The older population and changing housing careers: Implications for housing provision

Abstract

As Australia's population ages, housing is going to become an increasingly important issue for policy makers, developers, housing providers and service providers. Not only will there be demands for increasing numbers of houses but also increasing demands for greater choice, variety and greater expectations about the quality of that housing and the type of facilities associated with, or in close proximity to, that housing. Research emphasises an array of demographic, social, economic, personal and community factors along with cohort effects that influence the housing and living arrangement choices of older people. A clear understanding of these factors and the way they may interact in influencing housing decisions and transitions is essential if planning is to be effective. This paper provides an overview of our current understanding of the influences on the housing careers of the older population.

“On the move, or staying put?” An analysis of intrametropolitan residential mobility and ageing in place

“…The oldest age group exhibits the most mobility with over 21% moving in the 5‐year period. As highlighted by research, this group's mobility is often precipitated by the need to relocate to more appropriate accommodation and may reflect moves to be closer to family, into retirement villages, or into institutional aged‐care accommodation, as hypothesised by Litwak and Longino (; Faulkner, ). The seniors in active retirement (65–74) and the mature‐aged seniors (75–84) groups have the lowest mobility rates across all regions.…”

Considering relocation to a retirement village: Predictors from a community sample

“…While reviews of Australian research have predicted that baby boomers will prefer to live independently in intergenerational communities as they age, and continue to work for longer , an appreciation of lifestyle factors offered by retirement communities may underlie an increasing attraction to this housing option. The higher education level of the baby boomers and greater relative employment opportunities compared to previous generations may also mean that housing options for this cohort are less constrained by financial concerns .…”

Why Social Exclusion Persists among Older People in Australia

“…A few Australian studies find increasing economic and social inequalities among older people (Faulkner, 2007;Kendig, 2000;Olsberg & Winters, 2005). For example, while many older people are outright home owners, others still rent their homes or continue to pay mortgages, often on little fixed incomes.…”