“Fewer people able to stay in their
homes means increasing pressure on accommodating older people
elsewhere, and the likely loss of prized independence
”
to accommodate an ageing population by DEPUTY STEVE LUCE, MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT W
hat will the home of the future look like? The pace of technological change, combined with demands for lower energy use at home and work, and growing awareness of the need to accommodate an ageing society means we’re likely to see big changes in the way we live and work, and that, in turn, means significant changes to the way those involved in the planning and building sectors will work.
The figures speak for themselves; the number of British centenarians is currently rising at five per cent a year, and the over- 80s are the fastest growing age group in the UK. In the US, there’s concern about the rising number of older people living in large, ill equipped homes, relatively isolated from social contact.
Fewer people able to stay in their homes means increasing pressure on accommodating older people elsewhere, and the likely loss of prized
independence. A less mobile and more dependent ageing
by DEPUTY STEVE LUCE,MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
population in care or socially isolated will also increase the pressure on health and social services, so there’s a great deal resting on providing high quality, insulated, connected homes and community infrastructure that can adapt to meet our needs at all life stages.
Preparing for an ageing population is high on the States of Jersey’s agenda and an important aspect of work on the long term vision for Jersey. At the Department of the Environment, the very specific challenge facing Planning and Building Services is to ensure all our buildings make use of tested and affordable technological advances to be as sustainable and adaptable as possible so that they can accommodate the vast majority of us – young and old.
For existing buildings, that means retro-fitting insulation, smart tech to control heating and other systems, and upgrading bathrooms and kitchens. According to a recent report by the Chartered Institute of
Building, the biggest changes required to make our
accommodation a home for life are:
• Downstairs WCs (cited by 64% of respondents)
• Greater energy efficiency (58%)
• Adaptable design (54%)
The old orthopaedic-beige colour scheme and plastic aesthetic of ‘adaptable’ bathrooms, for example, is being consigned to the dustbin of design history. Now it’s possible and affordable to design new homes that can be adapted for people with disabilities, but which look attractive and desirable. This trend will only continue.
New buildings, transport and public outdoor spaces are all incorporating design elements so they can be used by people at all life stages, including older members of society. A UK government national strategy Lifetime Homes; Lifetime Neighbourhoods sets out sixteen design features that should be
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The home of the future needs
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