I’ve read three articles recently related to housing for an older generation.
Clearly, we need to have housing that’s accessible. I have an older friend who lives in a terrace home with steep stairs, with failing eyesight, I wonder how she will cope. My mum may live in a warden-controlled property but the town she lives in Knutsford, with cobbled streets is not great for her as she becomes less steady on her feet. I live in the country. I love my home, but do I really want to be living well over a mile from the nearest bus stop and shop when I age.
I like to plan, and my husband and I have identified apartments in Cheltenham, close to facilities where we would like to move to. Being conscious of the future when we make the move, we will want to make sure the doorways are wide enough and switches are off the floor, so a newer build will probably be best.
Selling a property, and the move is expensive, and this can mean people stay put. Moving to a purpose-built retirement home can sound good but I’ve read too many horror stories for when the apartment is sold and there is a big loss on the money spent. I know who you are and won’t be buying one of your properties!
There’s a need for more rental properties aimed at an ageing population, and for people with different financial situations. Places to rent that meets the need of older people who want to remain independent.
In this article on why we need more accessible homes it says:
By 2025 there are projected to be 8.2 million households in England headed by someone who is 65 years and over – an increase of 23% from 2015. And the number of households where the oldest person is 85 and over is growing faster than any other age group. By 2025 there are projected to be 1.5 million such households – a huge increase of 54% from 2015.
Another article emphasises that it is stamp duty that stops many people moving but there is more than this. When we have lived in a home for many years, especially if this was the family home where we raised our children, there ae emotional ties that can stop people moving home. And it is a home, not a house.
The third article talks around how more people in retirement and selling up and moving into rented accommodation. Alongside freeing up the equity in the home, you take away the worry over house repairs and have better freedom to move if needed.
Have you given any thought to where you will live as you age? for me, it’s thinking about a move at about the age of 70. Much will depend on other factors, but it helps to give it some thought.