A lack of attractive retirement housing and negative perceptions are preventing larger family homes being made available for younger buyers, a study has found.
A paper from the International Longevity Centre UK argues a shortage of suitable homes for people to move into is part of the problem, but also notes there are psychological factors that prevent elderly people moving on – such as a tendency to deny the realities of ageing.
The think tank, which produced its report for housing provider Hanover, argues that encouraging people to move to the most appropriate type of housing can allow them to postpone moves into care homes.
The paper, Downsizing in later life and appropriate housing size across our lifetime, recommends that health and social care policy should encourage people to move to the type of housing that best meets their needs, and that the government should work with councils to assess whether they have enough homes for older people.
It also says housing providers should work to improve the design and image of retirement housing.
Dylan Kneale, from ILC UK, said: ‘We must all think harder about the sort of housing we are likely to want to live in as we age. Too many of us deny the impact of ageing and end up in inappropriate housing.’
Bruce Moore, chief executive of Hanover, said: ‘Individuals need to consider making trade-offs about the housing we require as consumers, as we do with everything else.
‘If people want spare rooms – no matter what their age – they may need to consider whether the cost of those extra rooms is a price worth paying. Downsizing is often a good way to release money, or for funding either a nicer but smaller home, or a home with onsite care and support where that is needed.’
The ILC UK paper has been published by Hanover as part of a series to mark the 50th anniversary of the provider. These can be accessed at www.hanover50debate.org.uk