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More housing needed for Australia's retiree renters
According to a new study from the Swinburne Institute for Social Research (“Security in Retirement”) an increasing number of older people in Australia are experiencing housing insecurity and impoverishment in retirement; predominantly lone person households living in private rental.
2016
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
Why older women need access to affordable housing
This article examines the plight of women over 55 who are non-homeowners and at risk of homelessness. It looks at an innovative housing development in Queensland, which brought about the renovation of an existing, uninhabitable building into affordable, modern apartments for low income earners over the age of 55.
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
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
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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
Gendering Women's Homelessness
The importance of developing gender-sensitive policy responses to women's homelessness has emerged in recent literature on homelessness. To achieve this, policy responses must recognise the diverse and complex needs of all homeless women, including those accompanied or unaccompanied by their children.
2016
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At the crossroads in retirement: Older people at risk of homelessness
Australia is facing a large increase of older people who do not have housing security. A new report from Housing for the Aged Action Group’s Home at Last service, describes the housing crisis older people are facing every day.
2016
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"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."