Strutt & Parker's annual Housing Futures report, which summaries their insights into housing trends for 2023, notes that only 1% of those in the UK aged over 65 currently live in an integrated retirement community ("IRC").

Whilst specialist housing for older people is an obvious solution to current pressures on housing and a tool which would assist in facilitating “right-sizing”, Strutt & Parker found that appetite for IRC accommodation was limited, with only 13% of over-65s saying that this would be their ideal new home.

The report explores the main reasons why older people are reluctant to consider IRCs, and identifies a lack of awareness as to what later living accommodation can offer as a significant barrier. The report suggests that the antidote to this is education. 

The range of facilities on offer, the standard and quality of construction and the focus on independent living are all identified in the report as selling points for IRCs - this message must be communicated with older people so that they are aware of the options available to them in their retirement. It is expected that education will be a key focus of the Older People's Housing Taskforce, and it will be interesting to see the extent to which this is covered when the Taskforce's interim findings are published.