Healthy Housing for Older People: reflections from Housing 21’s Annual Conference
Held yesterday at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre, we were delighted to attend Housing 21’s annual conference, which brought together leading voices across housing, health, and ageing to explore how we can create healthier homes and more equitable communities for older people.
The day opened with a powerful overview from Elaine Elkington, chair of Housing 21’s Board, followed by sessions examining the links between housing and health inequalities, planning for healthier homes, and the economic and social value of supported housing. Speakers, including Andrew Van Doorn (HACT), Martina Kane (Independent Age), and Francesca Crisante (National Housing Federation), shared evidence and policy insight into the role of housing in improving wellbeing and reducing health disparities.
The closing panel included Housing LIN’s Chief Executive, Jeremy Porteus. Drawing the day’s themes together, Jeremy emphasised the need for continued collaboration across housing, health, and care sectors to drive forward practical, evidence-based approaches that enable older people to live well at home and intergenerationally. As part of his concluding remarks, Jeremy summarised the discussions through six key ‘Ps’ that encapsulated the day’s insights:
- Person-centred development and personalisation – a coproduced, citizen-led approach
- Preventative housing for health benefits – interventions that delivering better personal outcomes and system improvements
- Partnerships working – forging collaboration to achieve more integrated services and deliver shared outcomes
- The right Products – from technology-enabled care and housing to a greater diversity of options
- In the right Places – creating inclusive, age-friendly, happier and healthy neighbourhoods
- Pride in our communities as places that we all want to live in – fostering closer connections and belonging
Housing LIN was proud to contribute to such an inspiring and solutions-focused event.