Where will we live when we get older?

Ageing populations, although exh ibiting marked differences acro ss countries and cultures, are a global phenomenon. Old‐age dependency r atios in most developed countri es are projected to double by the year 2050. In Australia there will be a strain on economic growth as a large part of the population moves from pre‐retirement to post‐retirement age over the next 25 years. A disproportionate amount of this strain will be concentrated in aged‐care housing or retirement accommodation. Current evidence suggests that existing housing stock for older people is inadequate. As the A ustralian population ages, the maintenance and long‐term performance of ret irement housing is a key concer n of government and housing providers. This study looked at four aged‐care or retirement providers across Australia and examined the performance of the current housing stock managed by these providers. The interviews revealed that housing design decisions in retirement stock, although critically important to the changing needs of occupants and the adequate supply of suitable housing, are ofte n ill‐considered. The findings critically question the idea of simply buil ding ‘more of the same’ to reli eve demand. This study has major implications for the future of Australian retirement housing, e specially as the population ages dramatically.