they have returned to the same theme finding out if residents have become ‘used’ to the presence of Coivd-19.

Making Homes Fit for Ageing and Caring: The consequences of COVID-19 for the housing, health and wellbeing of older people in England

This report reviews the consequences of COVID-19 and associated ‘lockdowns’ for older people in England with particular reference to their housing, health and well-being, and considers the post-pandemic housing policy implications.

Social Eating Guide and supporting documents

A new guide by Ambition for Ageing finds out how you can design and run your own social eating activities to help bring people together.

Isolation and loneliness among over 55s during Covid-19

A study of 250 Central & Cecil (C&C) residents out today finds 12% experience feelings of loneliness/isolation on a daily/weekly basis – higher than other recent studies. The C&C report found that speaking with family and friends, taking up a new hobby/activity and regular walks seen as best coping mechanisms to manage feelings.

A National Covid-19 Resilience Programme: Improving the health and wellbeing of older people during the pandemic

This report by the Physiological Society and the Centre for Ageing Better provides insight into the health effects of Covid-19 on older people and provides recommendations that mitigate the health impacts and reduce the risk of serious disease.

The experience of people approaching later life in lockdown

This research carried out by Ipsos MORI and the Centre for Ageing Better shines a light on the impact lockdown has had on those aged 50-70, revealing dramatic changes to people’s lives and plans for the future. The wide-ranging report includes a section on home and community and highlights on housing, especially in relation to the impact on renters, and the growing use of digital technology.

Homes For Healthy Ageing: Challenges, Opportunities And The Way Forward

This report by the Connected Places Catapult looks into the multi-faceted nature of both ageing and housing and how both are interconnected.

BSG Position statement on loneliness and social isolation

This report from the British Geriatrics Society (BGS) and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) covers the role of healthcare staff in tackling loneliness and social isolation among older people.

Co-living for older people – reduced loneliness and lower living costs

This research report from the Cambridge Centre for Housing and Planning Research, funded by the Nationwide Foundation, reveals a range of benefits for older people choosing to live with others, as well as identifying barriers to be overcome if co-living is to grow at scale throughout the UK.

Home aloners: The true cost of living alone in Britain today

This report by Community Led Homes, a partnership between Confederation of Co-operative Housing, Locality, the National CLT Network and UK Cohousing, explores the impact of a person’s living situation on their quality of life.

Kinship in the City: Urban loneliness and the Built Environment

This report by Future Spaces Foundation (FSF) explores the impact of urban loneliness and ideas for reshaping our built environment to improve social cohesion.

Ageing Better: Working with older people to reduce social isolation and loneliness: A guide for Housing Associations

This short guide by Age Better in Sheffield, in partnership with South Yorkshire Housing Association, aims to set out practical evidence about what’s worked in reducing social isolation and loneliness amongst older people.

A consensus on healthy ageing

This initiative supported by a range of organisations across national and local government, charity and voluntary organisations, public health, academics and the NHS, and has been facilitated by Public Health England and the Centre for Ageing Better.

Social Infrastructure: How shared spaces make communities work

This report from Ambition for Ageing argues that to reduce social isolation, we need a diversity of social infrastructure to ensure chance social encounters with a diversity of people.

This is how to design for isolation and loneliness in our communities

With 9 million people reportedly suffering from loneliness in the UK – an increase of 200,000 people since the 1950s – This paper from WSP aims to set out the main built environment causes of loneliness and isolation.

Active Ageing

Physical inactivity remains high among the UK's older population. This report from Anchor Hanover and Demos examines the benefits of activity, the costs of inactivity, and what can be done to encourage active ageing.

Dementia Care Best Practice - Reducing social isolation for people with dementia and their carers

Today's example of dementia care best practice comes from Silva Homes, Bracknell Forest Council and Bracknell Forest Dementia Action Alliance.

Exploring how to develop effective services to reduce loneliness

This Housing LIN Viewpoint 96 explores best practice in developing effective services to reduce loneliness and provides six top tips for setting up new services.

The Innovative Path to Wellbeing

In this blog, Sonia Parol says that designers should encourage senior-living residents’ wellbeing by providing a range of opportunities to continuously take part in active life in an integrated, wider community setting.

Tackling social exclusion at Grand Union Housing Group

Jan Davies of Grand Union Housing writes about how digital technology can tackle social exclusion.

Living Digitally – An evaluation of the CleverCogs digital care and support system

This report looks at how Technology Enabled Care can have a positive effect on health and well-being.

Harnessing Technology to Tackle Loneliness

A new report commissioned by Vodafone UK reveals that digital technology can help alleviate loneliness among the over 50s.

Who wants to be lonely? How housing with care schemes are well placed to reduce unwanted isolation.

In order to tackle loneliness we need to have meaningful interactions. For interaction to be meaningful and truly deepen connections, it's vital to look at spaces and places.

Measuring ageing: An introduction to the Ageing Better Measures Framework

A compendium of 63 measures, survey scales and their associated data sources looking at outcomes at the individual level related to ageing and later life.

Depression among older people living in care homes

A report looking at the incidence and treatment of people with depression living in care homes.

A connected society: A strategy for tackling loneliness

This strategy sets out the approach to tackling loneliness in England.

A novel cohousing project for older women and implications for loneliness

These two online articles draw on research undertaken with OWCH at New Ground.

Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older People

This new guide from EROSH seeks to demonstrate the role sheltered and retirement housing organisations play in preventing and addressing loneliness and social isolation.

Pulling together: enabling conversations to help people thrive in later life

MHF have written this handbook to pull together and make sense of what they learnt from their Standing Together project, that aimed to change the way people talk about mental health in older people.

ODESSA: Optimising care delivery models to support ageing-in-place

This report brings together international research findings on current long-term care delivery models for older people and assesses the key factors that allow them to live independently for longer.

Ageing well - a collection of innovative thinking

This report from the Whiteley Foundation for Ageing Well brings together a dozen interesting thought-provoking articles looking ahead 20 years to explore different elements that will contribute to a good life for older people.

Homes fit for ageing

A brochure from Care & Repair England that outlines alongside useful statistics why ageing well at home is key to health, housing and care.

Inquiry into loneliness and isolation in Wales

A report looking into the extent and impact of loneliness and isolation of people in Wales, providing analysis and giving governmental recommendations.

The Place of Kindness: Combating loneliness and building stronger communities

With the support of JRF, The Carnegie Trust in Scotland have been working with seven organisations to test what, if anything, could be done to encourage kinder communities

Social Isolation and Loneliness in the UK Report: With a focus on the use of technology to tackle these conditions

This report by The Internet of Things UK aims to provide an overview of the social isolation and loneliness landscape in the UK.

Combatting Lonelinesss: Living in Manchester - our age-friendly city

Derek Taylor, a tenant of Southway Housing in Withington, was interviewed recently by the BBC where he discussed what he has done to help with loneliness. Derek has also featured in the recent publication...

The Missing Million: A Practical Guide to Identifying and Talking about Loneliness

In recent years there has been a significant increase in public interest in loneliness and the issue is rapidly moving up the political agenda. Yet, in the United Kingdom, it is estimated that in excess...

Promising approaches to reducing loneliness and isolation in later life

This document from AGE UK and The Campaign to End Loneliness does not seek to rehearse the case for action to tackle loneliness. Rather it seeks to shine a light on what can be done about loneliness,...

The missing millions: In search of the loneliest in our communities

This report from the Campaign to End Loneliness has been developed to support commissioners and services to identify people experiencing or at risk of loneliness in older age. It illustrates ways to...

Building companionship: how better design can combat loneliness in later life

This report by Demos, supported by McCarthy & Stone, recommends that redesigning 'cities for all ages' could help prevent social disengagement. With people aged over 80 expressing that they are...

Insights into Loneliness, Older People and Well-being, 2015

This paper from the Office for National Statistics focuses on older people's well-being, loneliness and some of the risk factors associated with loneliness. Such as: living alone housing tenure marital...

NICE guidelines: Older people with social care needs and multiple long-term conditions

These latest guidelines from NICE emphasize the importance of empowering older people and their carers to choose and manage their own support. It makes recommendations about: identifying and assessing...

Village Life: Independence, Loneliness, and Quality of Life in Retirement Villages with Extra Care

This report by ILC-UK surveyed residents in retirement villages that offer extra care support to explore if: It can promote greater independence and provide greater choice in planning for later life...

Social isolation and loneliness in people aged 55 and over in Milton Keynes

This report from The Open University, in association with Age UK Milton Keynes, examines the conditions that lead to social isolation and loneliness among older people in Milton Keynes. It recognises...

The 2015 Ageing Report: EU Member States (2013-2060)

This report from the European Commission focuses on the costs of projected demographic change until 2060. It sheds light on the economic, budgetary and societal challenges that policy makers will have...

Community Hubs: A partnership approach to creating community based services for older people in Gloucestershire

This Housing LIN case study no 106 provides an overview of the initial findings from the first year's evaluation of the development of Community Hubs in Gloucestershire. It is based on a paper originally...

Improving later life. Vulnerability and resilience in older people

This new publication from Age UK is one in a series that explores some of the factors and experiences that make older people more susceptible to the risk of adverse outcomes in later life. With chapters...

Fit for Frailty

These new practice guides from British Geriatrics Society in association with the Royal College of GPs and Age UK, sets out how to enhance the lives of older patients to remain at home for as long as...

Making our health and care systems fit for an ageing population

This report from the Kings Fund points out that improving services for older people requires us to consider each component of care, since many older people use multiple services, and the quality, capacity...

Focus on .. the health and social care of older people

This publication from the Health and Social Care Information Centre provides a compilation of information on older people living in England to give a broad picture of their health, care and wellbeing....

What role for extra care housing in a socially isolated landscape?

This Housing LIN report highlights five core elements of extra care housing that give older people fulfilling, socially-connected lives. They are: The ethos of extra care housing promotes the concept...

Health, Wellbeing and the Older People's Housing Agenda

This paper is aimed primarily at Health and Wellbeing Board members and seeks to support them in their understanding of: The impact of poor housing on the health and wellbeing outcomes of older people....

A strength-based approach to ageing well: the housing dimension

This Housing LIN Viewpoint no 30 explores how older people can be better linked with communities and suggests that the key is to be found in working with the strengths of individuals and communities,...

Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors - research findings

This research findings from Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors (I'DGO) looks into how the design of gardens, streets, neighbourhoods and open spaces can make a difference to older people's wellbeing...

The case for tomorrow: facing the beyond

A joint discussion document on the future of services for older people This new report from ADASS is successor document to the influential 'All our Tomorrow's' report published in 2002 and articulates...

Enabling older people with long term health conditions to plan ahead - self help guides

Care & Repair England has been running workshops with older people across the country focussed on thinking and planning ahead for your housing and care in later life for a number of years. As a result...

Age of Opportunity: Transforming the lives of older people in poverty

The Centre for Social Justice final report from their Older Age Review. The report focuses on 4 themes: Dynamic Communities Managing Money and planning for the future Housing and Homes Transforming...

Health, Housing and Care working together to achieve a Prevention Model of wellbeing in Extra Care at Marina Court, Tewkesbury

This Housing LIN Case Study no 52 highlights the preventative services that maximise the independence of older people, including the development of a health and wellbeing suite and ethos within the DH...

Under pressure - Tackling the financial challenge for councils of an ageing population

This new report from the Audit Commission, highlights the financial challenges for councils of an ageing population. It states that "investment in services such as housing (and leisure) can reduce or...

How can local authorities with less money support better outcomes for older people?

Research shows that older people want and value low-level support - 'that bit of help' - but the benefits of investing in this are realised over many years, making it harder to prove impact and protect...

The development of social well-being in new extra care housing schemes

This report by Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) investigates the development of social well-being for older people moving into 15 new-build extra care housing schemes. There is increasing interest in...

A Briefing on Health Inequalities - Progress and Next Steps

Housing LIN Briefing No26 - This briefing provides an overview of the recent report, Health Inequalities: Progress and Next Steps , from the Department of Health, on progress on the government's efforts...

Health for Life: heath promotion in extra care housing

Housing LIN Report - This is a review of a pilot in East Cheshire to use an extra care housing scheme as a hub for health promotion activities. The aim was to provide access to activities both to residents...

From Healthier Homes to healthier lives (South East)

Useful facts and figures on the role of housing in improving health and well-being of older people in the South East region. Published by the Housing LIN, the National Housing Federation and IN Business...

From Healthier Homes to healthier lives (South West)

Published by Regional Public Health Group, May 2006 and provides useful facts and figures on the role of housing in improving health and well-being of older people in the South West region.

Designed to deliver - reducing isolation of older people in rural communities

Published by hact this report describes and evaluates 8 projects established in rural areas to reduce the social isolation of older people. The outcomes are summarised and recommendations made about...

Best practice in promoting social well being extra care housing

Published by Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a literature review that explores key factors in promoting social well-being and identifies groups of older people who are particularly at risk of social isolation....

Social wellbeing in extra care housing

This report by Joseph Rowntree Foundation, uses interviews with residents and managers from extra care housing schemes in England to explore the experiences of residents in terms of social well-being....

Unlocking the community

Published by ILC-UK, this paper describes an innovative model for community development and activity being pioneered in Devon. The 'Upstream' model engages older people to create self-organising groups...

Dee Park Active Retirement Club - Age Concern Berkshire

Housing LIN Case Study No27 - This brief report describes the establishment of a club for older people living in a geographical area (Dee Park) to promote active healthier lifestyles. Activities include...

Making the difference - reducing the social exclusion of OP with mental health problems

Published by hact this report describes 5 projects that were set up to reduce the social exclusion of older people with mental health problems. All of the projects included housing advocacy plus a variety...

Sheltered Housing as a community resource

This report contains case studies of sheltered housing being used as a resource for the wider community. It is based on a workshop at the University of Brighton and contains a commentary on good practice...

Creating a Safe and Easily Maintained Garden for Older People

Dimo Koev writes for the Housing LIN about the benefits and enjoyment that gardening can bring.

Loneliness resource pack

A set of resources to help individuals, groups, communities and neighbourhoods take a closer look at - and to reduce - loneliness.

Can a neighbourhood approach to loneliness contribute to people's well-being?

This report evaluates JRF and JRHT's Neighbourhood approaches to loneliness programme. It: highlights that good practice requires skilled staff who are able to communicate effectively and provide pastoral...

Social Isolation in London

This report, prepared for Octavia by Ipsos Mori, presents findings from research on loneliness carried out on nearly 500 adults aged 15 and over in the Greater London area.

Age and Social Isolation

This report by the Equal Opportunities Committee at the Scottish Parliament is the result of an inquiry focusing on the potential impacts of social isolation on both older and younger people in Scotland....

The Role of Technology in Combating Loneliness and Social Isolation: A Guide for Housing Providers

New research from Appello shows that technology offers a lifeline for older people at risk of social isolation and loneliness.