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Adequate and stable housing has implications for the health and wellbeing of older people. However, affordable housing options are becoming elusive and dominant models of home ownership are in decline with uncertain health consequences for older populations. Supporting older adults to age safely in their community has many health benefits such as improved quality of life and increased social connectedness and reduces dependency and healthcare costs.

This qualitative evidence synthesis examines 15 international studies to assess impact of housing insecurity on the health and wellbeing of older people. A reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2021) identified five interlinked themes building upon each other to create contextual depth of understanding of how health is impacted by housing insecurity in older age.

To summarise findings, psychosocial health and wellbeing benefit from safe, secure housing which promotes autonomy, dignity and social engagement. Poor housing conditions and inability to install modifications negatively impact health and the ability to live independently for longer. Increasing housing costs and lifecourse financial uncertainty both precipitate deteriorating health and wellbeing, potential relocation and constitute barriers to ageing in place and were most evident for marginalised social groups. Housing insecurity was mitigated by strong social attachments or attempting to be an ideal tenant/neighbour but there is some evidence that smoking or alcohol are used as coping mechanisms.

In conclusion, housing insecurity negatively impacts mental health whereas adequate housing supports older adults to live independently and promotes positive mental health and wellbeing.