The ageing population of society is becoming an increasing problem in the UK. It is thought that over the next thirty years, the population of people in England aged 65 or over will increase 70% from 9.7 million to 16.5 million. In addition to this, it has been predicted that the number of people aged over 85 in England will increase by a massive 149% over the next three decades.



The ageing population will increase the importance of social care in society, and this is reflected in the government’s strategy. The strategy, which is called Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods, aims to create age-friendly housing that can be easily adapted to meet the needs of ageing residents. This means that much of the population will theoretically be able to stay in these homes for their whole lives, reducing the demand for specialist retirement flats or residential homes.

The strategy includes proposals to ensure that all new homes built after 2013 incorporate 16 key age-friendly features, which include wider doors suitable for wheelchairs, more accessible bathroom design and staircases that are big enough for stair lifts.

When launching the new strategy, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “This strategy sets out a package of measures that will enable more older people to live in high quality, warm environments that are suited to their needs - homes that help to make life easier, and to turn the challenges of ageing into opportunities.”

Hazel Blears, Labour's Communities Secretary, also spoke of the new proposals and emphasised why Lifetime homes are so important. She said: “Demand for housing is high - being driven to a large extent by older people. Not only do we need to build more homes, but the right kind of homes too. That means 'lifetime homes' suited to families with pushchairs right through to older people in wheelchairs.”

In addition to these proposals for new, more adaptable housing, the government is also planning to create more 'age-friendly' neighbourhoods. There are already ten new eco-towns planned, which will be among the first places in England to meet the new standards for older people.

To support older people in their current residences, the government has also announced a national repair and adaptations service. This service will be kick-started with a massive £33 million investment, which will allow a further 125,000 older people every year gain access to much-needed repairs and adaptations for their homes, improving their quality of life and allowing them to live more independently.

Source:

Labour

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