What is elderly-friendly housing?

Elderly-friendly (age-friendly) housing is a home that stays safe, accessible, affordable and adaptable as people age, so they can keep living where they choose.

Definition

It covers accessibility (few steps, wide doors, grab rails), safety (lighting, non-slip surfaces), affordability, adaptability and a location close to services and community.

  • [Published evidence] Local programmes have focused on making existing homes age-friendly through adaptation and repair. — Centre for Ageing Better, Creating age-friendly homes in Greater Manchester
  • [SeniorHub interpretation] The definition above is SeniorHub's summary.

Practical action

Adaptations, home repair support and planning new homes to accessible standards are common approaches.

Indian context

SeniorHub's knowledge base does not yet hold verified Indian national, state or city sources on this topic. Indian context will be added once such sources are reviewed.

Sources

  • Creating age-friendly homes in Greater Manchester — Centre for Ageing Better (2022)

Jurisdiction: GLOBAL · Version 2 · Last reviewed 2026-09-24. SeniorHub is not affiliated with or endorsed by WHO or the UN.