UK homes are hazardous/not adapted to meet elderly and disabled needs

A new report from the Centre for Ageing Better on inequalities in sectors such as housing, work, and health for people in their 50s and 60s has shown that a large proportion of the UK’s population is at risk of suffering in later life for a variety of reasons including the lack of readily available, suitable, accessible housing.

With Britain undergoing a demographic shift with the number of over 65 year olds predicted to reach 17 million by 2036 There have been calls for serious radical change by the government, charities and businesses in terms of the ageing population and the issues that surround it so that older people can experience a good quality of life as they age.

This report reveals that:

• “23 percent of people aged 50-64 manage three or more chronic health conditions; this proportion is rising.”
• “Millions of UK homes are unsuitable for people with a disability or reduced mobility, with many being so hazardous and poorly-maintained that they pose a risk to the safety of their occupants. “
• “Just seven percent of homes meet basic accessibility standards, and 1.3 million over 55s live in homes that pose a serious threat to health and safety.”
• “Nearly a third of 50-64-year-olds. A million people between 50 and State Pension age are out of work prematurely, despite wanting a job, and poorer people are more likely to leave work due to ill-health.”

For this reason there has been pressure put on the government to require all new homes to be built that are accessible for the less mobile and older people and for them to commit to improving and adapting the condition of existing homes. This means addressing two key areas of concern: the kitchen and the bathroom. Adaptations in these areas can assist wheelchair-users to prepare and cook food and people with reduced mobility to bathe independently using a wet room or walk-in shower or bath.

This report discloses that people in their 50s and 60s won’t get the quality of life they deserve. However, an early response to tackle this upcoming issue will help prevent problems in the future and decrease the likelihood of millions suffering as a result of poor health and poverty.