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Late movers: How the shortage of suitable housing affects our ageing population

Late movers COVER

This report by Age UK draws on research it commissioned and highlights concerns about the affordability, accessibility and quality of housing available for people as they age.

Polling of 2,500 people aged 66 or older found that just over a third (36%) said they are worried about the affordability of their home as they age and about two-fifths (42%) are worried about accessibility. And, more than a third (35%) are worried about the condition of their home and nearly three in 10 (29%) said they have worries about security. 

Key findings include:

  • Larger numbers of older people are moving than sometimes assumed
  • There is a huge shortage of suitable housing for an ageing population, and
  • The polling suggests that some groups are affected disproportionately eg private renters, low income homeowners, ethnic minority respondents, and other low income groups

The report makes a number of recommendations relating to planning and design of new homes, adaptations, efficiency and improvements to the existing stock and calls for a national housing strategy which recognises that the vast majority of older people will age in “mainstream” homes, with more emphasis on home movers who are aged between 50 and 75.