The Intersection of Health and Housing for Older Adults

As a social benefit organization committed to delivering supportive homes for older adults, we’ve seen firsthand how deeply health and housing are intertwined. For aging individuals, a stable, accessible home can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving.

With the aging population projected to nearly double by 2050, it’s time we treat housing as a determinant of health, not just shelter. This article explains why the connection between housing and health is critical for older adults and what we’re doing at AllThrive 365 to support wellness through innovative housing solutions.

Why Is Housing Important for Health?

Housing plays a pivotal role in determining health outcomes, particularly for older adults. The World Health Organization confirms this, listing housing among the key determinants of health. Research indicates that poor housing conditions, such as dampness and cold, directly damage health, leading to respiratory illnesses, injuries, and mental health disorders. Additionally, housing instability, including frequent moves or overcrowding, can negatively affect physical health and make it harder to access health care.

Housing is especially important for older adults, as inadequate living conditions can significantly increase the risk of injury and illness. For instance, falls are a leading cause of injury and death among adults aged 65 and older, with over 38,000 fatalities in 2021 alone. Many of these falls occur due to environmental hazards in the home. By ensuring that older adults have access to quality housing, we can address these health risks and promote healthier, more independent lives.

Safe, Accessible Housing Improves Health Outcomes

Home modifications can be a practical and effective solution to address potential safety risks. Simple changes can significantly reduce hazards and create safer, more accessible environments that help seniors age in place with confidence.

Homes for older adults should include features like:

Grab bars and non-slip flooring
Step-free entrances and wide doorways
Emergency call systems
Proximity to transportation and healthcare

By integrating these features, we help seniors maintain independence while reducing hospital visits. Explore how we link housing and healthcare through thoughtful design and support.

The Power of Community: Fighting Social Isolation

Loneliness isn’t just an emotional experience — it’s a serious public health issue, especially for older adults. Research shows that social isolation increases the risk of dementia in older adults, along with higher rates of heart disease, stroke, and depression. Social isolation is often made worse by housing that limits opportunities for interaction. That’s why senior living communities must be thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful connections.

At AllThrive 365, we address this by implementing programs to combat social isolation among seniors. Our initiatives include the Friendly Callers program, which provides regular check-ins to individuals at risk of isolation, and our other Connection programs, which also offer community for those with disabilities. These efforts build social cohesion and support mental health, addressing key social determinants of health for older adults.

Aging in Place: Supporting Health at Home

Aging in place means living in one’s home safely and independently as one grows older. It’s the preferred option for 75% of adults over 50. For this population, it is self-evident why adequate housing is essential. But beyond physical modifications to the home, there are other factors to consider.

To help older adults age in place, it’s important to pair safe, accessible housing with supportive services like:

Regular wellness checks and care coordination
In-home safety evaluations and modifications
Adult day health services that support caregivers and reduce burnout

With this support, we can empower older adults to live where they’re most comfortable while staying healthy. Learn more about the challenges in caregiving here.

Bridging Health Disparities With Housing

Many underserved older adults face dual barriers: inadequate housing and poor access to healthcare. Affordable, culturally responsive housing can help close this gap. Safe, accessible homes located near essential services, transportation, and community resources can dramatically improve health outcomes for older adults in marginalized communities. When housing is thoughtfully designed and paired with services like care coordination, wellness checks, and social programming, it helps address issues like chronic disease, mobility, and mental well-being. By investing in housing solutions that reflect the diverse needs of aging adults, we can create healthier, more equitable communities where every older adult has the opportunity to thrive.

Integrated Care: Coordinated Solutions for Better Health

Older adults with chronic conditions benefit from seamless integration between housing and health services. This approach connects residents not only to safe, affordable homes but also to the care and resources they need to manage their health effectively. Integrated care can include on-site wellness checks, medication management support, transportation to medical appointments, and coordinated communication between healthcare providers and housing staff.

It may also involve access to case managers or care coordinators who help navigate complex health systems and ensure services are tailored to each individual’s needs. By addressing both medical and social needs within a stable living environment, integrated care improves health outcomes, reduces emergency room visits, and enhances overall quality of life for older adults.

Wellness From the Ground Up

The built environment plays a big role in older adult health. From air quality to wayfinding, thoughtful design matters.

Consider these factors:

Natural lighting and ventilation
Safe walking paths and green spaces
Clear signage and sensory-friendly design

These elements not only reduce anxiety but also support cognitive health and mobility. Senior centers can also play a vital role by offering resources and social engagement in a wellness-focused setting.

Rethinking Housing as Healthcare

It’s time to shift the narrative. Why is housing important for health? Because for older adults, where they live determines how well they live.

As a leader in affordable housing for older adults, AllThrive 365 continues to advocate for housing that goes beyond shelter. We call on health systems, policymakers, and community leaders to treat housing as a determinant of health, on par with access to care and income.

Established in 1974, AllThrive 365 provides integrated, customized care in the Phoenix area for those who need it. We offer a wide range of home- and community-based services, including:

These programs enable Arizonans of all backgrounds to age with confidence. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their needs met, don’t hesitate to contact us to find out how we can help. And, if possible, consider donating or volunteering your time to our mission. We can’t wait to work with you!

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