Research Article

Supporting housing and neighbourhoods for healthy ageing: Findings from the Housing and Independent Living Study (HAIL)

Corresponding Author

Julie E Byles

Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Hunter Medical Research Institute Public Health Capacity Building Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Correspondence to: Professor Julie E Byles, Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author

Lynette Mackenzie,

Lynette Mackenzie

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Sally Redman,

Sally Redman

Sax Institute, Haymarket, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Lynne Parkinson,

Lynne Parkinson

Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Australasian Journal on Ageing, Richmond, Victoria, Australia

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Lucy Leigh,

Lucy Leigh

Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

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Cassie Curryer,

Cassie Curryer

Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

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Julie E Byles,

Corresponding Author

Julie E Byles

Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Hunter Medical Research Institute Public Health Capacity Building Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Lynette Mackenzie,

Lynette Mackenzie

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Sally Redman,

Sally Redman

Sax Institute, Haymarket, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Lynne Parkinson,

Lynne Parkinson

Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Australasian Journal on Ageing, Richmond, Victoria, Australia

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Lucy Leigh,

Lucy Leigh

Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

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Cassie Curryer,

Cassie Curryer

Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

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First published: 25 October 2012

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-6612.2012.00646.x

Citations: 37

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Abstract

Aim

To identify the extent to which homes and neighbourhoods of older community-dwelling people are ‘supportive’.

Method

Cross-sectional survey, in-home observation and interviews involving 202 participants (75–79 years). Measures included SF-36 health-related quality of life and Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) scores, and self-reported home usability, access, safety and neighbourhood. Associations between home and neighbourhood characteristics were assessed using χ²-tests, t-tests and Pearson correlations.

Results

Older people rated neighbourhood satisfaction highly (3.0 men, 3.2 women; 4 being the highest score). Many homes failed objective adaptability and safety ratings, particularly bathrooms (80% did not have a shower grab rail, 77% did not have non-slip floors); 27% of homes scored ≥8 of 25 possible hazards. There were significant correlations between perceptions of housing and neighbourhood and SF-36 and disability scores.

Conclusion

Many homes and neighbourhoods may not accommodate increased frailty or disability of older people into the future.

References

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Volume33, Issue1

March 2014

Pages 29-35

This article also appears in:

The Impact of Housing on Ageing-in-place

Supporting housing and neighbourhoods for healthy ageing: Findings from the Housing and Independent Living Study (HAIL)

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Method

Results

Conclusion

References

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Supporting housing and neighbourhoods for healthy ageing: Findings from the Housing and Independent Living Study (HAIL)

Abstract

Aim

Method

Results

Conclusion

References

Citing Literature

References

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