Ms Terrie Alafat. Director. UK Department of Communities and Local Government.

Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods. A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society

The demographic changes are as great a challenge a climate change. They have been working very hard to get the issues mainstreamed into the public agenda. In the UK 70% of older people own their home and this number is rising. Only 5% are in shelter housing and 5% in care homes. Older households make up almost one third of all communities. The debate has moved from Pension and Care to Housing and Community. There has also been a realization that too much of an individual’s equity is tied up in a home. If service levels would remain the same, there would be an extraordinary funding gap.

The voluntary sector has been key to develop this strategy. There is a TRIANGLE if independence. Health. Care and Housing create the three corners.

28% of older citizens live in non-decent or hazardous housing.

Lack of confidence and fear prevents them from leaving home. One third only leave home once a week.

Poor paving
Fear of crime
Lack of benches
Lack of public toilets
Traffic and parked cars

Good barrier free paths
Distance/proximity

Healthier happier older people can make a huge contribution to society.

Three principles in the Strategy [WHICH LOOKS REALLY INTERESTING!]
Prevention, Empowerment, and Services.

Lifetime Homes Standards. should be in place by 2013 for all subsidized housing.