Simulation models that enable long-term prediction and cost-benefit analysis related to housing adaptation needs for a population ageing in place

For ageing in place policies to be tenable ordinary housing has to be designed or adapted to the needs of people ageing with or without disabilities and functional limitations, as these are part of normal ageing. The standard of the ordinary housing stock in Sweden is high, but in order to be accessible for all regardless of functional ability the housing environment should be designed or adapted in such a way that it facilitates performance of activities of daily living. Research results show that accessible housing enables senior citizens to stay independent and
active, which is strongly associated with better health and well-being. To improve the accessibility of the ordinary housing stock is therefore imperative for tenable aging in place policies, and also a matter of public health promotion.

Applying a user participatory approach, this project aims to develop simulation models that enable long-term predictions and analysis of potential consequences in terms of societal gains and costs for different large-scale measures and interventions, strategically targeting the ordinary housing stock. By using a simulation study design, we will be able to compare the effects of different housing adaptation policies, in scenarios based on projections of the demographic development, functional status indicators, data on housing design features that cause accessibility problems and costs for a range of potential interventions. Actively engaging stakeholders (policy makers, housing adaptation grant mangers etc.) in the research and development process, the project
will provide innovative and powerful analysis tools, serving policy makers to make the most informed decisions that will ultimately improve population health.

The proposed project also concerns important gender and diversity issues, as there are significant differences with regard to housing conditions between men and women, and between different ethnic and socio-economic
groups.