The impact of housing insecurity on the health and wellbeing of older adults: A qualitative evidence synthesis

This open access article in the Journal of Aging and Mental Health gives qualitative evidence synthesis of 15 international studies that assess impact of housing insecurity on the health and wellbeing of older people. Conducted by Maynooth University and Dublin College in Ireland, it finds that poor housing conditions and inability to install modifications negatively impact health and the ability to live independently for longer. 

In addition, increasing housing costs and lifecourse financial uncertainty both precipitate deteriorating health and wellbeing, potential relocation and constitute barriers to ageing in place and were most evident for marginalised social groups.

However, it also finds that housing insecurity was mitigated by strong social attachments or attempting to be an ideal tenant/neighbour. Furthermore, it revealed that psychosocial health and wellbeing benefit from safe, secure housing which promotes autonomy, dignity and social engagement.