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CHAPTER 9: HOUSING, TRANSPORT AND SURROUNDINGS
This wide ranging section of the consultation asked for views on how we can ensure our communities, transport systems and surroundings are suitable for older people of the future.
9.1 SUITABLE HOUSES AND HOMES
While some people move to smaller, perhaps adapted or sheltered houses when they get older, others choose to stay in the home they may have known for many years. The consultation document asked, "What should be done to make sure that our houses and homes are suitable for an ageing population?" Seventy-nine percent of consultees commented on this question. As can be seen in chart 9.1, a variety of different aspects of housing were cited by consultees, including design, mobility aids, finance, security, quality and heating. Each of these will be discussed in the following sub-sections of this chapter.
Chart 9.1
Summary of key themes emerging to ensure houses and homes are suitable for an ageing population
9.1.1 Design of Houses by Developers
Many ideas were put forward, from 41% of consultees, for ways to ensure houses are suitable for people as they age, with the greatest number of comments coming from organisations (50%) and members of the Asian community (49%). Eighteen percent wanted to see more homes especially designed by developers with the needs of older people in mind, while 12% felt there should be more assistance made available to help people stay in their own homes by adapting them to suit changing needs. A local authority proposed that,
"Together with mixed provision, adaptable home design should be actively promoted in all new builds. This will ensure that any future adaptations will not require substantial work to be undertaken."
The need for adaptability was noted by 7% of consultees who suggested that houses should be built with a view to allowing them to be altered over the years as needs change. For those who are no longer able to live fully independently, the need for increased availability of sheltered or amenity housing was identified by 11%.
Allied to this issue were comments, from 14% of consultees, expressing the view that older people should never be re-housed in tenements, in high-rise blocks or in houses with stairs.
9.1.2 Mobility Aids
Almost a fifth (18%) of consultees mentioned the need for assistance for older people with reduced mobility. Ramps, wider doorways and easy access were seen as important features with 13% of consultees noting these requirements and a further 6% commented that handrails or stair-lifts should be installed where needed. A charity pointed out that these provisions can benefit other ages as well,
"The consideration of easy to use should extend to homes as well. Wider corridors and door frames that would allow people in wheel chairs to move around easily as well as space in stair wells to install stair lifts should they be required in later years would be a positive move. It is often forgotten that measures that would benefit older people do not exclusively benefit them. A household with wider corridors and door frames would similarly be of benefit to people with young children and even people who commute to work by bike but have little room for storage."
The issue of communication and/ or information provision was noted, with 1% commenting on the need for more information on the types of aids available.
Seven percent of consultees commented on design within houses; 4% suggested easy to enter showers, walk-in baths or easy to use taps. Accessible electricity sockets, perhaps at waist height, were mentioned by 2%. Two percent of consultees, including a health organisation commented on the need for, "Barrier-free housing and the promotion of barrier-free design."
9.1.3 Safety and Security
Good security, along with the need to feel safe, was stressed by 14% of consultees and a range of ways in which this can be provided were mentioned. Thirteen percent mentioned wardens, security systems or Neighbourhood-Watch schemes, while 1% highlighted the importance of making homes accident-proof or risk-free. A special interest group stressed the need for, "Safety and security at home and in the community. There is a continued fear of crime which will require continued effort to dispel."
9.1.4 Financial Issues
Throughout this consultation, most comments made in relation to financial issues and the ageing population were in respect of pensions or low income at an older age. However, there were some comments in relation to housing specifically that this needs to be more affordable, a view expressed by 9% of consultees.
In total, finance featured in 15% of responses to this question, although only 7% of those aged under 50 commented. This included 4% who suggested subsidised housing; a charity pointed out, "urgent requirements for affordable local housing to buy and to rent."
9.1.5 Warm Housing
Seven percent of consultees wanted to see efficient, appropriate heating systems in homes for older people and 1% mentioned double glazing. Overall, the need for warm houses featured in 10% of all responses. A further 5% of consultees wanted to see more help with insulation or heating costs. A more detailed response came from a charity,
"A major problem in Scottish housing is fuel poverty. The Scottish Executive has done much to tackle this through the introduction of the Warm Deal and Free Central Heating Programmes and the programmes have made real inroads into tackling excess winter deaths and fuel poverty. However, in the long term, [the respondent] feels that it would be more effective to tackle fuel and energy efficiency, in parallel with increased use of micro-renewables. This would help deprived households - of all ages - escape the vagaries of energy prices at the same time as delivering genuinely warm housing which would be more pleasant to live in. The Housing Act (Scotland) 2006 contains provisions for the establishment of energy efficiency targets and [the respondent] would urge the Executive to use the provisions in the Act."
9.1.6 Housing Standards
Four percent of consultees focussed on housing standards and this included 3% who wanted to see any new houses built to higher standards, 2% looking for homes to be comfortable and well laid out and 1% calling for low-maintenance housing. Good lighting was important to 1%, as was good sound-proofing.
There were a small number of comments on the need to ensure houses are built to environmentally friendly designs (2%) and that they are energy-efficient (2%).
9.1.7 Other
Some other suggestions included:
- Provision of help with maintenance, e.g. handyman services (4%);
- Communal housing (4%);
- Accommodation with at least one toilet and/ or shower on each floor (3%);
- Houses with guest accommodation (3%);
- Help and support when moving from family home (2%);
- Communities suitable for ethnic family needs (2%);
- Older people should never be forced to move out of familiar communities (2%).
9.2 TRANSPORT
Sixty percent of consultees commented on the question, "What should be done to make sure that our transport system is good enough?" As can be seen in chart 9.2, the focus of comments were in relation to availability of transport, the cost of transport, the suitability of transport and the need for better transport systems. The highest levels of comments on each of these issues were from organisations, and the under 50 age group returned smaller numbers of comments on all of the key areas.
Chart 9.2
Ensuring our transport system is good enough
9.2.1 Availability and Accessibility of Transport
Across the 30% of consultees who commented on the need for available, accessible transport, the main suggestion, from 13%, was for more routes or more dial-a-bus services so that older people would not have to travel too far to get to transport. A response from a health organisation included the suggestion that,
"Consideration should be given to ways in which pressure can be brought to bear on commercial transport operators to provide comprehensive travel routes and not just commercially viable ones - perhaps through a franchise system."
Two percent felt there should be more buses and trains and 6% mentioned the need for more frequent, regular, reliable transport. Problems of transport in rural areas specifically were highlighted by 7% who felt there should be more transport available in rural areas.
A number of other suggestions were made, each by only 1% of consultees:
- Get supermarkets to provide transport;
- Design transport to integrate with new housing;
- Trams, trains, buses and cars should all be available;
- More public transport in the evenings and weekends;
- More investment for air and rail services to make them more accessible.
9.2.2 Better Public Transport
General comments on the need for a better transport system were made by 7% of consultees and 3% called for more efficient services. Five percent made more specific comments on the need for lower steps, more reserved seats or more single storey buses. One percent asked for improved rail links. Sixteen percent of consultees commented on the need for better services. One or two of the substantive responses also noted that these issues are pertinent to a wide range of individuals and not simply older people.
9.2.3 Transport Costs
The cost of transport featured in 16% of responses, with 6% commenting generally on the need for affordable transport and this included some comments on the need for subsidies. Six percent called for all forms of travel to be free for older people and 1% specified that travel to hospitals should be free. Cheaper petrol and car tax was suggested by 1% of consultees.
While welcoming the free bus travel initiative, 4% felt that this should be extended throughout the country or at all times of day, and 2% suggested that rail services should also be free. Commenting on the concessionary travel scheme, a local authority made the following suggestions,
"This initiative should be commended. However, a number of buses used on local and national routes do not have low floor access to help older people and the disabled access and egress easily. More effort should be made to ensure that the vast majority of buses used in Scotland are more accessible and that bus stop facilities are improved, to improve the public transport experience. In addition, more pressure should be placed on the Rail Industry to provide a similar concessionary scheme on the rail network, and not just a reduced rate in off-peak periods."
9.2.4 Vehicles Suitable for Older People
We noted in the previous section that some consultees noted a need for housing that is suitable for older people, and similar comments were made in relation to transport. Nine percent of consultees noted that all forms of transport should be designed with the needs of older people in mind, and comments included suggestions for access ramps, on-board assistance, improved seating, lower straps and accessible toilet facilities. Sixteen percent of consultees made suggestions on the suitability of transport, and these included a view that transport is badly designed to meet the needs of older people (3%), the possibility of buses solely for older people (1%), and the need for more electric buggies to be made available (1%).
9.2.5 Other
In addition to the key themes identified above, other suggestions included:
- Integration of services with better connectivity between transport types (4%);
- Accurate, easily accessible, available timetables and more information on routes (4%);
- General comments that transport is good or is improving (4%);
- The need for community minibuses or volunteer car schemes (4);
- The need for door-to-door services to amenities (4%);
- Safe, secure transport (3%);
- Provision of public parking bays for frail elderly people (2%);
- Improved bus shelters and train stations (2%);
- Training for transport staff to deal with older peoples' needs (2%).
In summing up their views on the need for integrated transport, one public body noted,
"Integration of transport modes is vital. No one's journey starts and ends at a railway station. The train is just one element in a series. Accessibility must start in the station forecourt; step-free access to the booking office, to platforms and station facilities; drop-off and pick-up points and suitable reserved parking bays. Bus stops and taxi ranks within easy reach of the station entrance are vital, as are low-floor and "kneeling" buses and accessible taxis. Drop-down kerbs and tactile paving also play an essential role."
9.3 SUITABLE TOWNS, CITIES, VILLAGES AND NEIGHBOURHOODS
Respondents were asked, "what should be done to make sure that our towns, cities, villages, and neighbourhoods are suitable for an ageing population?" Fifty four percent of consultees included suggestions on this topic in their responses and, as chart 9.3 shows, comments focused primarily on:
- Design;
- Security;
- Neighbourhoods;
- Facilities.
Chart 9.3
Ensuring towns, cities, villages and neighbourhoods are suitable for an ageing population
9.3.1 Design of Housing Communities
Twenty-six percent of consultees commented on community design specifically, with 23% focussing on the need to ensure all necessary amenities are close to hand. Amenities cited by consultees included local post offices, banks, shops with longer opening hours and supermarkets in communities rather than out of town. A special interest group voiced concern that,
"The number of local shops is declining along with many post offices which affects older people considerably. They are less likely to have a car and trips to supermarkets are more complex and costly. This can result in increased dependence on services to undertake shopping and other tasks which had previously been managed on a local level. This has planning implications for the future."
Custom made communities for older people were suggested by 4% of consultees. However, a larger proportion (7%) expressed a desire to see all ages living together in communities, rather than communities simply for older people. One percent suggested small-scale communities or community villages might best serve the needs of older people.
Highest proportions of those commenting on design of housing communities came from the Asian community (39%), and the fewest comments (8%) came from the under 50 age group.
9.3.2 Safety and Security
Safety and security concerns featured in 18% of responses overall. Sixteen percent of these comments related to the need for better policing, CCTV and Neighbourhood-Watch schemes to ensure older people feel safe, and a health organisation stressed that,
"It is important that older people feel safe and community policing needs to be increased. Yob culture needs to be addressed and it should be part of all 12-16 year old school children's education to work with the elderly and visit them to learn to appreciate the value they bring to society."
Some substantive responses also commented that these measures would help to counteract anti-social behaviour, ageism and racism. Four percent of consultees stressed the need to emphasise safety considerations in every aspect of our communities.
9.3.3 Neighbourhoods
While some consultees focused on the design of housing, others noted the importance of the surrounding areas and these comments were made by 17% of consultees. The need for well maintained pavements and roads with good lighting, no dangerous kerbing and no cobbles was important to 12% of consultees. More crossing areas, with a longer interval in which to cross, were suggested by 2%.
Three percent wanted to see more public spaces such as gardens, parks or woods, and 1% suggested more seating areas outdoors. One percent thought public toilet facilities could be improved. One special interest group noted,
"Good lighting for streets, and maintenance of pavements to reduce potholes etc. are also important to enable people to get out and about safely in their communities. Well maintained green spaces with seating areas and adequate security could be planned in to housing developments and physical regeneration schemes to enable older people to get out and have the opportunity to socialise."
Concern over pollution was voiced by 3%, while the need for traffic calming to reduce speeding was mentioned by 2%. Two percent felt that towns are too car-orientated and expressed a need for more pedestrian areas and cycle lanes.
9.3.4 Facilities
Eight percent of consultees commented on facilities for older people. Four percent commented generally that there should be more facilities for older people, 2% specified the need for availability of community halls or council buildings for older people to use when they are not booked for other activities. The broad range of social and cultural backgrounds were noted, with 2% suggesting that facilities for older people should be planned with religious, cultural and language needs also taken into consideration. One percent commented on the need for clear signage and audible PA systems, with one voluntary organisation giving a specific example of why these are important,
"Access to local facilities is important to allow people with dementia to remain involved in their community. This includes using dementia friendly design by, for example having good signage and adequate parking facilities."
9.3.5 Other
Among other comments made by consultees, 5% felt that access to buildings should be made easier for the disabled and frail and this included better wheelchair access. Improved access to public buildings, including automatic doors, was suggested by 2% of consultees.
9.4 PLANNING FOR AN AGEING POPULATION
The consultation document asked, "how can we plan for an ageing population?" and only 23% of consultees commented on this specific issue. Of those who did comment, a number of key themes emerged.
9.4.1 The Need for Consultation
Once again, the need to consult with the people who will be directly affected by any plans was the most common theme, with 16% of consultees commenting on the need for consultation. A response from a charity noted,
"We believe that the key to delivering housing, transport and surroundings which are suitable and accessible for older people is to engage them in the planning and development of these services. Contribution to planning - older people, and the groups that work with and represent them, should be engaged in consultation and decision-making about the services that are provided for them. This should help to ensure that they are delivered in an accessible and suitable way."
Eleven percent suggested that older people should be used as advisers and this included the possibility of using panels or surveys of older people. Engaging older people in debate and listening to what their communities have to say was suggested by 6% of consultees.
Again, there were differences by age group, with 23% of those aged 50-64 referring to consultation, but this level decreased to only 6% in the under 50 age group.
9.4.2 Raising Awareness of an Ageing Population
Making planners aware of the ageing population was an issue for a small number of consultees, with 2% commenting on the need to raise awareness amongst planners of the demographic changes occurring within Scotland. A further 1% suggested making demographic projections more widely available to both public and private sector organisations. Five percent of consultees made general comments on the need to plan ahead.
9.4.3 Other
Other comments included:
- Identifying needs and promoting suitable projects (2%);
- Concerns that too strict a prescription of what older people must have could lead to purpose-built ghettos (1%);
- Comments that planning is not needed (1%);
- Planning with the needs of minority groups in mind (1%).
9.5 WHAT ELSE COULD BE DONE?
Many of the comments given to the question, "What else could be done?" reiterated those already noted. Only 22% of consultees commented on this question with the key focus being ways in which we can help older people to live independently in the family home.
Overall, 7% of consultees suggested ways to enable older people to continue to live independently in their own homes and this included 3% who suggested help in general terms. Two percent felt more mobile services such as health centres, post offices or home deliveries should be available, another 2% thought there should be more home visits and 1% highlighted the need to encourage the use of home helps or befriender schemes. A health organisation commented that,
"Maintaining a consistency in the lifestyle of an older person is important for their well-being and security. We all enjoy our home comforts and the family, friends and neighbours that make up the fabric of our lives, older people are no different and everything possible should be done to maintain their standard of life and independent living. Many older people have lived in their community for some considerable time; if they are happy and content we should do all we can to maintain this situation."
Other comments included:
- More creative thinking or using good ideas from other places (2%);
- Continue to support, encourage, empower Community Councils (1%);
- Better laws and policing to help older people feel more secure in their homes and communities (1%).
In summary,
- Well designed houses built to high standards, that are safe and secure were high on the list of priorities, along with the availability of mobility aids. There were also suggestions for planners to design houses that are flexible to allow for adaptations later in life when needed and that enable people to stay in their own homes and lead an independent life.
- Public transport should be available, accessible and affordable, particularly in rural areas. Again, this issue was not perceived to impact solely on older people but to be an issue for all public transport users.
- Within our towns and cities, design of communities featured top on the list of important features. There were some calls for communities that encompass a broad range of individuals and that this will help to reduce social isolation for the elderly.
- The views of users were perceived to be important, with calls for consultation among, and involvement of, older people in the planning of services and communities.
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