Everyone deserves to age with dignity in a home that is safe, accessible. Yet for too many older people of Black, Asian, and minoritised ethnic communities, this is out of reach.
To address the challenges the ageing population face when seeking to maintain their homes, the Centre for Ageing Better (CfAB), devised an innovative model, the Good Home Hub – a physical, locally accessible one-stop that offers home improvement support, covering aids, adaptations, repairs, maintenance and energy efficiency. Our latest report, commissioned by CfAB, explores how this model could be developed to be anti-racist, and inclusive, and so responsive to the needs of all communities.
What We Found
Through research co-designed with older adults and service experts, literature reviews, and in-depth interviews, our findings reveal a stark picture:
- Deep-rooted systemic racism and inequality in housing and home improvement services continues to shape the lives of older people, with many living in poor-quality, insecure housing, regardless of tenure (i.e. if they own their own home, rent, social housing).
- Trust and cultural knowledge are missing from many services, leaving older adults hesitant to seek help and reliant on informal networks.
- Barriers to access are rampant – from digital exclusion to unclear referral pathways – and compounded by poverty, language obstacles, and a lack of culturally competent support.
- Health and mobility challenges are exacerbated by inadequate housing, making ageing in a safe environment impossible for many.
These are not isolated issues, but persistent problems of an unjust housing system.
Why This Matters
For everyone, and in particular members of our ageing population, housing is not just bricks and mortar, but the key to safety, independence, and wellbeing. For older adults from minoritised ethnic communities, the ability to age well at home has been undermined by decades of policy neglect, racialised service design, and economic exclusion.
Our research shows that homeownership does not guarantee security, and that private renters and social tenants face unique vulnerabilities. Participants spoke of long delays, inaccessible systems, and a lack of respect or understanding from service providers. This is unacceptable and avoidable.
What Needs to Change
Our report has outlined the way in which we can drive systemic change:
- Shift power to communities: Fund and embed community-led delivery models that reflect lived experience and build trust.
- End the postcode lottery: Create multi-access, low-barrier Good Home Hubs with face-to-face support, multilingual materials, and culturally competent staff.
- Tackle financial injustice: Recognise that older homeowners from minoritised communities may lack disposable income, and design support accordingly.
- Embed co-governance: Ensure older people from diverse backgrounds hold real power in shaping, delivering, and evaluating services.
These recommendations are not just policy proposals—they are a roadmap to equity.
Our Commitment
At the Race Equality Foundation, we are committed to ensuring that ageing well is not a privilege, but a right – regardless of race, ethnicity, or income. We will continue to work with partners like the Centre for Ageing Better, communities, and policymakers to embed anti-racism and dismantle inequity in housing, health, and social care.
