Why affordable housing must include plans for later living

While the national debate continues to focus on the number of new homes being built, we must also pay attention to who those homes are for. Building more homes is essential, but building the right homes that enable people to live well, safely and independently for longer, is what will make the real difference.

Our ageing society presents a significant challenge for the housing sector and there are important connections between older age, housing, and health, which we must acknowledge and plan for.

The UK’s ageing population increases the demand for suitable housing options for older adults, including those who wish to remain in their homes as they get older. Many homes, however, are not designed to accommodate changing mobility or provide support for age-related issues.  And despite the Government exploring policies to create more accessible and age-friendly homes, including offering grants for home adaptations, there is significant challenge in meeting the demand required in the long term.

Poor or unsuitable housing can lead to increased hospital admissions, delayed discharges, and higher care costs - all of which strain public services. On the other hand, well-designed later living and supported housing can reduce these pressures by promoting independence, wellbeing and community connections. Yet, provision of this type of housing remains far below demand, particularly at affordable rent levels.

Despite the clear need, the UK currently faces a significant shortfall of housing designed for older people. The Centre for Ageing Better estimates that fewer than 10% of existing homes meet basic accessibility standards. Meanwhile, the number of people over 85, the group most likely to need adapted or supported housing, is projected to double over the next two decades.

This gap doesn’t just affect older adults; it affects the entire housing market. Without suitable options to downsize or rightsize into, many people remain in family homes that no longer meet their needs, limiting availability for younger households. Creating a better balance of housing options across the life course benefits everyone.

As we look to the future of housing delivery, we must ensure that age appropriate housing and communities are integral to every local housing strategy. Here at Orbit, our new Later Living Housing Strategy sets out our plans for improving the quality and standard of our existing Later Living Services and how we can support more customers aged over 55 to remain in their Orbit homes for as long as possible.

We will also deliver a minimum of 350 new Later Living homes which will be targeted in areas with high projected populations of people aged 65+, by 2030.

As a sector, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to shape communities that work for all generations. If we truly want to future-proof our housing system and reduce pressures on care and health services, we must start by ensuring that older people’s housing is part of the conversation about affordable housing plans. This isn’t just about housing numbers, it’s about dignity, choice, and independence. Every person deserves to live in a home that supports their wellbeing, whatever their age or circumstance.

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Thank you to Orbit for sponsoring our Funding Matters - Capital Funding webpage.

For further information on Housing for Older People, click here.