Ageing in the North

This Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) report, bringing together researchers across the North to examine the inequalities older people face in the North, was launched at the House of Commons in June 2025.

Tine Buffel and Mark Hammond (who have both contributed to the Housing LIN) explore the impact of poor housing conditions in the North, where 1.47 million homes are classed as non-decent, over a third of which house people aged 60 and over. Unsafe homes, fuel poverty, and inaccessibility undermine older people’s health, compounded by long-term disinvestment, gentrification, and systemic barriers.

There is also a chapter also showcases promising local initiatives, including Greater Manchester Combined Authority (opens new window) Housing, Planning and Ageing Group, Hopton Court One Manchester (opens new window) collaboration, and Leeds City Council (opens new window) Neighbourhood Networks.
 

Key findings:

• Older people in the North face severe housing inequalities, with many living in unsafe homes; the resulting illnesses and falls cost the NHS billions.
• 1 in 8 preventable deaths involve an older person having a fall, with unsuitable home environments significantly increasing this risk.
• Fuel poverty disproportionately affects older people in the North: less energy-efficient homes and colder temperatures contribute to excess winter deaths.

The report recommendations include:

• Develop a national older people’s housing strategy prioritising ageing in place.
• Invest in age-friendly housing and retrofit programmes to align policy with sustainability goals.
• Ensure older people have a meaningful voice in planning decisions.