Scotland’s ageing population will soon outpace its housing provision, with 70 per cent of homes failing to meet the needs of older residents, a new report has warned.
In 20 years, more than a quarter of Scotland’s population will be aged 65 or over, while those under 16 are projected to make up just 13.3 per cent – highlighting the growing need for accessible housing.
Despite mounting pressure, the Scottish Government’s accessible housing working group has not met since 2021.
Many homes were built before 1982 and are considered unfit for the needs of older and disabled people.
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) is calling on MSPs to develop a national strategy for housing elderly and disabled people. It warned that continued inaction will worsen inequalities and put further strain on the NHS and social care.
Susie Fitton, policy manager at the SFHA and author of the report, said: “The devastating impact of Scotland’s housing emergency is well documented.
“We desperately need more homes being built, but we need to be strategic about the design of these homes to ensure they will serve the needs of people as they age.
“Most of our current housing stock was designed for a previous century and we must update our approach.
“Across Scotland there are around 78,000 people we currently know need an adaptation to live independently in their home. The real number is likely to be higher and it will only climb as our population gets older.
“We want to see a national accessible housing strategy. Policymakers must ensure that the funding and systems in place for delivering adaptations are significantly improved to meet the need.”
The Homes Fit For The Future report recommends that all newbuild homes, across all housing types, should follow a common accessibility standard to ensure they are suitable from the start.
SFHA estimates that around 78,000 people in Scotland currently need adaptations to live independently.
It believes the true number is likely to be higher and will increase significantly as the population ages.
Fitton said adopting a common design standard from the day homes are built is the most effective way to ensure Scotland’s housing is fit for the future.
The report also calls for investment in assistive technologies such as fall-detection sensors, voice-enabled companions and digital applications, which can support independent living, reduce injuries and help avoid hospital admissions.
Fitton added: “Meeting the needs of our ageing population will require radical and innovative solutions, which includes embracing technological change.
“Given technology can allow people to live independently and prevent injuries and hospital admissions, then policymakers must ensure social housing grant levels are enough to invest in such preventative technology from the outset when building new homes.”
