Inclusive living: Ageing, adaptations and future-proofing homes

McCall, V (2022) Inclusive living: Ageing, adaptations and future-proofing homes. Buildings & Cities, 3(1), pp. 250-264. ISSN 2632-6655

Abstract

Inclusive Living is a concept and practical intervention developed from a systematic literature review and co-produced by the Scottish housing sector. The approach aims to implement inclusive change in areas of development, repair, maintenance and service delivery by facilitating longer term planning within housing organisations to create homes that are accessible and allow for ageing-in-place. This synthesis paper critically examines the theories that support the Inclusive Living framework, focusing on adaptations (also known as home and environmental modifications to support accessibility). Current challenges around accessibility are explored: poor-quality homes, disinvestment in repair and maintenance, and the fragmented policy landscape and funding around adaptations. Proactive approaches to adaptations are found to lead to better outcomes for individuals and they need to be understood as a 'public issue' not a 'private trouble' to encourage investment in housing sector solutions. PRACTICE RELEVANCE An Inclusive Living approach supports housing strategy holistically, examining not only physical modifications but also how housing facilitates social relationships and connections, tackling structural inequalities, and supporting social inclusion. This entails a life-course approach, where inclusivity in planning for the future can benefit all groups. A more systematic approach to planning for housing and ageing will be impactful, inclusive and proactive.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: accessibility; adaptation; ageing; ageing-in-place; dwellings; health; homes; scotland
Index terms: funding, housing strategy, Scotland, social inclusion, accessibility, housing, service delivery, adaptation, repair, inequality, systematic literature review
Subjects: construction type, economic analysis, research evaluation and metrics, Geography, housing and residential development, service delivery, sociology, inclusive design, user focus, maintenance engineering
Topics: Urban Studies, Design Practice, Business Strategy, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Project Management, Construction Technology, Ethics
Descriptive scope: 3 PCE

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here