One of the challenges facing social housing in the UK is ensuring that homes are suitable for an ageing population. However, as things stand, there is a mismatch between social housing stock and the needs of our ageing demographic.
In 2022, there were 12.7 million people aged 65 or over in the UK (19% of the population). According to the ONS’s population projections, by 2072 this could rise to 22.1 million people (27% of the population).
Plus, in 2020-21, 19% of those aged 55 to 64 lived in social rented homes. This figure would’ve risen considerably since then, but has the standard of social housing improved to accommodate older generations?
Unfortunately, in most cases, the answer is no, as the current social housing infrastructure still falls short of being age-appropriate, safe and accessible.
As life expectancy continues to rise in the UK, the pressure is mounting on social housing providers to deliver homes that are fit for all ages.
Why is existing social housing failing older residents?
When assessing the current social housing stock, there are some common themes impacting livability for senior citizens. Most homes were built decades ago, which is causing the following issues:
- Lack of accessibility: Not enough is being done to consider mobility or accessibility needs. Narrow doorways, steep staircases, no lifts and poor adaptations (hand rails, walk-in showers) are still present. This creates daily obstacles for older residents, making it difficult to go about their day-to-day lives.
- Poor maintenance and repairs: A lot of social housing struggles with damp and mold, structural disrepair and outdated appliances. For senior citizens, this threatens their health and safety.
- Inefficient heating systems: Old properties often suffer from poor energy efficiency, including inadequate heating and insulation. Costs are extortionate, which puts a massive financial strain on tenants. Cold homes can also exacerbate health conditions.
- Lack of communal spaces: Not many social housing estates offer communal spaces, such as accessible green areas or common rooms. This can lead to social isolation and reduced independence.
What must be changed?
More modern, accessible homes must be built, but the attention shouldn’t solely be on new builds. Social housing providers need to do more to ensure that existing homes are also suitable for our ageing population, improving their current stock.
This will require a proactive, data-driven approach that puts older tenants at the heart of key decision-making.
- Thorough property audits: Comprehensive assessments of the current housing stock to identify which properties need improvements.
- Investment in retrofits: Funds must be allocated to structural developments, such as stairlifts, ramps and lifts.
- Flexible housing models: Consideration should be given to co-living spaces, intergenerational housing and supported housing that balances independence with care.
- Digital planning tools: Modern housing systems can help providers to manage the entire lifecycle of housing improvements more efficiently.
- Improved repairs and maintenance service: Repairs and maintenance work should be delivered on time and to a high standard. Priority should be given to tenants who are at higher risk, such as older tenants.
These are just some of the ways we can work together to create homes where older citizens can live well, maintain independence and feel a part of a thriving community.
How ROCC can help drive this transformation
As a leader in housing technology, ROCC allows social housing providers to take back control of their housing stock and address the challenge of adapting homes for people of all ages and abilities.
Our advanced software enables social housing providers to:
✅ Make data-led decisions: Use detailed, structured data about housing stock to assess what changes and adaptations need to be made.
✅ Accurately cost jobs: Calculate precise costings for repairs, maintenance and other works, so housing providers can stay within budget and plan ahead.
✅ Plan and manage projects: Whether it’s small modifications or large-scale adaptations, best-in-class software tools help to support project workflows, monitor progress and ensure compliance through to completion.
✅ Deliver a quality service: Real-time reporting and predictive analytics and forecasting give social housing providers complete visibility and control, allowing them to provide a best-in-class service that meets the needs of older tenants.
Social housing providers continue to face huge, complex challenges, but ROCC’s technology is able to provide the clarity and control they need to future-proof their stock and deliver safe, livable homes for our ageing population.
Ready to start this transformation? Get in touch with our customer support team for more information about our revolutionary housing software solutions.
