Improving independence, choice, and quality of life for older people across Europe
The Wel_hops (Welfare Housing Policies for Senior Citizens) project recognises that the population of older people across Europe is growing quickly, and in particular the population of those aged 85+, the oldest old, is the fastest growing population in the developed world.
This project was part-funded by the European Union and promoted inter-regional co-operation with the aim to improve the quality of life of older people. Brighton & Hove City Council led on this project on behalf of the UK, with other project partners from Italy, Sweden, Hungary, and Spain.
The scope of the project included:
- analysing good practice from across Europe
- publishing an older persons’ housing design guide
- encouraging housing to be built to the design guide standards
A design guide, based on the good practice, was developed and published in 2007; and can be used to help design any future schemes across the whole European Union.