The impact of housing insecurity on the health and wellbeing of older adults: a qualitative evidence synthesis
This paper examines 15 studies to determine how housing insecurity affects the health and wellbeing of older adults. The research focuses on international studies and is a synthesis of qualitative evidence, allowing for greater depth in terms of contextual factors.
Stable and adequate housing has implications for the health and wellbeing of older adults, but it is becoming increasingly rare to find affordable housing options. There is not enough social housing and homeownership is decreasing. As a result, a growing number of older people are living in homes they are not in full control of. At the same time as this, older people must balance trying to manage their health and wellbeing. Analysis of the studies showed:
- Having safe, secure housing encourages autonomy, dignity, and social engagement. This is beneficial for psychosocial health and wellbeing.
- Health and independent living are negatively impacted by having poor housing conditions and not being able to modify the home.
- Life course financial uncertainty and rising housing costs are barriers to ageing in place. These factors create the risk of having to relocate, but also negatively impact health and wellbeing. This was seen most clearly among marginalised groups.
The findings show that there should be more responsive approaches to integrated care in the community. Being able to safely age in their communities decreases dependency and healthcare costs for older people while also increasing quality of life and social connectedness. Housing support enables independent living and positive mental health and wellbeing while housing insecurity threatens it.
