New generation of homeless

SIGNIFICANT: Professor Fiona Alpass and Professor Christine Stephens.

A continuing decline in home ownership is going to contribute to a generation of homeless elderly living in their cars, warns a Massey University psychologist.

Professor Christine Stephens recently co-authored a report on ageing and housing. She has called on the Government to urgently tackle the housing shortage and provide more accommodation.

Professor Stephens is one of four researchers who have presented the Health Work and Retirement longitudinal study (HWR) that predicts older people are facing an increased risk of poorer physical and mental health fuelled by falling rates of home ownership.

The Health in Ageing Research project is based at Massey University's School of Psychology and states the consequences of rising house prices and rental shortages are already evident.

Professor Stephens has been in contact with a Palmerston North housing advice agency which has also reported a new trend ofolder retirees unable to find rentals.

Results of the study also show the long-term impacts of housing on a person's quality of life including things like loneliness and depression. Homeowners reported higher levels of quality of life and less depression than tenants.

Home ownership is also associated with wealth and offers more financial security, professor Stephens said.

"Homeowners generally experience a stronger sense of security and belonging.

"They are also more likely to engage with the community and participate in social activities.

"Consequently, increasing people's ability to become homeowners or creating more opportunities for older people to get access to secure and stable housing will have both economic and social benefits."

The authors also agree home ownership is a lost dream to many.

"For many, home ownership is an unreal aspiration now," professor Stephens said.

"We need to look at how to create more secure, quality housing for people priced out of the market.

"Housing is one area where the government does have the power to intervene and come up with better housing options."

The report has been distributed to the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Business, Employment and Innovation, as well as members of Parliament. The report is the work of Dr Agnes Szabo, Professor Christine Stephens, Professor Fiona Alpass and Dr Joanne Allen.