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Chapter 9: Housing and economic security in retirement
This chapter of the report 'A husband is not a retirement plan' - Achieving economic security for women in retirement (Commonwealth of Australia, 2016), discusses the increase in the number of Australians, particularly women, who are relying on private rental accommodation in retirement.
A number of participants in the inquiry highlighted the interrelationship between housing and econom
2016
Themes:
Senior Cohousing in Cost-Cutting Research
This paper concerns the issue of senior cohousing, with particular emphasis on the residents' gender. It looks at the 'feminisation of ageing' where in Poland, 80% of people 65+ living alone are women.
2016
Themes:
Nowhere To Go - Older Women and Housing Vulnerability
In 2011, according to ABS Census data, there were 135,494 women aged 55 and older in the private rental market, up from 91,549 who were counted in the 2006 Census. These figures are likely to underestimate the real number of older women who are renters, especially those with an informal or sublet rental agreement.
2016
In Germany, retirees have found a novel way to avoid being alone
Germany’s population is Europe’s oldest, second only to Japan globally. Today’s seniors are living vastly different lives than the previous generations. They are more likely to be on their own, live longer after retirement, and spend those years in better shape.
2016
Generation Stuck Exploring the Reality of Downsizing in Later Life
The concept of downsizing in later life has received growing attention in debates over the current state of the housing market in the UK. However, in much of the recent debate around housing and later life, there is an underlying thread that under-occupancy by older people is a social injustice against younger generations struggling to get on the property ladder.
2016
Themes:
Agile housing for an Ageing Australia
By 2055, Australia’s 65+ population will have doubled and, if current strategies are followed, it is likely that the housing available will be inappropriate. Today’s housing stock will still be in use yet few developers and designers are capitalising on the potential of agile housing and, more broadly, the creation of age-friendly neighbourhoods.
2016
Forget "downsizing", think "rightsizing" to meet older people's housing needs and aspirations
In the UK, many older people live in homes that are probably too big for their needs and budgets. If they were encouraged to downsize, and also given the choice of housing that would make downsizing appealing, they might well be persuaded to sell their home to a family who actually needs that sort of space.
2016
Is Housing of Importance to Mental Health?
Poor housing quality is often associated with poor physical health such as respiratory illness from dampness, but the impact of housing on mental health should not be underestimated. Under the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, housing would fall under the bottom 2 tiers as in Figure 1, as a place to fulfil basic needs of warmth, rest, security and safety.
2016
Themes:
Designing an Ageless Social Community: Adapting a New Urbanist Social Core to Suit Baby Boomers in Later Life
Since 90% of older adults prefer aging in place, it is important that neighborhood design supports successful aging. Beyond basic needs, research indicates quality interaction is associated with positive health and wellbeing benefits, particularly for older adults. In this, design supporting social relationships plays an essential role.
2016
Building Affordable Elderly Housing: How New Zealand’s planning system influences market outcomes
This paper explores the changing demographics of New Zealand’s elderly, the influence of the current planning system, and how planning has hindered the market’s ability to provide affordable elderly housing in areas of highest demand.
2016
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."