Living in substandard housing is becoming an alarming reality for many people aged 50 and above, particularly those with existing health conditions, according to a new report from the Centre for Ageing Better. The charity highlights that poor-quality homes are significantly contributing to the worsening of health problems, with some individuals living in environments that exacerbate their conditions.
The report, based on data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, reveals that over 4.5 million people aged 50 and older in England are living in homes with serious issues that are negatively affecting their health. Many of these homes have problems such as damp, leaks, electrical faults, and poor insulation, all of which can worsen conditions like respiratory diseases, heart problems, and asthma.
Dr. Carole Easton, Chief Executive of the Centre for Ageing Better, emphasized that this housing crisis is not just a personal issue but one that could impact the broader economy and the National Health Service (NHS). “Older people living in homes that worsen their health conditions are at risk of being unable to work, which could hinder economic growth,” she said. “These individuals will also require additional medical care, placing more pressure on the already overstretched NHS.”
The research also indicates that people from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, as well as those living in rented accommodation, are more likely to face these housing challenges. Approximately 46% of older people from these communities who have a health condition also live in homes with significant issues, compared to 32% of their white counterparts. In addition, renters are up to three times more likely than homeowners to live in poor-quality housing.
Holly Holder, Deputy Director for Homes at the charity, pointed out that the intersection of health and housing issues disproportionately affects already disadvantaged groups. “This combination of housing and health problems limits the lives of some of the country’s most vulnerable people,” she said. “A national strategy is urgently needed to address this hidden housing crisis.”
The charity is calling for the government to make tackling poor-quality housing a national priority. Holder urged policymakers to set a clear target to reduce the number of non-decent homes by half over the next decade. Without such action, she warned, the lives of thousands of older individuals will continue to be severely impacted by unsafe living conditions.
In response to the findings, a government spokesperson outlined several initiatives designed to address housing quality, including plans to reform the Decent Homes Standard, introduce Awaab’s Law to tackle damp and unsafe conditions, and provide support for energy-efficient home upgrades. Despite these measures, the spokesperson acknowledged that the challenge remains significant and emphasized the need for continued efforts to improve housing conditions for the most vulnerable populations.
The Centre for Ageing Better’s findings underscore the urgent need for a more coordinated response to ensure that older people, especially those with health conditions, live in homes that support their well-being rather than jeopardize it.
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