From crisis moves to informed choices: Older people deserve more than ‘good enough’ housing

This Housing LIN Viewpoint (No. 114), written by Alison Benzimra, Head of Research & Influence at United St Saviour’s Charity, captures what Appleby Blue is teaching us about ageing, community and housing – and summarises the learnings from the new Appleby Blue ‘One Year on’ report.

In Alison's view, older people’s housing in the UK is too often shaped by assumptions, not aspirations. Appleby Blue, a 57-home almshouse in Bermondsey, demonstrates a different approach combining: high-quality design, personalised support, community connection, and research to create independent, joyful, and culturally rich living.

Residents benefit from improved wellbeing, social connection, and even longevity, while the wider system gains freed-up housing and reduced care pressures. Read on to find out more about how Appleby Blue’s model which a offers transferable lessons for policymakers, developers, and housing providers aiming to make housing aspirational, not crisis-driven.