Universal housing designs good news for older Australians

The Older Persons Affordable Housing Alliance ­ Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) and the Council on the Ageing (COTA) said the agreement between housing, government and community sectors was welcome news as Australia prepares for unprecedented numbers of older people.

ACSA CEO Greg Mundy and COTA Chief Executive Ian Yates said the Alliance has been a strong advocate for universal housing designs and COTA has been involved in the development of the standards.

"The Government is to be commended for its collaborative approach on this issue and acting to bring about these important changes," they said.

"The new guidelines will pave the way for housing which will enable older people to stay at home for as long as possible in a safe and accessible environment.

"It makes sense for us to build houses which facilitate easy living at all stages of our lives. Investing in our future for a minimal cost can only enhance our living standards.

"We urge all governments, developers, designers and builders to adopt the guidelines as part of a wider concept of lifetime neighbourhoods."

Mr Mundy and Mr Yates said Alliance's paper A Fair Share for Older People ­ the Need for a National Older Persons Housing Strategy outlined other areas which still need to be addressed including the maintenance and enhancement of existing housing stock to allow people to age in their own homes and communities; and an increase in the supply of affordable and appropriate housing for older people.

"We look forward to working with the government on these initiatives," they said.