Homes to Age in Place

This chapter focuses on the challenges faced by older adults in the United Kingdom regarding their domestic environment and the concept of ‘ageing in place’. The significant number of individuals aged over 65 in the UK, expected to increase by a third in the next decade, poses a pressing issue. The existing housing stock, comprising around 25 million homes, is ill-equipped to cater to the changing needs of this ageing population. Despite a better understanding and emerging evidence base regarding the specific needs of older people, most new housing developments in the UK overlook these requirements. The chapter emphasises the need for a policy shift and greater emphasis on designing homes that facilitate ageing in place and foster multi-generational communities. It concludes by underscoring the relevance of these issues beyond the UK, emphasising the need for suitable housing options for older adults in other countries as well. This chapter serves as a reminder of the pressing need to address housing inadequacy for older adults and promote age-friendly communities.