Housing an ageing population: implications for managing the social housing stock.

The UK is currently experiencing an exponential rise in the 50 + population with a peak not predicted until 2033. Increased life expectancy coupled with the retirement of the “post war baby boomers” presents a demographic spike which has significant implications for society. Prolonged longevity is often not accompanied by extended health, mobility and quality of life; and this represents a particular challenge for those involved in the provision and management of social housing. However, the choices available are heavily shaped by decreasing budgets and a lack of finance for new built solutions specific for an ageing population; and through the ‘Shifting the Balance of Care' agenda and shift towards an integrated care model based around the resident's home. The existing housing stock requires adaption but this needs to reflect the requirements and preferences of the ageing population. Despite this, providers are experiencing a significant information gap from which to base their future development plans. This research explores the available data and conducts primary research to explore the scale of the problem and readiness of current social housing stock within North Ayrshire (Scotland). The case study allows key findings to emerge relating to the evaluation of health profile and housing stock within the Sub-Market Housing Area (SMHA); housing preferences and needs for older people established through a questionnaire survey of 1,500+ people aged 50+; and six focus groups split between residents and social housing providers. Exposing the current lack of detail within existing datasets, the research highlights the need to resolve this in order to make accurate predictions reflective of area context. The gap in suitable existing social housing was highlighted, but also the requirements to create a suitable data set which responds to service needs and wants, preferences and appropriateness for the residents.