Registered Office
The Benevolent Society
PO Box 171 Paddington NSW 2021
Paddington NSW 2021 Donations 1800 819 633 ABN 95 084 695 045
Media Release
25 December, 2009
Improved housing design essential for an ageing Australia
Future housing has to be better designed for older people, including those with poor mobility and age-
related health problems, the Benevolent Society said today.
“It is imperative that the housing industry take into account Australia’s ageing population when
developing new housing stock – it has to be more accessible and user-friendly,” said Society Chief
Executive Richard Spencer.
“The better design is important for the needs and amenity of older people, but will also make life
easier for other sections of the community such as parents of young children and people with a
disability.”
Mr Spencer was commenting on the decision of the Victorian Government to introduce mandatory
building standards for new homes.
“Governments are moving in the right direction in this regard given that we know from modelling done
by Treasury and the Productivity Commission that the nation is facing a massive increase in its older
population over the next 35 years,” Mr Spencer said.
“Future houses and apartments need to be built to universal design principles, which are adaptable to
changing needs and accessible for people with disabilities.
“Research undertaken by ACIL Tasman earlier this year revealed that outdated and unsuitable
housing was responsible for a large and increasing number of falls among older people.
“The report said better design would slash the incidence of accidents, resulting in health
improvements and a decrease in pressures on the medical system.”
Mr Spencer said age-friendly universal design features include:
well lit and maintained public spaces that are welcoming, promote safety and encourage more
active lifestyles
transport that is accessible allows all people, young and old, to remain linked to social networks,
services and employment;
well maintained footpaths that make it easier for older people to get around
wide doors and circulation areas in public and private dwellings
lifts in apartment blocks wide enough for people who use wheelchairs
bathroom and kitchens designed for easy access.
Where possible, Mr Spencer said, the housing industry should build-in open space and gardens that
encouraged interface between residents and the surrounding community.
“We know that older people value their contribution to their local neighbourhood, and that maintaining
that connection is vital to their ongoing happiness and health,” he said.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Tracey Young, The Benevolent
Society on 0449 901 753
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Registered Office
The Benevolent Society
PO Box 171 Paddington NSW 2021
Level 1, 188 Oxford Street T 02 9339 8000 • F 02 9360 2319 www.bensoc.org.au
Paddington NSW 2021 Donations 1800 819 633 ABN 95 084 695 045
About The Benevolent Society
Established in 1813, The Benevolent Society is Australia’s first charity. Its 700 staff and 600 volunteers continue
to support more than 17,000 children and adults each year in metro, regional and rural New South Wales and
Queensland.
The Society works with women, children, families, older people, people with a disability and those who care for
them and people affected by adoption. The organisation, through more than 120 separate programs, supports
vulnerable and disadvantaged people across the lifespan to build on their strengths and lead happy and fulfilling
lives. It helps to connect communities through support groups, volunteer visiting programs and community
projects.
The Society’s vision is that every person is healthy, safe, connected and has a meaningful and productive role
in their community. It spends 94 per cent of its revenue on its community services.
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