Many older people in Switzerland live in affordable, central and spacious homes. However, their homes are often neither age-appropriate nor barrier-free. In addition, single people in particular often live in isolation. These and other findings are provided by the study "Living in old age" conducted by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts on behalf of the Federal Office for Housing (BWO).
Despite changing housing needs, few people move. In 2022, only 5.1 percent of over 75-year-olds changed their living arrangements. There are several reasons for this: The majority of older people live in centrally located apartments with good connections and have sufficient living space. Around 73 percent of over-75s live in apartment buildings, and many benefit from low-cost, long-term rental contracts. Many senior citizens are emotionally attached to their homes. They are also confronted with high market rents and relocation costs if they want to move. Many of the relocations that have nevertheless taken place are within the same region; around half of the relocations in this age group were to care facilities.
However, there are considerable challenges in homes that have been occupied for many years. According to the study, over 60% of people aged 66 and over live in homes that were built at a time when structural standards were not barrier-free. These deficiencies make it difficult to live independently and increase the risk of falls and other health problems. Renovations and adaptations may be necessary, but are difficult to implement for many senior citizens.
Another challenge is isolation: 77% of older people live alone or exclusively with people of the same age, which increases the risk of lacking support in everyday life. Older women are particularly affected, and loneliness can have a negative impact on physical and mental health. There is a clear need for support networks and services to enable people to live independently for as long as possible.
Recommendations for action to improve the housing situation
According to the study, older people should be better integrated into the regular housing markets in order to meet their needs. The aim is to create safe and liveable housing that promotes the quality of life of older people. This can be achieved through age-appropriate renovation, barrier-free construction and the creation of apartments that are closely linked to care facilities. It is also important to ensure that people are supported in their current living environment so that they can live independently for as long as possible.
Study based on data analysis
These were combined and analyzed using statistical methods. This provided precise insights into the housing situation, relocation behavior and challenges for older people.