In the Planning for Older People practice advice released today, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) highlights how planning housing can meet the needs of the ageing population
The RTPI’s Housing for Older People practice advice demonstrates how effectively planning housing for the ageing population can not only increase housing stock – but improve the wellbeing of older people through increasing accessibility, boosting local economies and opportunities for social connections.
Most existing housing stock within England fails to meet the needs of its ageing population
The RTPI found that existing housing stock often fails to meet the needs of the older population. They advise that by focusing on the quality and location of homes, and by retrofitting existing homes and investing in alternate options to mainstream housing, planners can meet the country’s net zero ambitions, tackle the housing crisis, and address the health and wellbeing needs of older people.
Victoria Hills, chief executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute said: “Proactive planning for older people will help deliver much needed homes in the right places, helping to build community hubs where older people can easily and safely reach the everyday shops and services that they need.
“The RTPI’s practice advice demonstrates how, by working collaboratively with care workers, housing providers and developers, planners can help meet the country’s net zero ambitions, tackle the housing crisis, and address the health and wellbeing of our aging population.”
Ensuring that older people have a voice in determining their housing
Sarah Davis, senior policy and practice officer at the Chartered Institute of Housing said: “CIH believes that the home is fundamental to health and wellbeing. For older people, living in homes that suit their needs and provide appropriate support and opportunities to engage with others is a huge benefit for living well and independently in older age.
“We welcome the opportunity to support this briefing from RTPI which will support local planners to include specialist homes in local plans and enable this opportunity to be available for more older people in their local areas.”
Multiple agencies involved with housing the ageing population were consulted as part of the planning advice development, such as the Centre for Ageing Better.
Senior programme manager for homes Henry Smith said: “We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to contribute to the RTPI’s Housing for Older People practice advice. We know that housing needs among older people are diverse and so good planning needs to deliver diverse solutions.
“It is also vital to ensure that older people have a voice in determining what is the ‘right’ housing for older people and that planners create places where people of all ages are able to live healthy and active later lives.”
