A public health perspective to environmental barriers and accessibility problems for senior citizens living in ordinary housing

Abstract

BackgroundHousing environments that hinder performance of daily activities and impede participation in social life have negative health consequences particularly for the older segment of the population. From a public health perspective accessible housing that supports active and healthy ageing is therefore crucial. The objective of the present study was to make an inventory of environmental barriers and investigate accessibility problems in the ordinary housing stock in Sweden as related to the functional capacity of senior citizens. Particular attention was paid to differences between housing types and building periods and to identify environmental barriers generating the most accessibility problems for sub-groups of senior citizens.MethodsData on environmental barriers in dwellings from three databases on housing and health in old age was analysed (N = 1021). Four functional profiles representing large groups of senior citizens were used in analyses of the magnitude and severity of potential accessibility problems. Differences in terms of type of housing and building period were examined.ResultsHigh proportions of one-family houses as well as multi-dwellings had substantial numbers of environmental barriers, with significantly lower numbers in later building periods. Accessibility problems occurred already for senior citizens with few functional limitations, but more profound for those dependent on mobility devices. The most problematic housing sections were entrances in one-family houses and kitchens of multi-dwellings.ConclusionsDespite a high housing standard in the Swedish ordinary housing stock the results show substantial accessibility problems for senior citizens with functional limitations. To make housing accessible large-scale and systematic efforts are required.

Housing accessibility for senior citizens in Sweden: Estimation of the effects of targeted elimination of environmental barriers

“…Since functional decline and activity limitations often come with age [8], with an ageing population [3] there is a risk for a situation with increasing accessibility problems for senior citizens living in ordinary housing [9,10,11]. Given the rapid demographic change towards increasing proportions of older people and people ageing with disabilities [3], society should place accessibility high on the housing provision agenda not only when planning for new housing but also for the existing stock of ordinary housing (i.e., dwellings on the public or private housing market, not including special housing, residential care facilities, etc.…”

“…Accordingly, adopting a public health perspective on housing accessibility to accommodate the needs of the ageing population [11], the aim of this study was to estimate the effects of targeted elimination of environmental barriers in the ordinary housing stock in Sweden. The specific aims were to explore the estimated effects of such targeted elimination in terms of accessibility at a population level in relation to a) older residents with different functional profiles, b) different types of dwellings and c) housing built during different time periods.…”

Housing accessibility problems for people with Parkinson's disease

“…This situation places demands on the ordinary housing stock to provide adequate conditions for people with disabilities, that is, conditions that enable people with disabilities to perform activities of daily living according to their needs and wishes. 5 Achieving accessible housing for all is high on the political agenda. 6 The global disability action plan for 2014-2021 underlines the importance of identifying and eliminating accessibility problems in buildings as a matter of justice and equality.…”

Stakeholder priorities for inclusive accessible housing: A systematic review and multicriteria decision analysis

“…According to the social determinants of health framework (Schulz & Northridge, 2004), and Articles 9 and 28 of the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) access to inclusive housing is especially important for people with disability (United Nations General Assembly, 2006). Indeed, where one lives has considerable impact on their ability to engage with the community and live independently (Granbom, Iwarsson, Kylberg, Pettersson, & Slaug, 2016;Greiman & Ravesloot, 2016;Hammel et al, 2015).…”