New Bristol University research looks at inclusion among older people.

As increasing numbers of older people prefer to stay living independently in their own communities in later life, new and diverse forms of housing for older people are needed.

A new research project in the School for Policy Studies at University of Bristol is looking at ways in which older people are made to feel included and valued in housing schemes with care and support services.

The aim of the study is to identify how social inclusion policies and approaches are put into practice in housing schemes for older people across England and Wales. This includes schemes that support independent living in later life while providing some care services, such as extra-care housing, independent living or sheltered housing.

Jeremy Porteus, Housing LIN Chief Executive will be acting as a consultant on the DICE Project and said:

Social exclusion amongst our older population is not just the stereotypical domain of someone over 80 home alone. This research is an important piece of work that will explore how residents within housing schemes may also experience factors that are detrimental to their health and wellbeing. It’s not their biological age but the quality of active living and community life in older age that matters.