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Housing and health: the relationship between research and policy.

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International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 6(3), 173-185

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This article offers an in-depth analysis of the relationship between housing conditions and the health of older individuals in New Zealand.

It first provides a comprehensive overview of the demographic trends and housing patterns of older individuals in New Zealand. It then explores the impact of the country’s climate and housing construction on the health of the elderly, particularly focusing on issues like respiratory conditions, coronary disease, and hypothermia exacerbated by indoor environments. Additionally, the paper discusses various policy measures aimed at improving housing conditions for the elderly, with a special emphasis on enabling older people to age within their own communities, where they have spent their adult lives. The emphasises of the paper is on the importance of ‘ageing in place’, which refers to the ability of older people to live in their own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably. The study examines various factors that influence this, including the impact of New Zealand’s climate on housing and health, housing tenure, and the role of public policy in supporting elderly individuals. It highlights the unique housing needs of older populations, the challenges in maintaining adequate housing conditions, and the significance of community support systems. It does not have a specific focus on Māori but does note New Zealand housing patterns mean that Māori superannuitants are at greater health risk than Pakeha superannuitants and that housing rental costs have increased significantly over the last decade meaning older Māori are likely to have been more economically affected than older Pākehā.

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