HCA calls for more quality homes for the elderly

The Government must make it a priority to build new homes for older people if the UK is to avoid a future housing crisis, a report said today.

The number of people aged over 60 is projected to increase by seven million in the coming 25 years, but much of the UK's existing housing stock is inaccessible or unsuitable for older people, a panel set up by the Homes and Communities Agency said.

It said the lack of good quality homes for older people was a real concern and it called for the design and development of suitable accommodation to become a priority.

It called for the Government to introduce incentives for housebuilders to develop new types of properties to meet demand from an ageing society, while it said housing associations also needed to help develop housing that was suitable for older people.

The panel added that if people who were currently staying put in their family homes had more choice, they would move, freeing up these properties for others who needed them.

It also pointed out that well designed properties enabled older people to stay in their homes for longer, while avoiding accidents and falls.

Sir Bob Kerslake, chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency,
said: "The ageing population is an issue we all need to take seriously and prepare for sooner rather than later.

"At the HCA, we will be looking closely at the recommendations the panel has made and will work with our partners to take some steps to address these."

But the report also stressed the need for people to take responsibility for themselves, warning that while people were quite happy to plan their next holiday, they would increasingly have to take more personal responsibility for their older years.