Focus on Housing and the Health of Older People

Both the Northern Ireland (NI) and Republic of Ireland (ROI) governments have stated a policy preference for older people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible, as they age. However, the implications of this policy aspiration have received less attention, particularly the relationship between housing and health. Research shows that the quality of housing has a definite effect on health, particularly for groups such as older people who spend more time in the home. For example, well designed housing options can reduce the level of admissions into residential care for housing related reasons.