Lack of homes suitable for older people fuels housing crisis says report

Elderly people across the North West are planning to move to towns as they reject city living, a new report suggests.

The report, conducted by the Centre For Towns Thinktank, states that a lack of appropriate homes for a rapidly ageing population is leaving many seeking alternative arrangements in small towns and villages.

Denton in Greater Manchester is set to see the biggest increase in people aged 55+ in the next two decades.

Failure to improve housing options for the elderly could add hugely to care and NHS costs, with the Building Research Establishment forecasting that inappropriate housing for the over-55s will cost nearly £20bn by 2041. Hip fractures caused by falls on stairs, excess cold and overcrowding are among the threats.

Just over 20% of people aged 55+ are considering moving to an urban setting, whereas a third are planning on eventually moving to a small town.