Housing is more than just bricks and mortar- it directly impacts health.
Scotland has the widest health inequalities in Western Europe. Life expectancy in the most deprived areas is 12 years lower than in affluent areas and the gap in healthy life expectancy is even wider. That means people in some communities are spending over a decade longer in poor health before they die.
- Without suitable housing, these inequalities will continue to grow. To change this, we need:
- More accessible homes designed for older people
- Increased funding for home adaptations to support independent living
- A commitment to recognising housing as a key factor in public health policy
Suitable housing leads to better health outcomes. What steps should Scotland take to address this issue?